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Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan, The Old Forge, Fanners Yard, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England

It doesn't get much more special than this... An immaculately-restored 1934 gypsy caravan, with room for just two, next to an orchard and paddock (with a donkey and two Arab horses) and a big view to beautiful Fontmell Down. The place is magical, and so too is the care and work that the owners have put into rescuing it. Its colours are true Romany – deep burgundy and cream – there's an old brass kettle, which looks the part on the range (you'd never guess it was electric) and pretty little stencilled cupboards. Climb into the snug bed, and spend cosy evenings chatting together, with no distractions. Tim has installed some very discreet heating too, for chillier times; while on balmy nights you can sit out and watch the sun set over the fields, or stroll across them to the local restaurant for supper. There's a marvellous feeling of tranquillity and timelessness at The Old Forge: hens strut under retro enamel signs, donkeys bray and butterflies flutter in fields of rare wild flowers and grasses. Shaftesbury and Blandford, both interesting Dorset market towns, are to the north and south, and truly excellent walks are all around. This is such a peaceful and romantic spot, no wonder it's so popular with our readers...

This place is part of Sawday's Canopy & Stars, our dedicated website for unusual camping-style spaces. Click here to go its section on the site.

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Next steps

Details

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan

Contact: Canopy & Stars

  • Tel: +44 (0)1179 247877
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Rooms: 1 double
  • Price: £85 - £95 per night
  • Closed: Never
Credit cards accepted; most commonly Visa and Mastercard. Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection. No smoking anywhere in the house.

Checklist

  • Dishwasher
  • Electricity included
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave oven
  • Central heating
  • Mobile reception
  • Television
  • BBQ
  • Beach within 3 miles
  • Cooked meals available
  • Restaurant nearby
  • Short breaks possible
  • Extra bed/cot available
  • Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

  • Breadmaking courses available locally
  • Just over half an hour from The Jurassic Coast
  • On The Wessex Ridgeway
  • Convenient for The Great Dorset Steam Fair at the end of August
  • Thomas Hardy county
  • Longleat, a half-hour drive

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan The Gypsy Caravan

The Gypsy Caravan

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan Inside The Caravan

Inside The Caravan

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan Views from inside

Views from inside

Rosie, the Gypsy caravan

Photo captions have been written by the owner or management of Rosie, the Gypsy caravan and are not verified or endorsed by ASP.

Help

Children of all ages are welcome. Cots, highchairs, etc, are not necessarily available.
Guests’ pets can sleep in the bedroom (not on the bed).
Working farm or vineyard.
Wireless internet access available for guests.
No smoking anywhere in the property.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible for wheelchair users. Phone for details.
Tennis court on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Credit cards accepted, most commonly Visa and MasterCard.
Bikes on the premises to hire or borrow.
Swimming pool on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible without steps.

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