The Old Forge, Shaftesbury

The Old Forge dates back to approximately 1700. It is a building full of local history and was formally used as the local estate wheelwright and carriage builder.We purchased the property in 1986 and have gradually renovated and restored the buildings to create a B&B with two self-catering cottages. We live here with our four children Millie, Lottie, Sophie and Jack.

The Old Forge Car Restoration is carried out in a converted Cart shed where Tim Restores Post-War classics.We also run a rural small holding with 2 acres of land where we keep our two Arabian horses Jasmine and Ariel, as well as compete in long distance riding. We also have two Labradors Molly and Willow, Westie Daisy and free range chickens.

This is a new addition to our range of accommodation at The Old Forge. The caravan is technically a Showman's wagon. These were built for the itinerant fairground workers and performers at around the turn of the century when steam Engines became available to tow the equipment and their caravans. It was built in 1934 and has been painted with the Romany traditions of Embellishment and decoration which it still retains in its original condition.

Compton Abbas village is situated just below Fontmell Down now part of a chalk down land owned by The National Trust. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and special interest for its wild flowers, grasses, butterflies and Iron Age cross dykes. It was purchased by The National Trust in memory of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) as a reminder of some of his great writings that took place in Dorset and his love of the county.