Set within the enchanting village of Hardy’s Evershot and surrounded by rolling hills, this five-star country house hotel epitomizes the ultimate in traditional style, genuinely warm service, and innovative and delicious menus to rival the best in the world. With a relaxing spa, indoor pool, private tennis court, and miles of beautiful countryside to explore, this is the quintessential luxurious escape. The Grade II Listed Relais and Chateaux property is set within 4 acres of manicured walled gardens, with a water feature, vegetable garden, green lawns to play croquet, and little nooks for sitting. Three-rosette fine dining from acclaimed chef Steven Titman is complemented by the world-class, award-winning sommelier, Eric Zweibel. The Whiskey Lounge offers 400 whiskies and brandies from around the world and the cheese trolley is quite exceptional. Generous hospitality is extended warmly to families including pets, where every care is taken to ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay. Each of the 20 rooms and four luxury suites is individually styled, while the 400-year-old Ivy Cottage is a retreat within a retreat. Sink into the peace and quiet of rural country life, walk in the 400-acre deer park adjacent to the property, explore the rugged Dorset coastline or the more adventurous can try horse-riding, clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, and golf. Return to the luxurious comforts of Summer Lodge and enjoy Afternoon Tea by the roaring fire.

ROOMS – We have rooms to suit every mood and occasion – and every type of relaxing rural escape.

Cosy Double – Individually decorated and seamlessly blending country house charm with modern amenities.

Classic King – Richly decorated with fine fabrics, magnificent furniture, and imaginative wallpapers.

Superior King/Twin – Luxury on a grand scale, with generous king-size bed, soft furnishings and ornate bathroom.

Principal King – Spacious and luxurious, with wonderful views over the gardens and the Dorset countryside.

SUITES – Every one of our suites is different, each with a warm and inviting country house style of its own. Rich fabrics and elegant furnishings, crisp Belgian linens warmed with hot water bottles, soft and enveloping bathrobes, luxury amenities, fresh fruit and homemade shortbread are just some of the thoughtful touches.

Courtyard Suites – An appealing blend of originality, airy grandeur, and cosy, West-Country intimacy.

Duplex Cottage Suite – Split over two floors and located in the stunning Summer Lane Cottages.

Master Bedroom – Spacious, opulent and extravagant with a grand four-poster bed and two luxurious bathrooms.

Garden Suite – The jewel in the Garden Suite’s crown is the glass conservatory with a private dining, seating and bar area.

COTTAGES

From the private, sheltered rockery and wood-panelled private dining room in Bea’s Cottage to the enchanting hot tub in Ivy Cottage, surrounded by the garden’s fairy candles and set under the dramatic Dorset stars, Summer Lodge’s cottages make for a quintessential pastoral escape to refresh, rejuvenate and feed the soul.

Ivy Cottage – Set in a charming stone-built Dorset chalet, Ivy cottage is 400 years old and encapsulates the finest in intimate English countryside design, from the boutique 200 thread count bedspreads of the master bedroom to the dainty outdoor furniture of the private, sheltered garden. Inside, an open fire contributes to the cottage’s abundant Austen-esque romance, while outside, the bijoux garden makes for a bucolic perch in which to enjoy a morning coffee or a refreshing aperitif. There are also two bathrooms, one with a standalone central tub, the other with a spacious walk-in shower. Ivy Cottage’s most decadent detail is its indoor hot tub, located in the private garden. While pretty throughout the day, it is enchanting at night, surrounded by the garden’s fairy candles and set under the dramatic Dorset stars. Guests wishing to remain embedded in Ivy Cottage’s private setting may savour Summer Lodge’s locally sourced cuisine from the comfort of their pied-à-terre. The extensive amenities of Summer Lodge’s five-star service are always available to create the most memorable experience possible.

Bea’s Cottage – Secreted amongst Dorset’s rolling hills in the charming village of Evershot, discover a secluded and private hideaway. Named in honour of our beloved President and Founder Beatrice Tollman, Bea’s Cottage is an enchanting four-bedroom home at Summer Lodge, where the evening sun filters beautifully through a glass conservatory and original artwork by Matisse creates an understated elegance. This is a warm, cosy and romantic haven in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset, independent from Summer Lodge, yet with the hotel’s outstanding service, passionate hospitality and five-star amenities. Guests are granted direct access to the spa, swimming pool and herb garden, while extra-special touches await in the suite, such as a delicious welcome hamper, fresh-cut flowers from the garden, and a bottle of Blanc de Mer from our vineyard, Bouchard Finlayson, in addition to, an assortment of local ciders and beers. From the private, sheltered rockery and garden to the charming working fireplace and wood-panelled private dining room, Bea’s Cottage makes for a quintessential pastoral escape to refresh, rejuvenate and feed the soul, surrounded by the bucolic English countryside.

Summer Lane Cottages – The Summer Lane cottage rooms are located approximately 80 metres from the main house, a short stroll across the garden path through a secret archway with steps in the Victorian garden wall. This 400-year-old thatched cottage on Summer Lane has an open garden space and its own private entrance, but still enjoys the benefit and service of our hotel and wonderful team. There are four rooms in the cottages that can be booked individually or all together to create one family or group space for up to 11 people: a duplex suite, a cosy double, a superior family room and a superior king/twin. Perfect for families, we welcome pets in the Summer Lane Cottages – just opposite, across the lane, is a gate leading to many miles of public footpaths, while our children’s playhouse lies in the Summer Lodge gardens.

DINING

Fuelled by an abundance of superb local ingredients, including Dorset Vinny Blue Cheese and Dorset Beef, and produce grown in our kitchen gardens and polytunnels, our Executive Chef Steven Titman has developed a cuisine of international fame.

WELLNESS & SPA

A stay amid the beautiful Dorset countryside is the perfect place to focus on reconnecting with yourself. Relax by the pool overlooking the beautiful gardens, enjoy one of our rejuvenating treatments, or work towards your fitness goals in our fully equipped gym with personal trainers available upon request. There are plenty of private spaces within the hotel gardens to simply unwind, practise yoga or relax and be mindful in nature on one of the garden swings or sun-loungers, with a refreshing cool drink.

Summer Lodge is a wonderful environment in which to relax and recharge your batteries. There is a wide collection of treatments to choose from, including restorative facials for men and women, head and full-body massages, manicures, pedicures and more. Our mindfulness classes with qualified teacher Verity Woodgate will invigorate you with the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the present moment. 

The rejuvenating sanctuary of our Spa offers guests the opportunity to purify and detox. Our Executive Chef prides himself on showcasing local ingredients, particularly the vegetables, fruits and herbs that are grown in our gardens. Vegetarians are well catered for – try the local goat’s curd with courgette flowers and garden peas, followed by the tenderstem broccoli risotto and toasted almonds. Vegan options are available upon request.