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Relaxation in Thomas Hardy’s Romantic Wessex

The Spa at Summer Lodge

Summer Lodge, set in the beautiful English countryside at Evershot in Dorset, is a Georgian listed country house hotel where the food is divine, the accommodation luxurious, and every aspect pleasant.  Located in a village of thatched cottages in the heart of Wessex, Summer Lodge was built in 1798 as a dower house by the 2nd Earl of Ilchester, the property was enlarged in 1893 with a second floor added by the 6th Earl who commissioned his friend and local author, Thomas Hardy, (an architect by profession) to draw up the plans. The house was further modernised in 1932 by the last Earl to live in Dorset, when as Lord Stavordale, he brought his bride to live at Summer Lodge.

When Margaret and Nigel Corbett purchased the property in 1979, they became only the second owners in nearly two centuries.  At that time, the 12 bedroomed property with dilapidated outbuildings, had been empty for 3 years.  Within 7 weeks, they had converted Summer lodge into a hotel and their private home - with eight bedrooms.  The first guests paid £10.50 for dinner, bed and breakfast.

The house is distinguished by its gray slate roof and elegant white façade, a lovely backdrop for the magnolias that abound on its exterior. Many of the rooms and suites have their own fireplaces; some boast conservatories overlooking the gardens and village. The award-winning restaurant offers fine cuisine and a well-stocked and maintained wine cellar. To the long list of wonderful amenities at this recently refurbished 18th Century lodge has now been added a superb Spa.

The extensive Spa facilities include a year-round glass-enclosed heated pool, sauna, whirlpool, a lounging area to relax and drink Champagne or take tea, two treatment rooms to alleviate the aches of everyday life, an all-weather tennis court and a croquet lawn. The gym includes state-of-the-art equipment as well as a flat-screen television with head phones. Spa packages available include aromatherapy, reflexology, and massages. Summer Lodge is set on 4 acres and adjoins a 9000 acre deer park offering excellent walking and an abundance of wildlife and flowers throughout the year.

Summer Lodge is readily accessible by train and guests are met at the station by a private car.  Only a 30-minute drive from the spectacular World Heritage coastline, guests are invited to take full advantage of the exciting and varied history and culture of the area.

For details and reservations, call: + 44 (0) 1935 48 2000, or email: summer@relaischateaux.com. 

Visit the website at www.summerlodgehotel.com .

Edited by Erika Wright

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