HOTEL REVIEW

Summer Lodge, Evershot, Dorset

Summer Lodge is a boutique, country house hotel, situated within the enchanting village of Hardy’s Evershot in Dorset, and is the perfect place to base yourself if you are looking to explore miles of beautiful countryside or spend the day at the nearest beaches at Seatown or Kimmeridge Bay, or slightly further afield the famous seaside town of Lyme Regis with its eclectic selection of shops, or the cliffedged West Bay. There are also a selection of vineyards nearby, including Furleigh Estate, Langham Wine and Bride Valley.

The Grade II Listed, Red Carnation property is set within 4 acres of manicured walled gardens and is the perfect setting to relax and unwind, especially in the spring and summer, as the gardens surrounding Summer Lodge’s buildings are absolutely stunning and perfectly kept, and include a vegetable garden, green lawns to play croquet, and a lovely seating area by a pretty water feature, which had it not been raining, we would definitely have enjoyed a drink by!

There is an indoor pool that is large enough to swim in, sun-loungers, a Jacuzzi and sauna, a small gym, and treatment rooms offering an array of body and beauty treatments, including massages, holistic treatments, facials and pregnancy treatments.

The staff at Summer Lodge are as charming as the property itself, and our welcome on arrival was warm and friendly, whilst remaining very professional. We felt that nothing was too much trouble for the staff, from the receptionists, to the restaurant staff and the turn down staff who kindly waited twenty minutes whilst we finished getting ready for dinner.

This generous hospitality is extended warmly to families including pets, where every care is taken to ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay and we met at least five four legged friends who all looked like they were enjoying their stay as much as we were!

The 20 rooms and four luxury suites are individually styled, while the 400-year-old Ivy Cottage is a retreat within a retreat. The room we stayed in was very comfortable, with a small conservatory leading from the bedroom that led on to a small courtyard that housed two sunloungers. Again, these would have been perfect had we been there in spring or summer, and add an extra element of privacy for those wanting to be alone. I always think the little touches that hotels offer are what make them, and on arrival we found chocolates and shortbread, and when we asked for an ice bucket to be delivered, we were also brought small bowls of popcorn, crisps and olives.

The living areas of the hotel are very comfortable, with a dog friendly bar and large lounge, that in winter houses a roaring fire, and would be lovely to enjoy Afternoon Tea in, or a pre-dinner glass of champagne.

The restaurant offers a menu of locally sourced produce, whilst using its own garden’s produce, and I have to say my meal was absolutely delicious and one of the nicest hotel meals I have had, and it thoroughly deserves its 3 AA Rosettes. Starters included Pork Rib, Crab, Mackerel and Short Rib, whilst mains included Monkfish, Cod, Lamb, Duck and Chicken, along with a Cauliflower option for vegetarians. We enjoyed some delicious local cheeses and shared an even more delicious Apple Crumble Soufflé. What was so nice about the restaurant was the atmosphere, with many guests, including ourselves, chatting to those on the tables next to them, and although we were in Dorset, our fellow diners were also from the same town my friend was from in Cornwall!

Breakfast is taken in the conservatory, where you can look out on to the lovely garden and lawn, and offers a continental choice including the usual selection of yoghurts, perfectly cut fruit salad, breads, cold meats and fish and cereals, as well as the traditional hot breakfasts.

If you are looking to head towards the UNESCO Heritage Jurassic Coast, for a weekend or longer, then Summer Lodge would be a perfect hotel in which to stay.

For further information on Summer Lodge please visit www.summerlodge.co.uk

9 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 0JR

Telephone: 01935 482000