Smedmore House

Smedmore House is an elegant Georgian mansion on the Dorset coast, set on a private estate bordering the sea. It is perfect for large family celebrations, or special times with friends. 

There are eight bedrooms, two of which are en-suite, whilst the remaining six share a variety of bath and shower rooms. 

Downstairs, you’ll find a drawing room, dining room and games room (rather charmingly known as the ‘Cedar Room’), and a large, modern kitchen.

Outside is just as lovely as inside, with romantic walled gardens, generous flower-filled beds and beautiful sea views. Guinea-fowl are often found perusing the front lawn. 

Edmund’s Choice of Extraordinary Feature

An outstanding aspect to Smedmore has to be its atmosphere of timelessness. It’s a true family house, full of family history, and that gives it something really special; as a guest, you really do feel part of it all. Incidentally, the current owner is Dr Philip Mansel, writer and historian, who presents lectures all over the world.

About The Location

Smedmore is on the Jurassic Coast ( part of the World Heritage site), and the nearest bay to the house is Kimmeridge Bay. The South West Coastal Path runs past the bay, beneath the shadow of the famous ‘Clavell Tower’ – an observatory that the Mansel family were  instrumental in saving. 

A short trip will take you to other famous Dorset bays, such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Studland.

The estate is equi-distant between the towns of Weymouth and Bournemouth, although protected from both by the rolling splendour of the Purbeck Hills. 

Things To Do

There are endless walks around the estate and along the coast, or the manager of the house can arrange any number of activities, from boat trips and watersports, to falconry and horse-riding. 

Corfe Castle is nearby, should you wish to wander some magnificent ruins.

Weddings

Smedmore has a civil wedding licence for the garden and three of the rooms within the house. They have an extensive list of trusted suppliers on their site, including local B&B’s, in which to host any extra guests.