10 Castle Street – sound familiar? If it doesn’t now it soon will as this luxurious new private members’ club is destined for big things.

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful countryside in Cranborne, the Grade ll* listed house is now open to members who want to experience a truly British home away from home.

After three years of meticulous planning and renovating, owners Gretchen and Alex Boon officially opened the doors in December, 2016. It has already received high acclaim and this plush yet modest and welcoming Dorset gem is sure to do well as it offers something unique in such a stunning location.

Although 10 Castle Street is predominantly a private member’s club and hotel, the restaurant and ground floor bar is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, drinks and supper.

This stunning house boasts an extravagant history dating back to the eighteenth century. The original owners were the Stillingfleet family and it was then altered and extended by Thomas Erle-Drax of Charborough in the late 1750s. It was then bought by Lewis Tregonwell, who later became famous for building what is now the oldest property in Bournemouth.

Part of the Cranborne Estate, 10 Castle Street is a fantastic example of a traditional country mansion steeped in history, character and charm. The grand, symmetrical exterior is typical of the Palladian style of architecture which became popular in the UK in the mid-17th century.

This area was a favourite of medieval kings as a hunting ground and also has links to Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

As one steps over the threshold into 10 Castle Street you instantly pick up on its delightful character and welcoming and friendly vibe. The house alludes an organic, colonial feel; deep, warm hues continue throughout the property with complementing luxurious soft furnishings adding a homely, cosy touch. 

Having studied interior design Gretchen has a keen eye for detail. She also owns Gretchen Boon Lighting and Alex Boon is a wine merchant, owner of Museum Wines.

Gretchen says: “A lot of hard graft has gone into the refurbishment. We had to re-plumb and re-wire the whole place from scratch as it had been untouched for 70 years but that is all part of the process. Once you start the work begins to flow. For me this is my fun.

“We’ve also been able to retain some features like the wallpaper and original doors which are part of its charm and history.”

The ground floor has been divided into five key rooms consisting of a lounge, bar, pot room, dining room and tasting room. The ground floor bar and dining room are open to private members and the public. For members only, supper clubs are held on a monthly basis, as well as special wine pairing evenings.

Whether guests wish to sit by the open fire, enjoy a bottle of 10 Castle Street’s own wine with friends or spend the evening in the glass roof tasting room sampling chef’s delicious menu, the house offers it guests the perfect country residence away from the stresses of everyday life.

"Castle Street is a welcoming place for a range of people so you get to meet lots of interesting characters. Whether it’s for a pint after a country walk or a couple for afternoon tea, there’s no catchment,” continues Gretchen.

“The work has evolved from start to end and we are thrilled. Guests have been very impressed but it’s all about making sure people have a good time.”

As you explore the house you will marvel at the amazing assortment of new and old artworks that adorn the walls. Both traditional and contemporary pieces are beautifully displayed with new exhibitions held every few weeks to showcase new artists.

Gretchen and her in-house art consultant, Rebecca Bateman, have brought together not only the magnificent sculptures on display by various artists, including Hamish Mackie and Dorset artist Simon Gudgeon (Sculpture by the Lakes), but also art works from Mayfair’s Messum’s Gallery and Camden’s Cob Gallery, both in London. 

Art is such an important part of the ambiance at 10 Castle Street that even some of the walls have been hand painted by local artist Freddie Wimsett. Artists work on display includes Philips Hodges, Ursula Leach from Cranborne, Sally McLaren, Hazel Morgan from Salisbury, Luke Edward Hall, Anne Carrington (whose work has been collected by the Queen) and Chris Levine who work with the Fine Art Society.

To the first floor is an impressive private member’s Eagle bar, billiard room, private dining room, and a drawing room, plus a charming children’s playroom with around the clock childcare available.

Rooms on the upper floors are reserved for members and hotel guests, who become “passing members” for the duration.

Each of the nine individually designed bedrooms boasts an en-suite bathroom and a specific personality. With its effortless blend of quirky character features and luxury fixtures you can’t help but fall in love with this place.

10 Castle Street provides the perfect environment for a country retreat but also offers an array of activities including cycling, fishing, horse riding, shooting and sailing as well as a DJ who plays on the last Friday of every month in the member’s garden.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Gretchen and Alex strive to make all their guests feel at home. The team is very personable with staff on hand to accommodate members’ requests and requirements; whether it’s to arrange a car service, fireworks, a room strewn with gold balloons or greet guests arriving by helicopter. 

Formal grounds and ancient woodlands surround the house and provide the perfect environment to explore.

A new spa and fitness centre is currently in the pipeline with construction work to commence soon. Located next to the vegetable garden, the spa will offer an organic oasis featuring a state of the art gym, studio, indoor swimming pool, and three treatment rooms for members only.

This autumn 10 Castle Street will be hosting their inaugural Wine Festival on September 8-9, 2017. Open to all, this unique event will bring thousands of local suppliers and growers together enabling visitors to sample wines from all over the world.

• 10 Castle Street, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5PZ, www.10castlestreet.com / 01725 551133, members@10castlestreet.com