Red Carnation Hotels

DESTINATION NEWS

Visit Thomas Hardy Cottage, home of Thomas Hardy

Event: Visit Thomas Hardy Cottage
Date: Until October 29th

In many ways, the luxury Dorset hotel the Summer Lodge and Thomas Hardy Cottage have a lot in common.

Both are set in wonderful picturesque countryside, both provide a magnificent experience to all those who pass through the doors and while Hardy did not ever live at the Summer Lodge, he did have a massive influence on the way it stands today.

It was built in 1798 as a dower house by the 2nd Earl of Ilchester but it was not until nearly 100 years later that Hardy would leave his mark on it for good.

He was commissioned by the 6th Earl in 1893 to draw up plans for a second floor to be built and this was a major development in this fabulous hotel's history.

Visitors to Summer Lodge can enjoy two first-class train tickets from Waterloo to Yeovil Junction and then transport to the hotel, a full-body massage on one day, a three-course dinner for two, a full English breakfast each day and much more if they opt for the Eco Package.

After settling into the new cosy surroundings, guests can head to Thomas Hardy Cottage, a place where the author wrote the famous Under the Greenwood Tree and Far From the Madding Crowd.

Hardy lived in this small cob and thatch cottage from 1840 until he moved to London in 1860, before returning to pen the aforementioned novels.

As well as being historically significant, it is also a beautiful place to visit in its own right.

Surrounded by luscious green gardens and flowers of the most vivid colours, this wonderful corner of Dorset is an excellent location for couples to enjoy a relaxing and romantic afternoon together.

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