Dorset
The Old Rectory
Direct contact, with a safety net
Enquiries go straight to the owner. If anything goes wrong, we’ll step in. And because owners pay us a flat listing fee, you pay nothing extra.
Landed Houses guests have exchanged over 80 messages with The Old Rectory in the last 12 months.
The Old Rectory is a Grade II* listed building, very much Georgian in style. It’s suitable for parties of family and friends, either for a jolly holiday or to celebrate a special occasion. It is also suitable for corporate use and can be used as a base for art or music workshops, cookery courses, or team-building activities. With 11 bedrooms, the house can comfortably sleep 22 adults.
There are additional day beds and trundles in five of the bedrooms that are strictly for children-only, increasing the total capacity to 31 guests. Downstairs, the reception rooms are large and well-equipped. There’s a large drawing room and a library that acts as a games room, with a pool table. The kitchen is serviceable and spacious enough to cater for a full house.
There’s also a big dining room, which seats up to 32 people. The Rectory is set in just under two acres of gardens, and there are wide lawns for games or lounging around. Beyond the garden is a beautiful valley with views to the sea cliffs and downlands. The verandah is original to the house, and conjures thoughts of frock-coated gentlemen taking the brisk morning air.
Location and Things to Do
The Old Rectory is located 1.5 miles from the closest beach and near the village pub in Symondsbury. The towns of Bridport (1 mile) and Lyme Regis (with a main-line train station) are nearby. Situated within the World Heritage “Jurassic Coast,” the area offers activities like beach walks, fossil hunting, surfing, kayaking, golf, sea fishing, cycling, and horse riding.
Symondsbury is also a great starting point for scenic walks, including Colmer’s Hill.
Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom 1
1 Super King Bed, 1 Single Bed, 1 Floor Mattress Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Super King Bed
Bedroom 4
3 Single Beds, 1 Floor Mattress Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Super King Bed
Bedroom 6
1 King Bed
Bedroom 7
1 Super King Bed, 1 Single Bed, 1 Floor Mattress Bed
Bedroom 8
1 Super King Bed, 1 Single Bed, 1 Floor Mattress Bed
Bedroom 9
1 King Bed
Bedroom 10
1 Super King Bed, 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 11
1 Super King Bed
Wedding Features
Amenities
Countryside Walks
Games Table
Pet Friendly
Self Catering
Stag & Hen Parties
WiFi
Working Fireplace
Stag and hen parties allowed
House Fact
The house was a serving rectory until 1951, when it passed into private hands. The building itself dates back to 1730, although two wings were added in 1814. Symondsbury’s rectory is thought to be one of the largest and most impressive rectories in the country, and at one time, the rector ran his own pack of hounds (the kennels can still be seen).
Guests are encouraged to behave well whilst staying…else face the dungeon, built into the wine cellar!
Edmund's Choice of Extraordinary Feature
“The Old Rectory at Symondsbury has the most extraordinary verandah, taking advantage of a beautiful view towards the sea. The verandah’s original to the house, and conjures thoughts of frock-coated gentlemen taking the brisk morning air. It’s also a lovely place to end the day: quietly, with a dram of something nicely aged.”
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Reviews(34)
Nicky McGuckin
Delightful house – perfect for a reunion of 22 of us with lots of space for everybody and beautiful walks in every direction. The owner also very kindly returned shoes which I left behind..
Owen Grey
I went recently for a family get together. Loads of us stayed there so it’s lucky we had so much room… Lots of parking spaces which are needed as it does help a lot to drive there. There is a really large dining area (3 tables) and kitchen. More then one fridge which was important with so many people. There are several floors and lots of bedrooms. We were amazed when we got there… The children loved it too and were running all over it… Especially enjoying the garden. They enjoyed the pool table in the games room. I’d say go for a longer stay as it does take a bit of getting used to but it is v nice. Just as a cherry on top we forgot a pair of shoes and the the owner was kind enough to post them back to us!
Jane Le Ruez-Lane
It takes a lot to impress me these days but The Old Rectory did not disappoint. What an incredible house. I was lucky enough to share an event with my whole family in this gorgeous location. We were 16 adults 5 small children and 3 babies. The house is enormous with 11 beautiful bedrooms. Most are en-suite but the ones that weren’t had a shower or bath /toilet opposite so each family really had there own private space. I’ve never seen such big bedrooms everyone was wowed by them. The children thought it was amazing. Beds were scrupulously clean and the whole house was well equipped. There were a few issues but the housekeeper was just a phone call away and it didn’t spoil what was an incredible week. Symondsbury is just beautiful. The walks around the Symondsbury were stunning and the night sky without light pollution were really special. The grounds to the house are well kept and as beautiful as everything else. I’m back home now but I keep reminiscing. It was magical. I highly recommend it.
Ben Hines
What an amazing house. Perhaps because of its history and legacy, it radiates a peaceful soulful place mixed with well appointed bedrooms and communal spaces. We had an old wonderful weekend there.
Nicky McGuckin
Delightful house – perfect for a reunion of 22 of us with lots of space for everybody and beautiful walks in every direction. The owner also very kindly returned shoes which I left behind..
Owen Grey
I went recently for a family get together. Loads of us stayed there so it’s lucky we had so much room… Lots of parking spaces which are needed as it does help a lot to drive there. There is a really large dining area (3 tables) and kitchen. More then one fridge which was important with so many people. There are several floors and lots of bedrooms. We were amazed when we got there… The children loved it too and were running all over it… Especially enjoying the garden. They enjoyed the pool table in the games room. I’d say go for a longer stay as it does take a bit of getting used to but it is v nice. Just as a cherry on top we forgot a pair of shoes and the the owner was kind enough to post them back to us!
Jane Le Ruez-Lane
It takes a lot to impress me these days but The Old Rectory did not disappoint. What an incredible house. I was lucky enough to share an event with my whole family in this gorgeous location. We were 16 adults 5 small children and 3 babies. The house is enormous with 11 beautiful bedrooms. Most are en-suite but the ones that weren’t had a shower or bath /toilet opposite so each family really had there own private space. I’ve never seen such big bedrooms everyone was wowed by them. The children thought it was amazing. Beds were scrupulously clean and the whole house was well equipped. There were a few issues but the housekeeper was just a phone call away and it didn’t spoil what was an incredible week. Symondsbury is just beautiful. The walks around the Symondsbury were stunning and the night sky without light pollution were really special. The grounds to the house are well kept and as beautiful as everything else. I’m back home now but I keep reminiscing. It was magical. I highly recommend it.
Ben Hines
What an amazing house. Perhaps because of its history and legacy, it radiates a peaceful soulful place mixed with well appointed bedrooms and communal spaces. We had an old wonderful weekend there.
Julia BENTLEY
A very special Christmas at The Old Rectory with all our family. House was absolutely perfect, loads of space, very comfortable and worked for all the generations. Beautiful location with loads to do and lovely walks nearby. Left with wonderful memories. Highly recommended.
Lucinda Davies
Just perfect! We booked this house for a big get together with friends and it was just what we needed. There was loads of space and the decor was stunning. We actually booked and stayed at The Old Rectory before they carried out their refurbishment, and although we loved it then, it’s in a whole new league now! We’ll be returning! The village was also fab with everything (including an amazing pub!) right on the doorstep… 10/10
Balvinder kaur
We recently had a remarkable family celebration at The Old Rectory. The spacious bedrooms are sophisticated and stylishly and there’s a really peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. This stunning place was ideal for our large gathering -the property’s vastness allowed everyone to find room to spread out and enjoy themselves. Symondsbury, nestled in the heart of lush countryside, is a truly enchanting place. The housekeeper that did the meet and greet was also lovely! Highly recommended!
Clara Wills
A great stay to celebrate my 40th birthday! Lovely rooms, well thought out spaces to socialise and large green spaces outside. A very special place.
Christine Crosby
Wonderful house although needs a bit of TLC.
Helen Budden
We had a fantastic family celebration in the Old Rectory. The large accommodation was perfect for our party of 30 people with beautiful furnishing and decoration. The property is huge with sufficient rooms for everyone to find space to spread out. Great outdoor space with spa pool and separate BBQ area. Would highly recommend
Hank Phagura
Excellent, beautifully done, every room has beautiful touches. Would stay there again.
Amy Hutson
We rented the house for a hen do for 27 people and it was amazing. So much space, with plenty of rooms and we could easily have fit more people. House is beautifully decorated and had so many rooms that we couldn’t even make the most of them.
M Burt
What a place. If you get a chance go here. Lovely pub across the road. Art studios, cafe and deli round the corner.
Debbie Lloyd
An amazing house, great family stay, fantastic weekend! X
Anouska
Amazing weekend, loads of space, we were 26! Space to all eat together and hang out in the living room, could do with a little tlc however you the charm, bedrooms and garden made it a great place to stay! We played Skittles in the Ilchester Arms over the road with fab lunch and walking in the area, fabulous weekend!
Lucy Watkinson
Love this place! A beautiful setting for our upcoming Fitagain'a Well Being evening. Also a great base for a holiday literally on the base of the famous Dorset Landmark Colmers Hill.
James Campbell
Unforgettable place, beautifully maintained with wonderful hosts. Whatever the occasion, The Old Rectory is well worth your time. I love staying there!
Julian Totman
Flat garden awesome for sports, lots of space around house but small kitchen. Big TV and adventurous garden with good family walks nearby.
Gary Lunt
A very special place with a unique atmosphere. Comfortable beds and located un beautiful settings!
Caragh McMurtry
We had our wedding ceremony in Bridport town, and spent the night before and the night of the wedding celebrating at the old rectory with most of our 30 guests. The house was so beautiful that we didn't need to spend much time adding decorations. It has all the amenities you would need, and more (like a pool table). All of our guests were stunned by the bueaty of the surrounding countryside, of the house, and of their rooms, and many of them have expressed their desire to visit again. I'm so glad we spent the money to hire this place. Phil, the host, was there to answer any questions we had, but also left us to our own devices when it came to us actually staying. I would highly recommend this place if it's along the lines of what you're looking for.
Karl Newton
I spent my 40th Birthday here over NY. It was amazing! It’s idyllic.
Pete Gordon-Smith
Amazing house. Stunning location. Loved the huge rooms and plentiful space.
Candice Ruffell
The perfect place for a get together with friends with beautiful surroundings and loads of space. Would recommend to everyone
Ryan Barnes
A beautiful Georgian manor house restored to it's prime with a grand and well designed interior for those lucky enough to enjoy. Symondsbury is a magical place in the heart of luxuriant countryside that is vast & histrionic, each season highlights different facets of this locations treasures. The Old Rectory (formely known as Oakhayes)is one of Symondsbury' s principle houses in the heart of the village. I've had the best memories of my life with my nearest & dearest in this house. I long hope to go back and make more.
Joseph Murless
Stunning house in a picturesque setting, with a wonderful host. Highly recommended.
Sonia Benton
A beautiful old house that retains so much of the original, even down to some of the wallcovering. Well worth a stay ideal venue for occasions weddings etc. Superp setting in lovely unspoiled village.
David Barker
We had 27 people here and it comfortably fitted all adults and children in. Highly recommended for a great break with lots of outside space.
Nadine Watson
We got back yesterday following a week away with a large group of friends and family. This is a perfect house for a group and is particularly good for children, with its large garden! We would recommend staying here to everybody!!
Mark Bennett
Lovely house and a very enjoyable stay.
Max Latham
Set in an idyllic Dorset village where time seems to stand still the Old Rectory is an excellent place to stay. The custodians of the house are most amicable and it is quite a spacious and old-fashioned building nestled snugly in some of the most stunning scenery and countryside.
Kate Perrott
A large group of us stayed here to celebrate a 60th birthday. It is a very quirky place to stay! The rooms all have different themes, I particularly love the Moroccan cave!!!!! We found the kitchen a little small to cater for so many people, but that said, we coped. The staircase is a bit wobbly so be careful if you have kids, also the dining room floor needs a bit of attention. That said, we all had a wonderful time here. The location is superb, try the pub and The Symondsbury Kitchen. Bridport is within walking distance, which had lovely individual shops, go to Snooks the hat shop!
Angela Hector
We had a brilliant time with a group of 20 friends for my husbands 40th! The house is amazing with so much character and space. Surrounding area is gorgeous and pub across the road perfect! Recommended.
Alison Allan
Reboot Camp love love love you guys!!
Joanne Donegan
Just spent a week here with 23 family members to celebrate a couple of milestone birthdays. We had a fabulous time in a fabulous setting. Highly recommend for any big gathering.
Availability
Available
Enquire now
Weekends From £4,500
Weeks From £7,000
If fully occupied, price per person per night is usually between £45 and £83.
Phil is the owner/manager and usually responds within 16 hours. If you don't hear back, let us know and we'll follow up.
Location
Note: Approximate location of The Old Rectory.
Weekends From £4,500
Weeks From £7,000
If fully occupied, price per person per night is usually between £45 and £83.
Phil is the owner/manager and usually responds within 16 hours. If you don't hear back, let us know and we'll follow up.
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