“Remarkably, this Jacobean manor house has been owned by the same family, the Prideaux-Brunes, since it was built and is currently run by a triumverate of Prideaux-Brunes, who are visibly busy front of house and in the kitchen. With an air of faded grandeur this family home is hung with old family portraits, labradors laze by the fire and the bedrooms are spacious, homely and comfortable rather than smart. The restaurant is highly regarded locally and can be bustling at weekends. A gently eccentric, very English, warmly welcoming hotel.”

Written by  Fiona Duncan

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They say

“Why do people love staying in your hotel? They like the relaxed but efficient atmosphere – almost like staying in a private house and Richard makes them feel that they are his guests and Brian (his brother, the chef) says he cooks for his friends........

What is there to do in the area or on site? On site we have croquet and a new hard tennis court and plenty of garden to sit and relax in. Around and about simply masses from walking to visiting Churches, houses, National Trust properties and land and delightful towns like Sherborne and Shaftesbury and gardens during the spring and summer months. We are always delighted to recommend days out, pubs to lunch in etc.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Everthing from cereals, dried fruits, fresh fruits, freshly squeezed orange juice to full English or fish – just ask and you will get. All dietary requirements happily catered for too.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We do dinner 7 nights a week and lunch on Sundays and very happy to recommend places to eat out locally.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? They are all popular; the variety means that we can accommodate everyone from single to disabled, families and families with children and dogs......

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Plumber Manor is a great place to get away from life and relax with great food and wine, very comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Not modern and stylish but very, very comfortable, classic and unique......almost the last of the privately owned and run hotels and we are celebrating this year 40 years of experience with the same owners.”