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The Smithy, The Old Forge, Fanners Yard, Compton Abbas, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
When Tim and Lucy first explored this Victorian forge across the yard from their house they found the blacksmith's tools exactly where he'd left them. Seventy years on they have restored the building with a meticulous and sensitive eye. Bellows, anvils, pincers and hammers from the smithy's days complement the stone, brick, coir matting and ancient roof timbers of the sitting room – warm and cosy with a wood-burning stove and jugs of wildflowers. The terracotta tiled kitchen is small but has all the bits and pieces you need; go through to an immaculately pretty bathroom. Up six steps and you're into the pretty galleried bedroom, with folksy painted furniture, iron bedstead, French style bedspread and crisp white cotton sheets. On fine days take tea under a clematis and rose covered arbour. Walk from door across gorgeous Fontmell Down, explore the nearby iron-age cross dykes, or go a little further for historic castles and grand houses. The easy-going and friendly Kerridges don't stop at simply restoring old buildings: veteran car enthusiasts will drool over Tim's collection of classics including a magnificent 1930s Lagonda. Wonderful.
The Smithy, The Old Forge
Contact: Tim & Lucy Kerridge
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The Smithy

The Smithy

The Bedroom

Views looking from Fontmell Down
Photo captions have been written by the owner or management of The Smithy, The Old Forge and are not verified or endorsed by ASP.
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