The Garden House at Holway Mill

We had an absolutely magical time at the Garden House. We couldn't have felt more warmly welcomed by Susan, Andrew and their family and had a wonderful week. We loved the animals (the girls were particularly fond of the gorgeous dogs), the trampoline, and the fabulous tennis court. Despite a wet week we loved our wet walks in the beautiful surrounding countryside and cosy pub meals. The welcome pack was brilliant and very much appreciated. A huge thank you from us all for an amazing week and we hope to be back.

Holway Mill: a little bit of heaven on earth! A place to cherish for its peace, beauty and authenticity. The host family did everything possible to make us feel welcome. Susan brought us both delicacies and gave excellent tips on what to do. The Garden House has a beautiful view of the rural surroundings that you will never get tired of. The interior is very cosy, full of light, with interesting books and decorated with fine art, created by Susan's talented Chinese mother. This made the location very unique and special. A place to return to!

Utterly glorious experience from start to finish, with the kindest hosts we have ever met. The approach down a secret, tree-arched lane, the magical gardens and meditative views - all these wonderful things surround an inspiring and tranquil garden house that we could visit time and time again. Lots to do in the area and very friendly locals. Thank you Susan and Andrew for sharing such a special place, the whole week felt like a much-needed hug.

We had a wonderful week at the Garden House and would unhesitatingly recommend it. Susan and Andrew are excellent hosts who have the gift of making their visitors feel immediately at home. The Garden House was built for Susan’s very talented artist mother, so has loving attention to detail and still contains many of her mother’s paintings and sculptures. It is at the bottom of Susan and Andrew’s large, beautiful garden, and is spacious, light, quiet, comfortable and spotlessly clean, with an uninterrupted view from the large window over the neighbouring fields. We would love to go there again!

Life in the Garden House has its own special magic. In the most wonderful way it is more Garden than House, I was sleeping literally under the chestnut tree, watching the leaves unfurl into spring through the window just above my head each night; waking to birdsong so close, it felt like I was in the nest; gazing out across through the vast windows over a montage of fields that makes the house feel like a mini cathedral in the countryside. It is the most heavenly place, in a stunning part of Dorset, with amazing walks on the doorstep, and hosts who could not be more generous or kind.

The Garden House is simply beautiful. We loved its warm and stylish decor, and the carefully curated treasures it holds. The quiet spot was perfect for some post Christmas relaxation and some lovely countryside walks. Our baby enjoyed meeting the cows that live nearby - ‘moo’ has become her first animal sound. Susan’s a wonderful, attentive and accommodating host - everything has been thought about to make your stay as happy and comfortable as possible. We particularly enjoyed the breakfast basket. The House was also spotless. We’d love to stay again in the future.

We decided to spend our family Christmas away from home this year, and were lucky enough to choose the Garden House. Susan and her family could not have been more hospitable and they all made our visit very welcoming and relaxing. The Garden House is large and comfortable, and beautifully furnished. To our delight, it had also been decorated for Christmas, complete with Christmas Tree! We hardly needed all the provisions that we had brought, since we were left beautiful home made mince pies, preserves and bread. The garden and surrounding countryside are stunning, even in winter - great walks!

The Garden House is very special. From the moment you arrive and the very warm greeting from Susan and her family, to her care and attention to detail at The Garden House and the relaxing and cosy interior. Very thoughtful breakfast basket, beautiful linens, blankets and toiletries and the fantastic setting of The Garden House itself. The veranda is a lovely spot to sit in the evening watching the sun set and listening to the sounds of the countryside. One evening we heard the Morris Men performing in a nearby hamlet and it drifted up the hillside - it was really lovely. Highly recommended.