A peaceful cabin retreat in the heart of Cranborne Chase
A private wooden cabin in the garden of our 18th‑century cottage, with woodland walks and a village pub on the doorstep.
Welcome to Garden Lodge — a cosy, self‑contained wooden cabin tucked within the garden of our 18th‑century cottage in Tollard Royal. Surrounded by the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, the lodge offers comfort, privacy and a sense of escape, with woodlands and walking trails right on the doorstep.
Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend, a countryside adventure, a local wedding or event, or simply a break from everyday life, Garden Lodge gives you a relaxed, easy stay in one of Dorset’s most beautiful corners.
Thoughtfully arranged for a peaceful, intimate stay
Inside you’ll find:
Some comments taken from our guest book
We are thrilled to have been your first guests. Thank you for being so welcoming and helpful. We wish we could stay longer and enjoy more of what this beautiful area has to offer. The property is absolutely beautiful! We look forward to staying here again.
Thank you so much for your warmth and hospitality, the garden lodge is just lovely and you have made my stay just perfect. Suki is delightful!
Quite simply the very best accommodation! I will be back! Thank you!
We’ve had a wonderful time here, beautifully presented, lovely surroundings. Thank you for your hospitality. Just what we needed to recharge. You have been very kind and we love Suki!
Cozy little place! Perfect night sleep and delicious coffee in bed in the morning. Thank you for having us at such short notice. xxx.
One of the nicest (if not the nicest), little lodge stays we’ve had. From the welcome, to the facilities and sheer sense of style!! Loved every moment.
Two excellent local choices
While breakfast isn’t provided, the nearby pub offers a lovely morning menu and Shaftesbury’s independent cafés and bakeries are close by for those who enjoy a relaxed start to the day.
Four‑legged guests are very welcome
Dogs are very welcome at the Garden Lodge. While we don’t provide dog beds, bowls or other facilities, we’re always happy to offer spare doggy bags or a couple of dog treats if you run out.
Close to several popular venues
If we’re available on the day, we’re very happy to drive you to your event at no charge — just let us know in advance so we can see if timings work.
Ideal for couples, walkers, cyclists, wedding guests and those joining local shooting parties. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are around 50 minutes away.
After 50 years in London, we came to Cranborne Chase for a weekend with family — and fell in love with it instantly. Within weeks we’d made the impulsive decision to move, buying the cottage and spending two years bringing it back to life.
Garden Lodge grew out of that renovation: a peaceful space in the garden that we originally created for friends and family, and now share with guests. We’re still developing the garden around it, but we hope it already feels like a calm, comfortable place to stay.
Since moving, we’ve spent time exploring the quieter walks, hidden pubs and beautiful coastline that make this area so special. Many of the recommendations below come from those discoveries.
More than anything, we hope your stay here feels like a proper break.
Walks, pubs and days out we’ve discovered since moving here
Great food, cosy fires, classic Dorset hospitality
Some of Dorset’s best countryside, right outside the door
A historic hilltop town full of charm
World‑class scenery within easy reach
Bike rides, woodland trails and great food
Hire bikes at Brockenhurst Railway Station, explore the forest tracks, and enjoy lunch at The Pig. There are plenty of pubs, walks and wildlife spots throughout the area.
Perfect for gentle exploring
For availability, bookings and prices, please get in touch directly with Adam Howes.
I’m always happy to help with availability, answer questions, or offer recommendations for walks, pubs and places to visit during your stay.
From Cranborne Chase to the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest