Visitors to Springhead over recent months will have witnessed the comings and goings of builders, thatchers, decorators and others who have been renovating the main house. The repair and restoration work has now been completed, and Springhead House will soon be available for rental, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation for family groups, wedding guests and other visitors.
Springhead House, which has a wealth of period features, is made up of a range of thatched cottages dating from the late 17th century. It can now accommodate up to 10 people in three double and twin bedrooms on the first floor. Additional visitors can be accommodated on double sofa beds in two further rooms. Guests will have exclusive access to their own garden.
Until 2016, the building was the home of Springead’s last life tenant, Rosalind Richards. On her death, ownership was transferred to the Springhead Trust. The Trust successfully applied to the North Dorset LEADER fund for a grant to restore its historic features and carry out essential repairs. Work began in the Spring of 2018, and has included repair of the thatched roof, modernisation of the plumbing and electrical systems, restoration of windows and doors, and redecoration throughout.
As well as enabling more people to stay at Springhead, one of the main advantages of having the new accommodation is being able to cater for smaller groups with specific interests, explains Nikolaus Boulting, the Chair of Springhead’s Board of Trustees. ‘The music room and library will now be available for visiting musicians, literary groups, academics, charities and businesses; while the master bedroom and neighbouring sitting room, with spectacular views over the ornamental lakeside gardens, will provide ideal wedding accommodation. We also expect the house to appeal to larger family groups wanting somewhere special for anniversaries and other family occasions.’
‘We are extremely grateful to North Dorset LEADER for funding this project. Hire of the historic house and other facilities at Springhead will bring additional income to the Trust to enable us to preserve Springhead ’ says Nikolaus Boulting.
A registered charity, the Springhead Trust encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to experience and value the rural environment. Key activities include running day and residential visits, especially, for children and young people, promoting the conservation of the natural environment and enabling people to enjoy and learn about the arts.
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