We recently visited Launceston Farm in Blandford where we decided to explore the different elements that make a luxury escape. What should you look for? What should you avoid? After a great chat with Sarah, her daughter in law Catherine and a brief hellogoodbye with her farmer son Jimi, not only do we feel utterly overwhelmed by how amazing Launceston Farm is, but we could now almost class ourselves experts when it comes to choosing a luxury retreat!
Their beautiful bed and breakfast, which has remained in the family since Sarah's grandfather owned the property and land years ago, has an amazing classy and stylish feel about it, that still hits the nail on the head perfectly when it comes to a farm/countryside stay.
Owner Sarah highlighted a few things to us that she felt made Launceston luxurious and unique, and we agree;
- Family Run
- Strictly adults only!
- Emphasis on the great location.
- Excellent locally sourced food (from their HUGE working farm)
- Constant effort to ensure peace and tranquility for guests.
- Beautifully designed rooms that certainly have the 'wow factor' when it comes to beds, baths and artwork!
- The little details - homemade biscuits in room, chalkboards for breakfast orders etc
- Gay friendly
- Large dining tables for banquet style dining at breakfast, dinner etc
- Personalised tours of the farm and local area
- Personal recommendations (Sarah makes lists of 'Top 5...' in the local area including places to go, places to eat, places to get coffee and cake etc!)
- A swimming pool (well, who can blame her)
- 'Real Life' farm experiences. Sarah described how a recent guest was and still is mesmerised after seeing a calf being born as he arrived.
One of the main things that stood out to us, was the real focus on the farm and food. The farm supplies to various local supermarkets, and Sarah offers evening meals to guests on Mondays and Fridays. We were absolutely awestruck as Sarah began to explain the food available to guests, which includes her famous Goat Tagine, Andalusian Lamb and Rustic Casseroles. (one of her dishes is even featuring in the Waitrose Magazine soon so look out for it!).
From the beautiful roll top baths, outstanding furniture, gorgeous outside gardens, well-stocked honesty bar and beautiful countryside views, the whole experience just oozes luxury and tranquility.
When Loving Dorset arrived at Launceston Farm, we became very aware very quickly that this was not going to be a place that we forgot in a hurry, and after being greeted so warmly by everybody there, we are already checking our diaries for our next free weekends....!
For anyone looking to get away this summer to either explore the area or avoid Weymouth and Portland's Olympic Mayhem then this will certainly be a great place for a luxury retreat and with prices starting at £55 for single occupancy £80 for double occupancy, you can't NOT really....! Plus, if you visit over the next few months, you may even find a little potted conker plant in your room - a little souvenir from Sarah's home-grown conker tree to remind you of your stay! (how amazing is that!).
For more information about Launceston Farm, visit their website, like them on their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter! You won't be disappointed! Now lets enjoy a couple more images......
The first ever Wessex Food Festival is on its way in September this year! They already have over 40 amazing local food and drink producers booked to attend the show and more are coming on board every minute. They anticipate having over 60 stall holders at the Festival selling some of the finest produce the region has to offer.
