Shires Rest

We had an amazing week in Dorset and were very impressed with Shires Rest.

Nici was attentive without being intrusive. Our daughter loved the hot tub and the friendly Alpaca’s in the neighbouring field. The barn conversion has been done to a very high standard and was very clean and modern. We will most certainly think about returning when we are next in the area.

We had the best time in Dorset.

The house was perfect...we had everything we needed and the hot tub was fab. Nothing was too much trouble for our host. Shires Nest was the perfect base for exploring this beautiful area of the UK. We would love to return at some point in the future. Thank you.

Lovely cottage, beautifully clean.

Nici and Steve always on hand when needed otherwise leave you to your own devices. The welcome tray with delicious homemade cake is a lovely touch. Very quiet peaceful location with the alpacas to entertain and amuse. We would return here again.

Such a peaceful place to stay.

We had everything we needed to relax and even the weather was lovely!

Lovely cottage stunning location with Bruno, Carlos and Pedro outside each morning, very cute Alpacas

Beautiful.

Well equipped. Peaceful. lovely hoast. One of the best Wi Fi and TV packages ever , would definately recommend 100%

A beautiful property that is peaceful and tranquil in a perfect setting.

Sitting in the hot tub over looking at the Alpacas and the fields beyond is a unique experience. The property is clean and well equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Location is great for surrounding area for Weymouth, Blandford Forum, Dorchester all well worth a visit. Or for a more local trip Gold Hill or Sturminster Newton. Definitely try the local fish and chips. In summary a fantastic property. A great place to relax, walk the dogs and generally unwind. Would definitely recommend.

This is the 2nd visit to Shires rest.

Revisited because everything was perfect and Nici & Steve are great hosts. Will probably go back again.

Fantastic place and spotless

What a beautiful place Shires Rest is - a listed barn conversion with history, and now all new and up to date.

Everything there that you ever need. Its so peaceful, looking out to countryside and watching the 3 alpacas outside, they are so quiet, so no bother at all. Nici and Steve the hosts were there on our arrival, and live nearby so any problems can be sorted - such a lovely dedicated couple. The hot tub was very welcome after our days out. We visited Sherborne Castle and garden centre adjoining it. Athelhampton House was beautiful and the gardens too.Would definitely recommend and its 10/10 from us both.

We (2 adults, 2 kiddos) had a lovely stay at this property.

It was clean, well equipped and the hosts were brilliant - nothing was too much trouble and they even helped with my request to see the cows being milked....because that's what you do when you're staying on a dairy farm! We received a lovely welcome tray with cake and Prosecco and the jacuzzi was ready to go. Its very peaceful on the farm and the 3 alpacas are as good to watch as people! It's in a great location, being 30-40 minutes from lots of attractions such as National Trust properties, Corfe Castle, Bovington etc and just over an hour to get to Mudeford (Nr. Bournemouth) for the No. 1 Crabbing spot in the UK....would definitely recommend!

We went in May.

Beautiful setting, and high standard accommodation. Hosts were very helpful and friendly, and being on site were available if required. There was everything you would need, both for laundry and cooking. In the adjacent field were three friendly alpacas, lovely to watch them as we sat on the patio or in the hot tub. Next to us was another accommodation, but set in a way that offered privacy to both. Would we book both for the larger family in the future, yes we would. We took Maggie our 3yr old Cavapoo, no problem at all,

We returned to Shire’s Rest for our second Easter running.

This time we brought Grandma and she stayed in Swallows Nest. What could be better than sitting in the hot tub, looking at beautiful peaceful scenery and watching the three alpacas! A wonderful place to unwind. A great base to explore Dorset too. The cottage was very clean and provided everything we could have needed or wanted. Comfy beds too. And a warm welcome.

We loved the location and the hot tub and Steve and Nici were great hosts.

The only issue we had unfortunately were there were lots of flies and you couldn’t really spray fly killer with our dog , and furniture was a bit low for us , but overall we would come again and recommend to anyone to visit and stay.

Everything was perfect, such a peaceful location and beautiful barn conversion which has been done to a very high standard.

We enjoyed the hot tub and watching the alpacas in the field directly opposite. It's a good location for seeing the countryside and attractions. Nici and Steve were both fantastic hosts...we will be back at some point. Thankyou

Property exceeded our expectations.

Very clean, everything we needed was available. View and hot tub was fantastic. Will be going back at some time. Owners couldn't do enough for us. Not holidayed in this country for over 10yrs. Had a great time , with excellent weather.

Fabulous accommodation, perfect for our stay.

We had a wonderful time at Shires Rest.

The cottage was extremely well equipped, clean and comfortable. Lovely welcome tray on arrival with Prosecco, flowers and a delicious cake which was a nice surprise. The location is beautiful and so quiet we spent most of our time relaxing in the hot tub and looking at the view and the gorgeous alpacas.

We had a lovely half term in shires rest.

Perfect location for getting to local villages and the coast. We visited lots of places inc. durdle door, Poole, Weymouth and Lyme Regis plus lots more The cottage was a cosy base to return to with the added bonus of a hot tub and three alpaca boys! We would recommend the cottage and area Thank you for the welcome cake and Prosecco

Beautiful countryside location.

Lovely hosts. We certainly highly recommend.

This is the best holiday cottage we have used.

The quality of the interior was immaculate and the location in Hardy's Wessex was superb. The local walking was great and Stourhead was wonderful as was the nearby sculpture park. For me, it was a place of wonderful creativity and the hot tub was OK too. Great fun.

The holiday property was amazing,from the hot tub to the lovely alpacas.

Beautiful walks in the local area,you can get all local walks from streminster Newton from any shops. The owners were lovely we had homemade cake,flowers and prosecco on arrival which was a lovely touch. The property was immaculately clean. No negatives at all and I have already recommended to family and friends.

The barn was beautiful.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and Steve and Nici were kind and friendly. We loved the alpacas and have no hesitation in recommending Shires Rest.

Friendly, courteous, helpful owners.

Lovely property. Peaceful and quiet location.

Absolutely wonderful stay!

Nici & Steve were amazing & nothing was too much trouble. Hot tub was great after long days out & the alpacas were an absolute treat to wake up to everyday! Hope to visit again soon!

Great property and location.

Fantastic short break thanks to Nici and Steve.

Great accommodation and such a warm welcome. We will be back to explore more and say hello again to ‘the boys’ who greeted us at the back door each morning. Who knew Alpaca were so friendly?! Thanks so much.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Shires Rest.

Property exceeded our expectations and our hosts were very friendly and accommodating, always on hand for any requests etc. Would highly recommend this dog friendly property.

Lovely location.

Good base for days out. Exactly as described on the website. Hosts were great.

Shires rest was absolutely wonderful and the hosts did a fabulous job of looking after us.

The boys out back we’re good company and kept an eye on us when in the tub!! Sturminster Newton is a nice town and we especially enjoyed the mill and watching the kingfishers in various locations. I have no hesitation in recommending Shires rest to anyone wanting a break away from it all.

The hosts were very helpful, were on hand always very approachable (lovely)