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Sleeps 16, Blandford Forum

Dorset » Blandford Forum
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8
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Tarrant Valley House is an elegant Dorset farmhouse sleeping 16 guests on a working farm near Blandford Forum. This property features an indoor swimming pool and sauna, perfect for groups wanting private leisure facilities. The accommodation sits within extensive gardens on a genuine working farm.

The Dorset countryside surrounds this property. Rolling hills and farmland create a peaceful setting. The location offers easy access to both coast and countryside attractions across the county.

The property comprises a main farmhouse plus two independent annexes. The main house contains 5 bedrooms. Orchard Cottage sleeps 2 guests. Garden Cottage accommodates 4 people. Together they provide 8 bedrooms and multiple bathrooms.

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About Sleeps 16

Tarrant Valley House is an elegant Dorset farmhouse sleeping 16 guests on a working farm near Blandford Forum. This property features an indoor swimming pool and sauna, perfect for groups wanting private leisure facilities. The accommodation sits within extensive gardens on a genuine working farm.

The Dorset countryside surrounds this property. Rolling hills and farmland create a peaceful setting. The location offers easy access to both coast and countryside attractions across the county.

The property comprises a main farmhouse plus two independent annexes. The main house contains 5 bedrooms. Orchard Cottage sleeps 2 guests. Garden Cottage accommodates 4 people. Together they provide 8 bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. Large social spaces include a farmhouse kitchen and separate living areas. Each unit maintains its own entrance and facilities.

Corfe Castle sits 16 miles away (30 minutes). The Jurassic Coast reaches Lulworth Cove at 14 miles (25 minutes). Tank Museum Bovington is 9 miles distant (20 minutes). Kingston Lacy House stands 8 miles away (15 minutes).

This multi-generational retreat suits extended families or friend groups wanting space and privacy. The pool and independent cottages make it ideal for groups of 16.

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Local Insights: Sleeps 16

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Blandford Forum, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

10°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Oct 2026, 5:11am

🌡️
9.80°C
Temperature
💨
13 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
85%
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 October 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 16 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 16 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 (Wednesday, 28 October 2026):

6:53am

Sunrise

3:50pm

Golden Hour

4:50pm

Sunset

🌅
6:53am
Sunrise
🌇
4:50pm
Sunset
📸
3:50pm
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 (3:50pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Blandford Forum, you have approximately 9.95 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 16.

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: 28 Oct 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 16

Indoor Swimming Pool

Private heated indoor pool and sauna facilities exclusively for your group throughout your stay without sharing with other guests.

Multiple Independent Units

Three separate accommodations provide privacy for different families whilst keeping everyone together on one beautiful Dorset farm property.

Working Farm Setting

Authentic countryside experience on a genuine working farm with extensive gardens and rural views across the Tarrant Valley landscape.

Spacious Group Capacity

Eight bedrooms across three units comfortably accommodate 16 guests with ample bathrooms and living spaces for everyone to spread out.

Extensive Private Gardens

Large gardens offer outdoor space for children to play safely whilst adults relax in the peaceful Dorset countryside surroundings.

Central Dorset Location

Easy access to Jurassic Coast beaches, historic castles, market towns and attractions across Dorset within 30 minutes driving time.

Getting To Sleeps 16

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Tarrant Valley House by car, take the A354 towards Blandford Forum and follow signs to Tarrant Hinton. The farmhouse is located on a working farm with clear access roads and ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Poole, approximately 18 miles away. From there, hire a car or arrange a taxi for the scenic journey through the Dorset countryside to the property.

Ample off-road parking for multiple cars
Poole station (18 miles)
Accessible from A354 near Blandford Forum

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Salisbury Cathedral
Distance: 19.3 miles (29 min drive)
SP1 2EJ
Monkey World
Distance: 18 miles (30 min drive)
BH20 6HH
Gartell Light Railway
Distance: 22.2 miles (40 min drive)
BA8 0NB
Stour Valley Way
Distance: 4.7 miles (12 min drive)
Charlton Beeches
Distance: 7.3 miles (13 min drive)
DT11 9NW
Hod Hill
Distance: 8.7 miles (14 min drive)
DT11 8PS
The Labrador Co. Office & Shop
Distance: 0.9 miles (3 min drive)
DT11 8JF
Rawston Farm Butchery and Shop
Distance: 2.6 miles (7 min drive)
DT11 8SF
Lidl
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
DT11 7FZ
Hamworthy Station
Distance: 14.5 miles (28 min drive)
BH16 5AA
Holton Heath Station
Distance: 16.8 miles (30 min drive)
BH16 6JX
Bournemouth Airport
Distance: 16.8 miles (35 min drive)
BH23 6ED
Salisbury Cathedral
Distance: 19.3 miles (29 min drive)
SP1 2EJ
Monkey World
Distance: 18 miles (30 min drive)
BH20 6HH
Gartell Light Railway
Distance: 22.2 miles (40 min drive)
BA8 0NB
Stour Valley Way
Distance: 4.7 miles (12 min drive)
Charlton Beeches
Distance: 7.3 miles (13 min drive)
DT11 9NW
Hod Hill
Distance: 8.7 miles (14 min drive)
DT11 8PS
The Labrador Co. Office & Shop
Distance: 0.9 miles (3 min drive)
DT11 8JF
Rawston Farm Butchery and Shop
Distance: 2.6 miles (7 min drive)
DT11 8SF
Lidl
Distance: 5.1 miles (10 min drive)
DT11 7FZ
Hamworthy Station
Distance: 14.5 miles (28 min drive)
BH16 5AA
Holton Heath Station
Distance: 16.8 miles (30 min drive)
BH16 6JX
Bournemouth Airport
Distance: 16.8 miles (35 min drive)
BH23 6ED

Is Sleeps 16 Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The indoor swimming pool provides year-round entertainment for children of all ages. Extensive gardens offer safe outdoor play space on the working farm. Kids can explore the countryside setting whilst staying secure within the property grounds. The multiple units mean teenagers can have their own space. Tank Museum Bovington and Corfe Castle provide educational days out nearby.
Groups Will Love...
The private indoor swimming pool and sauna create a leisure centre exclusively for your group. No sharing with other guests means you control access and timing throughout your stay. The heated pool operates year-round regardless of weather. Parents can supervise children easily whilst other guests relax in the sauna. This facility transforms a farmhouse stay into a proper retreat with professional leisure amenities.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Tarrant Valley House by prior arrangement with the owner. The extensive gardens and working farm setting provide excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Rural surroundings mean dogs can explore safely within the grounds. Multiple units allow pet owners to keep animals in their own accommodation. Discuss specific requirements and any restrictions when booking your stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Sleeps 16

The Crown Inn Pimperne

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 8UQ

The Anvil Inn Pimperne

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 8UQ

Blandford Forum Market Place Cafes

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT11 7AJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Sleeps 16

How many people does Tarrant Valley House sleep?
The property sleeps 16 guests across 8 bedrooms split between the main farmhouse and two self-contained annexes. This configuration works well for extended families or multiple families holidaying together.
Is Tarrant Valley House pet friendly?
The property welcomes pets by arrangement with the owner. Contact the owner directly to discuss bringing dogs and any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply.
What leisure facilities are included?
The property includes a private indoor swimming pool and sauna exclusively for guest use. These facilities are not shared with other properties and provide year-round entertainment for all ages.
How are the sleeping arrangements configured?
The main farmhouse contains 5 bedrooms, Orchard Cottage sleeps 2 guests and Garden Cottage accommodates 4 people. Each unit has its own entrance, kitchen and bathroom facilities for independent living.
What kitchen and dining facilities are available?
The main farmhouse features a large farmhouse kitchen suitable for group catering with dining space. Each of the two annexes also has its own fully equipped kitchen for flexible meal arrangements.
Is there parking available for multiple cars?
The property provides ample off-road parking on the farm premises for multiple vehicles. This makes it convenient for groups arriving in several cars from different locations.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Tank Museum Bovington, Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy House and Lulworth Cove are all within 30 minutes. The location provides easy access to both coastal and countryside attractions across Dorset.
Can we use all three properties simultaneously?
Yes, the main house and both cottages are rented together as one booking for groups of 16. This gives your party exclusive use of all facilities including the pool and extensive gardens.

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