All about The Old Forge

Tim and Lucy purchased The Old Forge in 1986 and have gradually renovated and restored the buildings to create a B&B with two self-catering cottages, a shepherd's hut and a Gypsy caravan. It's home to Tim and Lucy as well as their four children Millie, Lottie, Sophie and Jack and assorted animals! Sophie is an aspiring photographer and took all the amazing pictures of The Old Forge on this website.

The Lagonda at home

A bit of history

The Old Forge dates back to approximately 1700. It's a building full of local history and was formerly used by the local estate wheelwright and carriage builder. Lucy's creative touches are to be found everywhere and the smell of her freshly baked biscuits, marmalades and jams fills the warm kitchen. Tim's real passion is his business restoring and selling classic cars. His workshop is more akin to a working museum and he'll happily show off his 1934 Lagonda, bought for £12-10s in 1963! It's a classic car enthusiast's dream.

Environmental policy

Tim and Lucy's approach to the environment isn't about following a trend, it's what they've always done. But to use a modern phrase, 'Recycle, Reuse and Reduce', is the mantra and it's to be seen everywhere. Nothing gets thrown away and Tim and Lucy have a magical way of renovating and restoring that means the whole place feels loved, homely and timeless. Breakfasts, picnics and cream teas are all made from local and organic produce.

Pudding in the fields

Wildlife

Compton Abbas village is situated just below Fontmell Down which is now part of the chalk down land owned by The National Trust. It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildflowers, 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 works that were set in Dorset and his love of the county. No fertilisers or sprays have been used to encourage the colonisation of chalk-loving flora and in summer the profusion of flowers and butterflies give us a glimpse of what was once a familiar sight in the countryside.

B&B

Tim and Lucy run The Old Forge as a smallholding. As well as their chickens roaming the orchard and yard, guests will also see their two Arabian horses, Jasmine and Ariel, as well as a donkey called Scrumpy Jack, two Labradors, Molly and Willow, a Westie called Daisy and a Labradoodle called Pudding! For larger groups that can't be accommodated by both the Gypsy caravan and shepherd's hut, there are additional B&B rooms available and two self-catering cottages.

Getting there

The Old Forge, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0NQ

By car

From Shaftesbury, take the A350 signposted from Blandford, go through the village of Cann and Compton Abbas is the next village you come to. The Old Forge is the first property on your left just before the Compton Abbas sign. Turn left and follow the signs for parking.

By train

The nearest train station is Gillingham, public transport pick ups may be available by arrangement.

By balloon

Only if the wind is in the right direction. Back up plan recommended.

Things to do

Outdoor & active

Treetop walkways at the Go Ape activity centre

There are some stunning walks from right outside The Old Forge. Local OS maps are provided, so after a hearty breakfast enjoy a stroll through the meadows and hills. Make your way up to Fontmell Down from The Old Forge and breathe in the dramatic views of Blackmore Vale, to Sturminster Newton and beyond. Adonis and Chalkhill Blue butterflies favour this south-facing slope for the extra shelter it affords. Drop into Compton Abbas airfield for lunch, the most picturesque airfield to be found in England!

Moors valley country park has walking and cycling trails, an adventure play trail and the Go Ape rope swing area, pictured left.

Rainy days

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm is a horse rescue centre with loads of stuff for kids to do.

Fleet Air Arm museum Go on board Concorde and see the impressive collection of aircraft and the occasional Dalek. Check for air shows and special events.

Hayes International Motor Museum houses over 400 amazing cars and bikes, if Tim's own minor version hasn't satisfied your desire for classic vehicles.

Places to visit

Shaftesbury was the basis for Thomas Hardy's 'Shaston' and Gold Hill was made famous by a certain Hovis advert.

Blandford Forum is one of Britain's best preserved Georgian towns, having being largely rebuilt after a fire in 1731 by architects the Bastard brothers, apparently their real names.

Sturminster Newton's restored and fully functional mill is lovely to see in action.

Courses & classes

Bread making

Spend a happy day tinkering in The Old Forge garage. By arrangement with Tim.

It's relaxing enough just staying in the Gypsy caravan and shepherd's hut and pottering about The Old Forge, but if extra help is needed to unwind, then Yoga and Pilates classes and other treatments are available in Fontmell Magna, just two minutes from The Old Forge.

Get inspired by Lucy's home baking, and sign up for a bread making course at the Panary at Cann Mills, a traditional water mill just half a mile from The Old Forge. Learn the finer dough arts from master baker Paul Merry - from sourdough and pain rustique, to a good old fashioned bloomer.

Eating & drinking

Pubs & restaurants

The Talbot at Iwerne Minster. A devotion to local and seasonal produce means the menu is ever changing but always good. Between Blandford and Shaftesbury on the A350.

Scrumpy Jack kitted up and ready for the breakfast run

Milestones, in Compton Abbas, is a tea room by day and a restaurant by night, 5 mins from Sam & Rosie.

The Cricketers at Shroton is a classic English pub right next to the cricket pitch with good food, perfectly kept ales and a warm welcome.

The Compasses More great local and seasonal food from the Wiltshire dining pub of the year 2008 & 2010. Just outside Tisbury.

The King John at Tollard Royal. Guy Ritchie is supposedly a regular and the food is superb including daily fresh fish.

Eating & drinking at The Old Forge

The breakfasts need to be eaten to be believed. Taste of the West award-winning, and it's easy to see why. A stay at the Gyspy caravan or shepherd's hut includes a farmhouse or continental breakfast consisting of local sausage and bacon, free range eggs from Lucy's own hens, home made marmalade, local honey and apple juice from the orchard. All ingredients are sourced locally and are either organic or free range. If you'd rather stay snuggled in bed for a bit longer, it's possible to have a continental breakfast hamper left outside the door of the Gypsy caravan or shepherd's hut.

If you're planning a walk while staying at The Old Forge (and frankly you should), then you might be tempted to arrange for Lucy to make a picnic hamper. Sometimes delivered by Scrumpy Jack, always scrumptious. Equally delicious cream teas are also available.

Local produce

Blandford and Shaftesbury both have excellent farmer's markets and the Fontmel Magna village deli is full of regional specialties and local organic goodies.

All about The Old Forge

Tim and Lucy purchased The Old Forge in 1986 and have gradually renovated and restored the buildings to create a B&B with two self-catering cottages, a shepherd's hut and a Gypsy caravan. It's home to Tim and Lucy as well as their four children Millie, Lottie, Sophie and Jack and assorted animals! Sophie is an aspiring photographer and took all the amazing pictures of The Old Forge on this website.

The Lagonda at home

A bit of history

The Old Forge dates back to approximately 1700. It's a building full of local history and was formerly used by the local estate wheelwright and carriage builder. Lucy's creative touches are to be found everywhere and the smell of her freshly baked biscuits, marmalades and jams fills the warm kitchen. Tim's real passion is his business restoring and selling classic cars. His workshop is more akin to a working museum and he'll happily show off his 1934 Lagonda, bought for £12-10s in 1963! It's a classic car enthusiast's dream.

Environmental policy

Tim and Lucy's approach to the environment isn't about following a trend, it's what they've always done. But to use a modern phrase, 'Recycle, Reuse and Reduce', is the mantra and it's to be seen everywhere. Nothing gets thrown away and Tim and Lucy have a magical way of renovating and restoring that means the whole place feels loved, homely and timeless. Breakfasts, picnics and cream teas are all made from local and organic produce.

Pudding in the fields

Wildlife

Compton Abbas village is situated just below Fontmell Down which is now part of the chalk down land owned by The National Trust. It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildflowers, 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 works that were set in Dorset and his love of the county. No fertilisers or sprays have been used to encourage the colonisation of chalk-loving flora and in summer the profusion of flowers and butterflies give us a glimpse of what was once a familiar sight in the countryside.

B&B

Tim and Lucy run The Old Forge as a smallholding. As well as their chickens roaming the orchard and yard, guests will also see their two Arabian horses, Jasmine and Ariel, as well as a donkey called Scrumpy Jack, two Labradors, Molly and Willow, a Westie called Daisy and a Labradoodle called Pudding! For larger groups that can't be accommodated by both the Gypsy caravan and shepherd's hut, there are additional B&B rooms available and two self-catering cottages.