The Old Dairy: Eco-friendly Holiday Cottage in Dorset

Dorset, a beautiful county in the southwest of England, is renowned for its scenic beauty and historic landmarks drawing visitors seeking a tranquil holiday escape. The Wimborne Minster area is an ideal location to explore Dorset, and accommodation options include charming cottages, cosy guest houses, and pub hotels. Opting for an eco-friendly holiday cottage in Dorset ensures a sustainable stay in harmony with nature’s rhythms.

The Old Dairy, part of Classic Cottages’ Eco-Cottages collection, stands out as a design-forward, comfortable, and affordable lodging choice in Dorset. Read on to discover more about my experience at this eco-conscious retreat.

About The Old Dairy

Where is The Old Dairy

The Old Dairy is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Wimborne Minster in Dorset, near the picturesque River Allen. It is situated within the breathtaking Cranborne Chase National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that spans an expansive 380 square miles of stunning countryside overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. 

The eco-cottage is under a Dark Sky Reserve giving you clear, starry skies. Stargazers should bring their telescopes, and photographers should brush up on their night photography skills.

The Old Dairy is part of a courtyard with four converted farm buildings forming a quadrangle, which sits next to New Barn Farm where the owners live.

The Old Dairy is part of a historical site

The Old Dairy and New Barn Farm occupies a historic site within the Knowlton South Circle Henge, which is part of a group of four Late Neolithic henge monuments at Knowlton. Henge monuments, characterised by circular enclosures with an outer bank and an inner ditch, are believed to have served ritual or ceremonial purposes and date back to between four and five thousand years ago. Radiocarbon dating places the Knowlton South Circle Henge at around 2500 BC, making it one of the largest and potentially earliest examples of its’ kind.

During the Early Bronze Age, approximately three thousand years ago, the surrounding countryside saw the construction of numerous round barrows or burial mounds. While many of these have been levelled by ploughing over the centuries, some still endure as recognisable mounds, bearing witness to ancient burial practices and beliefs.

Knowlton Church and Earthworks was built in the 12th century and is said to be one of the most haunted places in Dorset. This Norman church is surrounded by Neolithic earthworks, associated with prehistoric rituals. Thankfully, I did not hear ghostly figures or whispering voices!

The Old Dairy: Eco Holiday Cottage in Dorset

The Living Space

Stepping into The Old Dairy, you’re greeted by the inviting ambiance of the spacious open-plan living room and kitchen area, instantly evoking a sense of comfort and homeliness. Reflecting the owner’s passion for interior design, the space is adorned with rustic touches, such as upcycled wall features and floral displays. One of the Classic Cottages’ best designed places to stay in Dorset!

Kick back and unwind on the comfortable sofas with blankets to read the Dorset books or watch the Smart TV. For guests in the colder season, there is a wood-burner with a basket of kindling to stay cosy.

A thoughtful addition to the space is the cocktail-making set, complete with samples of Salcombe gin, inviting guests to indulge in a bit of mixology with flavours of the south coast.

The open-plan kitchen has all the mod-cons making it a real pleasure to cook a leisurely breakfast. While I opted to explore the local pubs for dinner, the kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary pots and pans to whip up a cosy meal indoors.

Additionally, for those warm summer evenings, there’s an option to enjoy outdoor cooking on the BBQ. The coals are provided so you get it fired up without any hassle.

Upon arrival, you’ll find the essentials for a comforting start to your day, including tea, coffee, and sugar and fresh bread, free-range eggs, and chocolate biscuits.

By the sink in the kitchen, eco-friendly washing-up and cleaning products are supplied.

There is a separate utility cupboard if you need a washing machine with planet-conscious washing tablets available for guests.

The Bedrooms

The Old Dairy offers two exquisite bedrooms, strategically positioned at opposite ends of the property. Each is decorated with wood panelling, stylish found objects, Smart TV on the wall, and gloriously comfortable beds.

Both bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms with a rain shower and pretty floral tiles. However, the master bedroom elevates the experience with its luxurious roll-top bath, positioned in front of the patio doors. It is the perfect spot to gaze out the window while having a relaxing soak.

|| Check availability of Classic Cottages holiday cottages in Dorset 

Eco-friendly Cottage

As a responsible traveller, is it important for me to stay in accommodations that have implemented sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. So, it goes without saying, that I love the Classic Cottages Eco-Collection to be able to filter the properties I would consider.

The Old Dairy sits in the green cottage portfolio because they have air source heat pumps, automatic LED lighting, upcycling with some décor, and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Meet the animals at New Barn Farm

New Barn Farm is a working farm that is passionate about rare breeds. I recommend taking a tour to meet the South African Boer Goats, Hungarian Mangalica pigs, Albion Cattle, traditional Herefords, and fluffy Dorset down sheep.

The farm has won awards for its Boer goat meat which is one of the healthiest meats available.

Check out Cluckingham Palace too, where the free-range hens lay their eggs. I love the name of their residence!

And finally, they have some pet pygmy goats which are just adorable.

|| NOTE: This review was a sponsored partnership with Classic Cottages. All opinions are my own.

Exploring the local area

Things to do near Wimborne Minster

Wimborne is a great location to explore Dorset’s stunning coastline, historical sites and charming villages. Here are a few recommendations of things to do in Dorset that are accessible for day trips from The Old Dairy near Wimborne Minster.

Historical Sites to visit

• KNOWLTON CASTLE & EARTHWORKS – English Heritage
• KINGSTON LACY – National Trust country house and estate near Wimborne Minster.
• HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE –
• HARDY’S COTTAGE – Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, is a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy.
• CORFE CASTLE – National Trust fortification standing above the village of the same name on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula
• LULWORTH CASTLE – An early 17th-century hunting lodge erected in the style of a revival fortified castle.

Coastal Sites to explore

• JURASSIC COAST – Discover UNESCO World Heritage Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove. Explore the options for Jurassic Coast Tours.
• HENGISTBURY HEAD – Nature walks in the Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) area of Bournemouth.
• BOURNEMOUTH – Visit the seaside town, take a bus tour, and see the upside-down house. Find Bournemouth Tour options.
• SANDBANKS – Award-winning beaches in Poole. Take the Sandbanks chain ferry to the Studland/Swanage side.

Where to eat near Wimborne Minster

You will be spoiled for choice if you decide to eat out when you stay at The Old Dairy holiday cottage in Dorset.

There is a wonderful selection of cosy restaurants and quirky pubs in Wimborne and the neighbouring villages that use local produce for their menu. It is worth planning though as some get booked up at the weekend, or close on Sunday and Monday.

• The Museum Inn in Farnham is part of the Butcombe Brewing Co. which creates seasonal, AA Rosette-standard cuisine.
• The Old Thatch in Stapehill is an award-winning pub with a delicious sustainable menu, and they have a shop selling locally sourced goods and crafts.
• The Old Inn in Holt is a welcoming country pub offering a great selection of old favourites on the menu.
• The Olive Branch in Wimborne Minster offers a British and European menu, cooked to a high standard. Great value for money!
• The Wimborne Pig in Wimborne Minster is an award-winning restaurant that champions serving seasonal menus from local produce.

PIN FOR LATER!