Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHY?</h2>



<p>Neo-classical meets Georgian town houses meets flint-clad cottages and more in Poundbury, King Charles’ retro urban village, on the outskirts of Dorchester. It may look a little like Trumpton but the combo of trad design and sustainable ethos (homes are heated with 100% renewable bio-methane gas, have electric charging points and built-in bird boxes), green spaces and community feel, make it one of our top places to live in Dorset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n.jpg" alt="The Potting Shed by Olives At Al, Poundbury Dorset" class="wp-image-100075" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/00-the-potting-shed-poundbury-455248312_1027644032698005_290980285206362313_n-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Potting Shed by Olives At Al</figcaption></figure>



<p>Deli and café at <a href="https://olivesetal.co.uk/pages/potting-shed-poundbury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Potting Shed.</a> <a href="https://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/pub/duchess-of-cornwall-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duchess of Cornwal Inn</a> for brunches, lunch and dinner. Authentic Sicilian pizzas Thursdays at <a href="https://www.peppina.uk/authentic-italian-pizza-dorchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppina.</a> Head into Dorchester for inventive but not poncy menus at <a href="https://thekingsarmsdorchester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King’s Arms</a> (boutique rooms too), Ramen at Wagamama, burgers at Hubbox and pan-Asian <a href="https://drgnflygroup.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drgnfly</a>. Super local fine dining in Lower Bockhampton at the thatched <a href="https://www.yalburycottage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yalbury Cottage.</a> Great country pubs nearby include the Muddy Award-winning <a href="http://www.braceofpheasants.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brace of Pheasants </a>in Plush, <a href="https://www.thenewinncerneabbas.co.uk/index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The New Inn</a> at Cerne Abbas, and <a href="https://www.thimbleinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Thimble Inn</a> in Piddlehinton.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n.jpg" alt="The Yard leopard jeans orange sweatshirt and quilted gilet" class="wp-image-101190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/461577342_18458557498038049_1350784958719657995_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Yard</figcaption></figure>



<p>You won&#8217;t be stuck for lovely homewares and gifts, with <a href="https://www.magpiepoundbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magpie</a>, <a href="https://cherryade.store/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cherryade</a>, <a href="https://www.punica.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Punica</a>, and <a href="https://gallerypoundbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gallery on the Square</a>. <a href="https://www.boostoys.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boos Toy Shop</a> for the kids. <a href="https://thegardensgroup.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poundbury Gardens</a> for plants. Women&#8217;s clobber at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shopYard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Yard</a>. The <a href="https://www.braceofbutchers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brace of Butchers</a> (meat and deli), <a href="https://olivesetal.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olives Et Al</a> (deli), <a href="https://www.peppina.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppina</a> (sourdough bread, foccacia, cakes), <a href="https://dorsetwine.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dorset Wine Company</a> (Best Wine &amp; Beer Specialist in Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol in the Muddy Awards 2024), and Little Waitrose (all of the above). The Dorset Farmers&#8217; Market for the cream/ veg/fish/ meat/shellfish of West Country produce. Makers and designers gather at The Poundbury Independent Market. Down in Dorchester, you&#8217;ll find chains and indies including a bigger Waitrose and <a href="https://brewerysquare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brewery Square</a> (there’s sometimes an ice rink in the centre at Christmas).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>The super luxe <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/spa/monart-day-spa-poundbury-dorchester/">Monart Day Spa</a> is in Queen Mother Square. Head a mile or so down the road for a sports centre with swimming pool, gym and classes. You&#8217;re well set up with GPs and other healthcare services. Go to <a href="https://merakipoundbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meriaki</a> for your hair and <a href="https://purebeautydorset.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pure </a>for beauty. Poundbury Pilates and Partners in Wellbeing&#8217;s therapists and treatment rooms are both centrally located.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Lots of clubs and societies, including drama, gardening and arts &amp; crafts. The annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DorsetFestival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorset Food &amp; Arts Festival </a>held in August on Poundbury&#8217;s Great Field celebrates local produce and artistic creativity in Dorset. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>The neolithic Maumbury Rings, the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cerne-giant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cerne Giant</a>, Jurassic coast, Thomas Hardy and TE Lawrence’s cottages are all on the doorstep. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor.jpg" alt="the plaza cinema dorchester" class="wp-image-74723" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/09/00-plaza-from-their-facebook-page-519394967735_7939345398598032372_n_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plaza</figcaption></figure>



<p>Lots. Just down the road, there are two cinemas: the brilliant Art Deco <a href="http://www.plazadorchester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plaza </a>and an Odeon. The <a href="https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorchester Arts</a> at the Corn Exchange. Ten museums, including the <a href="https://shirehalldorset.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,</a> where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and the <a href="https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorset Museum</a>. The Dorchester Literary Festival in the autumn, Cider Festival in September, the biennial arts Dorchester Festival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>All sorts, all mixed together in a villagey way, with an average price of £402,277 over the past year. Detached sold for an average of £568,881, terraced properties for £487,577 and flats for £279,806.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg-1000x667.jpg" alt="poundbury dorset" class="wp-image-101976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/00-poundbury-Z19pdNuRUKtXe34sugoGg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This commanding, 4th floor, 3-bed penthouse apartment in Poundbury will set you back <a href="https://parkersproperty.com/details/?vebraid=33204983" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">£1.7m.</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Sunny Days Nursery, Dorchester Community Nursery School, and Summertime Nursery &amp; Pre-school have all been rated Good by Ofsted. The lovely nursery at Sunninghill Prep is worth checking out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>The Prince of Wales First School in Poundbury is Ofsted rated Good; the Thomas Hardye School with Sixth Form in Dorchester and Colyton Grammar in Colyford (6 miles) are both Outstanding. Independents within easy reach include <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/sunninghill-prep-dorchester-dorset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunninghill Prep</a> in Dorchester, Sherborne School (all boys), Sherborne Girls and Sherborne Prep (co-ed) in guess where, <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/leweston-school-sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leweston</a> and <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leweston-prep-nursery-sherborne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leweston Prep &amp; Nursery</a>, just outside Sherborne, and Exeter School.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s a hive of industry; there are around 250 businesses here, a third of them owned by female entrepreneurs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Dorchester West to London Paddington in 2 hrs 32 mins; Dorchester South to London Waterloo in around 3 hrs.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live.</a></em></p>


Poundbury

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