Welcome To The Manor Born
We're making changes to our direct booking system. While the changes are being made The Old Rectory will only be available via Airbnb.
The Old Rectory has been our family home for over 25 years, our 5 children have now grown and fled the nest, so following in the footsteps of Audrey Forbes-Hamilton, in the 70’s TV series “To The Manor Born” we have downsized to The Lodge.
The Old Rectory is a fine grade 2* listed Jacobean Manor House, it is spacious, stylish, quirky and fun… from the galleried dining hall with a huge table that comfortably seats 14 for elegant dining and when the dishes are cleared, converts to a pool or snooker table, the cosy lounge with big sofas and an inglenook fireplace, a games room with shelves full of books and board games, full-size table football, 7 spacious bedrooms and 7 seaters hot tub to the cinema room with retro cinema seats, 85 inch TV and Sonos Arc not forgetting the 2nd nursery kitchen for making popcorn and drinks, you’ll be blown away.
The house is set on large grounds, that are both private and secure, we know how important our pets are to us and yours are welcome to join you.
Located on the edge of Poole Harbour moments from the bustling Quay with its many restaurants and bars, the beach is only a short walk away. It is on the doorstep of the Dorset countryside and the Jurassic coast with its many beauty spots and attractions. The Manor House promises an unforgettable getaway and is a perfect location to celebrate your special occasions with family and friends, it’s a place for making memories, and guests of all ages find something they fall in love with.
The house comfortably sleeps 14 guests in 7 bedrooms on the 1st and 2nd floors, additionally on the ground floor in the games room the sofa is a sofa bed and on request can be made up as a double bed to sleep 2 guests with mobility issues. A further full-size single bed is available on request in one of the top floor bedrooms if a child wishes to share with parents or three people want to share a room.
This 400-year-old Jacobean gem is tucked away behind a veil of mature trees, yew and laurel hedges, only tantalising glimpses can be seen through the metal gates along the gravelled drive with ample parking for 7 cars. The grounds offer a haven for wildlife and a tranquillity that belie its convenient and close proximity to Poole Quay, the Harbour, Hamworthy Beach and Park with its quintessentially English beach huts. Cobbs Quay Marina and Yacht Club, Poole Yacht Club and Lake Yard Marina are all less than a mile away.
History of The Old Rectory
The Old Rectory is a Grade 2* listed building, it is in the top 6% of the most historically significant listed buildings in the country and few remain in private residential ownership. Built by Henry Carew, a prominent Catholic family in the 17th century, evidence of the priest hole remains, used to hide by priests when they were persecuted by law and more recently for endless games of hide and seek! It is documented that during the Civil War and the siege on Corfe Castle, it housed the Roundheads and was visited by Oliver Cromwell, later in the Napoleonic Wars it was home to the Southern Command and hosted the Duke of Wellington.
The Manor at Higher Ham, as it was then known, passed to the ownership of Lord Wimborne as part of the Canford Estate, it is believed carved panels from the original staircase were removed and used in the building of Canford Manor, now Canford School. In the 19th century, Lord Wimborne gifted it to the church and it became known as The Rectory. Adaptations to the staircase and inglenook fireplace and many of the Victorian features were added at this time. The Old Rectory really will capture your imagination and heart as it reveals itself. From the hidden glimpses as you approach, you cross the threshold of the arched porch and huge Gothic door, that opens to a surprisingly light-filled dining hall with a galleried oak staircase and original flagstone floor.
Where you'll sleep
Queen Room
King Room
Double Room
Double Room
Twin Room
Double Room
Queen Room
King Room
Double room
Double room
Twin Room
Double room
Non - Holiday Weekend
Weekend Rate for Friday and Saturday Night - £2,400
Holidays
£1,500 per night Friday and Saturday
£1000 per night Sunday to Thursday
Key Information
20% discount for weekly bookings
*Two well behaved dogs stay for free
No Checkin Saturdays or Sundays
No Checkout Fridays
Pricing
What's on offer
WIFI throughout the house
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Hot Tub
Cinema Room
Pet Friendly
Free Parking
Everyday essentials inc...
Bedding, towels, soap etc
Outdoor seating
and cooking facilites
In House entertainment inc...
Pool table and
Table Football
Indoor fireplace
Coming with seven bedrooms and two fully equipped kitchens there is plenty we offer to all our guests to ensure they make the most out of there stay at The Manor!
How to find us
Beyond Poole Quay, just across the bridge, lies The Manor—a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With convenient access to major transport links and the beach, The Manor becomes your ideal haven for a perfect getaway.