Dating mainly from the 17th century, with some parts much older, this fine spacious, moated manor house, with its own large garden, was formerly owned by the Dukes of Bolton and the Earl of Sandwich. Now part of an educational complex, it has been modernised, yet retains its character and charm and serves as a memorable venue for large family and group re-unions at any time of the year. Boasting eleven bedrooms (8with en-suite facilities), an elegant drawing room with open fire, a dining room and a games room, it has its own garden. Nestling below the Wessex Ridgeway, and close to the spectacular Dorset coastline, Hooke Court is just 10½miles from West Bay (formerly Bridport Harbour), and is within easy reach of both pebbly Chesil Beach and Golden Cap cliff. Looking back further into the past than Hardy's timeless `Wessex', there are traces of Roman and pre-Roman culture ready to be explored. With Maiden Castle, Poundbury, Maumbury Rings and Cerne Abbas - home to the well-endowed Cerne Giant cut into a steep chalk hillside, well worth visiting. For days out, a pilgrimage to Hardy's birthplace (NT), his school, his home and Stinsford Church, where his heart is buried, is a rewarding experience. Whilst locally, the district surrounding Beaminster has its own rich heritage and is home to a notable Tudor manor house - Mapperton Gardens, the main location for the BBC's Tom Jones. Close by is Eggardon's hill fort, 3nature reserves, fishing, walking and sailing. Roman town of Dorchester (with weekly market), 13miles. Golf course at Crewkerne. Pubs 3½miles.

Reception hall. Drawing room with open fire and door to garden. Dining-room. Kitchen with range-style cooker. First floor: Three double bedrooms. Five twin-bedded rooms, one with additional bunk beds (for +2). Second floor: Two twin-bedded rooms. Single bedroom. Bathroom/W.C. Old chapel games room. All first floor bedrooms with en-suite bathroom/W.C. or shower room/W.C.

*Elec and full oil CH incl (Oct - Apr £250pw, £150per 3/4-night short break poa) *Open fire - fuel incl *Range-style cooker incl *Parking (for 10cars) *Shops 3½miles *TV *DVD *Radio/cassette/CD *Auto wm/tumble dryer *M/wave *D/washer *Fridge/freezer *Additional fridge *Large garden with picnic benches and moat (toddlers beware!) *Games room with one table tennis table *Duvets with linen *Non-smokers only