Share
Pin
Tweet
Share

St Giles House is a historic estate located in Wimborne, Dorset built in the 17th century and has been owned by the Ashley-Cooper family for over 400 years. That said, they’re happy to share it. Their house is set in a beautiful landscape and includes a deer park, a lake, and a walled garden,  and is surrounded by stunning grounds which, importantly for us, are now home to a range of properties you can rent for anything from a staycation to a full-on wedding. We recently had the pleasure of staying in the Grooms Cottage.

First, let’s talk about the interior. The cottage retains its original charm with exposed beams and stone walls, while also incorporating modern features. The décor is tasteful and elegant, with neutral tones and beautiful furnishings that create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. There’s no doubt you won’t have stayed anywhere like this before. Every single detail from the lamps to the linen has been thought through. We absolutely loved the ‘otherworldliness’ of the cottage that truly felt like you had gone back in time. Once the doors are closed, it’s a true escape from the city and I have no doubt you could lose track of time and spend the whole day with your feet up.

One of the highlights for me was the freestanding baths, which are large and luxurious, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. There’s one in each bathroom as well as a big shower and plenty of lovely products to go with them. The cottage also has a quaint living area with a wood-burning stove, perfect for curling up with a good book or enjoying a glass of wine. The bedrooms at Grooms Cottage at St Giles are the epitome of comfort and elegance; each room has been thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing and inviting space, with plush bedding, soft lighting, and stylish decor.

The cottage features two beautifully appointed bedrooms, both of which are located on the first floor. The master bedroom boasts a king-size bed with luxurious linens and a cosy throw, as well as a large window that floods the room with natural light. The second bedroom features twin beds, making it perfect for families or friends travelling together.

In addition to the comfortable beds, the bedrooms also include ample storage space, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the bedrooms at Grooms Cottage provide the perfect retreat for a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploring the charming town of Wimborne and the surrounding countryside.

Just one word of warning: the living room, dining, and kitchen areas are very small. The kitchen is essentially a fitted-out larder cupboard so if you’re renting Grooms Cottage I wouldn’t plan to eat in regularly especially if there are more than two of you (there are lots of local pubs the team can point you towards).

Additionally, while the views from the cottage were nice, they weren’t particularly spectacular. What’s more, you’re staying next to the larger barn also available to rent so you may want to ask who’s renting that for the weekend as the noise could impact your stay. You may not look out the windows into fields, but it’s worth saying the estate’s gardens and the surrounding countryside more than made up for it and we enjoyed several lovely long walks with our dog.

Overall, a weekend trip to Wimborne is the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and experience the beauty and charm of rural England. Overall, our stay in the Grooms Cottage at St Giles House was a truly relaxing a rejuvenating experience. While there were a few minor drawbacks, the beautiful interior, comfortable beds, and overall ambience more than made up for it. I would highly recommend this cottage to anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway in a beautiful setting.

For further information on Grooms Cottage, see here. 

 The Grooms Cottage, Wimborne St Giles BH21 5NA