Lodbourne Farmhouse’s History
Paul and Francesca King bought Lodbourne Farmhouse in 2015 with the intention of creating a rustic space for all guests to enjoy. Before the grand opening, there was work needed to make amends for the neglect the farmhouse had experienced over the years. The entire property was renovated to a high standard by utilising Paul’s carpentry experience and Francesca’s keen eye for detail. After some modernisation and plenty of care, the property was restored to the beautiful home it was in its prime. The bed and breakfast opened in March 2019 and, since opening, it has seen travellers from across the globe, dealt with a pandemic and added an aesthetics clinic; run by Francesca.
The farmhouse was built in approximately 1860 and was originally part of Lodbourne Farm, which was run by the Allard family, and over the years has been sold off and developed. The farmhouse remained a home until 1993, when it became a residential home and resource centre, as part of the North Dorset Primary Care Trust. In 2005, a local company purchased the farmhouse, and it became part of their commercial premises (where Paul was the primary caretaker).
Your Stay
Lodbourne Farmhouse offers four rooms: The Woodland Room, The Wedgwood Room, The Garden Room, and The Pump Room. Each room caters for a different audience and is individually styled to the highest standard. One child over twelve can be accommodated in the Woodland Room; although, unfortunately, younger children cannot be accepted on the premises at present. There is gated parking available for approximately four cars, and 24-hour access is available to both the car park and the B&B itself. The beautiful south facing garden has plenty of outdoor furniture that guests are encouraged to use in the summer months. Paul and Francesca have two cocker spaniels at the bed and breakfast and are unable to accommodate other pets as a result.
Breakfast is served in the light, open kitchen which boasts a level 5 (Very Good) food hygiene rating. Paul will be your breakfast chef, preparing freshly cooked food from our menu, to order, each morning, alongside a wide range of cereals, fresh fruit, coffee, teas, and juices. Most dietary needs can be catered for at the B&B. It’s advised that you make your requirements known at check in, and please feel free to contact us in advance if there are any specifics you’d like to query.
Gillingham
Gillingham is the furthest north of the Dorset towns. It’s on the edge of the Wiltshire and Somerset borders and stands on the River Stour between Salisbury and Yeovil. It was originally a Saxon town and is five miles from the historic town of Shaftesbury (home to Gold Hill!). Please see our page dedicated to nearby attractions for more information.
A Message from Paul and Francesca
“We look forward to welcoming you to our quiet, warm, and cosy bed and breakfast nestled in a little cul-de-sac in Gillingham. We strive to make every guest feel comfortable and relaxed in our home. Please do get in touch with any queries you may have, and we’ll do our best to assist you.”