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Sleeps 12, Blandford Forum

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Tarrant Valley House is an elegant farmhouse in Dorset that sleeps 12 guests across spacious accommodation. Set on a working farm, this property offers groups the rare benefit of an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The location makes it perfect for extended families and friends wanting a proper countryside escape.

The farmhouse sits in the beautiful Dorset countryside where rolling fields meet traditional farming life. You'll find peace and quiet here whilst staying close to market towns and coastal attractions.

The accommodation features spacious rooms and bathrooms spread across the farmhouse. Large social spaces include a generous kitchen and dining area plus comfortable living rooms where everyone can gather.

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About Sleeps 12

Tarrant Valley House is an elegant farmhouse in Dorset that sleeps 12 guests across spacious accommodation. Set on a working farm, this property offers groups the rare benefit of an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The location makes it perfect for extended families and friends wanting a proper countryside escape.

The farmhouse sits in the beautiful Dorset countryside where rolling fields meet traditional farming life. You'll find peace and quiet here whilst staying close to market towns and coastal attractions.

The accommodation features spacious rooms and bathrooms spread across the farmhouse. Large social spaces include a generous kitchen and dining area plus comfortable living rooms where everyone can gather. The indoor pool complex with sauna provides year-round entertainment regardless of weather.

Kingston Lacy House sits 8 miles away (15 minutes). Corfe Castle stands 18 miles distant (25 minutes). The Jurassic Coast reaches 20 miles south (30 minutes). Bournemouth beaches lie 16 miles away (25 minutes).

This working farm setting with private pool facilities creates something special for groups of 12. Book here for proper space and facilities that larger groups actually need.

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Need To Know

Sleeps 12 Video Tour

Sleeps 12 video tour
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Local Insights: Sleeps 12

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Blandford Forum, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

17°C

Overcast

Updated: 15 Sep 2026, 3:06am

🌡️
17.30°C
Temperature
💨
17 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
91%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Sleeps 12 sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

58m

(190 feet above sea level)

Sleeps 12 sits in a peaceful Dorset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
58m
Elevation
📍
Blandford Forum
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Blandford Forum are typical Dorset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.8849700° N | Longitude: 2.081981° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Blandford Forum (Tuesday, 15 September 2026):

5:42am

Sunrise

5:24pm

Golden Hour

6:24pm

Sunset

🌅
5:42am
Sunrise
🌇
6:24pm
Sunset
📸
5:24pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:24pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Blandford Forum, you have approximately 12.71 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Sleeps 12.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Dorset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 15 Sep 2026 | Location: 50.8849700, -2.0819810

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Sleeps 12

Indoor Swimming Pool

The private indoor pool means groups can swim and splash about whatever the weather outside. Perfect for keeping everyone entertained throughout your stay.

Working Farm Setting

Being on a real working farm gives children and adults alike a genuine countryside experience. Watch farm life unfold around you during your holiday.

Sauna Facilities

After busy days exploring Dorset or swimming, the sauna offers relaxation for adults. A proper treat that most group properties simply don't offer.

Spacious for Twelve

Six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms mean no queuing or cramped spaces. Everyone gets proper room to spread out and feel comfortable throughout the stay.

Dorset Countryside Views

Rolling fields and farmland surround the property creating peaceful views from every window. Proper countryside scenery without feeling isolated from attractions.

Large Social Spaces

Generous kitchen, dining and living areas let the whole group gather together comfortably. No one gets left out at mealtimes or evening gatherings.

Getting To Sleeps 12

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Tarrant Valley House by car, follow the A354 through Blandford Forum and take the turning towards Tarrant Gunville. The farmhouse is clearly signposted and offers ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Gillingham (Dorset), approximately 12 miles away. From there, a taxi will take you directly to the farmhouse through scenic Dorset countryside.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Gillingham (Dorset) station (12 miles)
Accessible from the A354

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Kingston Lacy House
Distance: 8 miles
BH21 4EA
Corfe Castle
Distance: 18 miles
BH20 5EZ
Monkey World
Distance: 15 miles
BH20 6HH
Cranborne Chase AONB
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 8DX
Badbury Rings
Distance: 10 miles
BH21 4HX
Hambledon Hill
Distance: 6 miles
DT11 8HQ
Blandford Forum Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7AW
Tesco Superstore Blandford
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7TE
Wimborne Market
Distance: 12 miles
BH21 1JA
Gillingham (Dorset) Station
Distance: 12 miles
SP8 4QP
Blandford Forum
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7AW
Shaftesbury
Distance: 10 miles
SP7 8JE
Kingston Lacy House
Distance: 8 miles
BH21 4EA
Corfe Castle
Distance: 18 miles
BH20 5EZ
Monkey World
Distance: 15 miles
BH20 6HH
Cranborne Chase AONB
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 8DX
Badbury Rings
Distance: 10 miles
BH21 4HX
Hambledon Hill
Distance: 6 miles
DT11 8HQ
Blandford Forum Town Centre
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7AW
Tesco Superstore Blandford
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7TE
Wimborne Market
Distance: 12 miles
BH21 1JA
Gillingham (Dorset) Station
Distance: 12 miles
SP8 4QP
Blandford Forum
Distance: 5 miles
DT11 7AW
Shaftesbury
Distance: 10 miles
SP7 8JE

Is Sleeps 12 Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The indoor swimming pool provides endless entertainment for children whatever the weather outside. Being on a working farm means kids can experience real countryside life and learn about animals and farming. Six bedrooms give families proper space so children aren't cramped. The large social areas mean board games and family activities work well. Nearby attractions like Monkey World and Corfe Castle offer brilliant days out.
Groups Will Love...
The private indoor swimming pool sets Tarrant Valley House apart from typical group accommodation. Groups can swim whenever they want without sharing facilities with strangers or worrying about opening times. The pool complex includes a sauna for adults to unwind after busy days. This combination of pool and sauna means entertainment and relaxation under one roof regardless of weather conditions outside.
Pet Friendly
Pet policies for Tarrant Valley House should be confirmed directly with the owner before making your booking. Being on a working farm means there are animals around the property already. If pets are permitted, the surrounding countryside offers excellent walking opportunities. Always check specific requirements, restrictions and any additional charges that may apply for bringing your dog along.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Sleeps 12

The Crown Inn Pimperne

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 8UQ

The Anvil Inn Pimperne

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 8UQ

The Langton Arms Tarrant Monkton

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 8RX

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Sleeps 12

How many people does Tarrant Valley House sleep?
The farmhouse sleeps 12 guests across six bedrooms with multiple bathrooms. This makes it suitable for extended families or groups of friends wanting to holiday together.
Is there an indoor swimming pool?
Yes, the property features a private indoor swimming pool exclusively for guest use. There's also a sauna in the pool complex for added relaxation.
Is Tarrant Valley House pet friendly?
Pet policies should be confirmed directly with the property owner before booking. Always check specific requirements and any additional charges that may apply.
What kitchen facilities are available?
The farmhouse has a large, well-equipped kitchen suitable for preparing meals for 12 people. Dining space accommodates the full group comfortably for shared mealtimes.
Where is the nearest beach?
Bournemouth beaches are approximately 16 miles away, taking around 25 minutes by car. The Jurassic Coast is about 20 miles south, roughly 30 minutes' drive.
What attractions are nearby?
Kingston Lacy House is 8 miles away, Corfe Castle sits 18 miles distant. Both offer excellent days out for groups exploring Dorset's history and landscapes.
Is there parking at the property?
The farmhouse provides off-road parking suitable for multiple vehicles. This is essential for groups arriving in separate cars from different locations.
What makes this good for groups?
The indoor pool, sauna, six bedrooms and large social spaces set this apart. Being on a working farm adds educational interest for children and adults alike.

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