The DOMVS Almanac issue #5_Winter 2022

THE
DOMVS
ALMANAC
At Home in Dorset
# 005
Winter 2022

Welcome to The DOMVS Almanac
ALMANAC noun [ C ] (also almanack) a handbook, typically seasonal, that includes
information for the year such as important days, weather, traditions, tips and nature.
We are proud to present issue five of The DOMVS
Almanac, which brings to you our highlights of living
in Dorset. With each new season, we will share with
you the hidden gems of our beautiful county, from our
favourite countryside walks and the best places to go for
the freshest seafood, to one-of-a-kind shops that aren’t
to be missed and inspiring local creatives. Read on to
find out how to make the very best of your home, your
garden and your mind, body and soul.
From the purveyors of the most scrumptiously tasty
treats, to the most talented designers, decorators,
and stylists, we’ve partnered with independent Dorset
businesses who are incredibly passionate about where
we’re from and what we do, and we’re all here to help
you feel at home in Dorset.
To discover more about the beautiful Dorset home
pictured here, read on...

Three bedrooms | Two entertaining spaces | Large cellar | Garage | Grade II Listed | Offers over £550,000
Puddletown, Dorset | Contact Polly Greenway: 01305 757300
Modern village location, 18th century charm
In association with
In association with
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domvs.co.uk

Three bedrooms | Two reception spaces | Paddock and stables | Rural views | Circa 1.1 acres | Offers over £800,000
Frome St Quintin, Dorset | Contact Greg Carter: 01305 757300
Period character, idyllic location
In association with
domvs.co.uk
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Michael Blyth - Photographer
Our Partners
Our partners (above) comprise some of the best
producers Dorset has to offer, all independent businesses
founded and located in Dorset, brought together to
promote not only each other, but the glorious lifestyle and
products our unique county has to offer.
We are always looking for exciting and innovative
new partners, so if you fit the bill and would like to be
involved, please get in touch.
On the Cover (and above)
‘Whispering Spirit’ by Simon Gudgeon, on show at
Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington, nr. Dorchester
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Director
Polly Greenway
Almanac Online
Zach Trigg
zach.trigg@domvs.co.uk
domvs.co.uk/almanac
Almanac Editorial & Design
Charlie Ryan
charlie.ryan@domvs.co.uk

Jurassic Coast
Farm Shop
Inside this Season
3, 17, 29 & back cover. Dream homes from DOMVS
7. Introducing Coral Interiors, Bournemouth
13. Shire Hall host a British Museum Spotlight Loan
15. Enjoy a sweet treat from Rosemary Rogers Catering
19. Travel in style EBIKE Cafe @ Deheers
25. Introducing Brace of Butchers, Poundbury
31. Christmas at Sculpture by the Lakes
35. Glow through winter with Sarah Dale Aesthetics
37. What’s on at The Oyster & Fish House
38. Big opportunities at Sunninghill Prep School
23. Feed the family with NEST
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Home
Makers
Introducing Coral Interiors, Bournemouth
Since 2014, Coral Interiors has specialised in interiors
for period homes and holiday cottages. One of our
favourite projects has been ‘Furlongs’, a stunning barn
conversion holiday cottage in the beautiful setting of
Abbotsbury, Dorset. The client had identified a barn on
their estate which could be converted and extended to
provide a substantial holiday cottage over two floors.
The client and their build team created a stunning
building with stacks of charm including original oak
beams and exposed stone walls. We partnered with them
to create a welcoming, harmonious scheme to reflect the
coastal countryside setting.
It’s really important with holiday cottages not to cram
as many beds in as possible. Think about ‘optimising not
maximising’; if you have beds for six people, you need to
be able to comfortably seat six people around the dining
table, and have relaxed seating for that many people in
reception rooms and the garden.
With three reception areas and a vast open-plan kitchen/
dining space, there is room at Furlongs for family
members to do their own thing, whether that be playing
board games, reading, watching TV or relaxing after
dinner.
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The five bedrooms each have their own personality and
features and can comfortably accommodate ten guests.
With zip-and-link beds, we added flexibility for some
rooms to be configured as luxurious doubles or useful
twins.
We also try to think about multiple generations and the
ages/needs of guests. For example, we use chairs with
high backs and firm seats alongside slouchy corner
sofas where possible. It’s also important to factor in
accessibility early on, with low or no thresholds, wide
doorways, and wet rooms rather than shower cubicles,
especially in ground floor en-suites.
Technology is also key; a decent broadband service is
essential to allow all guests to stay connected or even
be able to work remotely. Large TVs with sound bars,
bluetooth speakers, and USB wall sockets all make the
guests feel welcomed and make their stay as convenient
as possible. And don’t forget an electric car-charging
point on the driveway.
Our key recommendation is to think about your target
market from the outset. Why are they likely to book
your property? Are they likely to be large family groups
with children and grandparents, or is it a cosy cottage
for two? If walking is a key activity, then consider a
boot room and allowing a well-behaved dog or two. Is
a hot tub an option, or a pizza oven, Shepherd’s hut, or
outdoor games room? Always aim for that wow factor, so
you can command a better nightly rate and attract more
bookings.
To find out more about Coral Interiors, visit
coralinteriors.co.uk
With a Visit England Gold 5-star rating, Furlongs
can be booked through Luxury Dorset Cottages at
luxurydorsetcottages.co.uk
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Crossings:
Community
& Refuge
Shire Hall, Dorchester hosts a
British Museum Spotlight Loan
A highlight of the year, Shire Hall is delighted to host a
British Museum Spotlight Loan ‘Crossings: Community
and Refuge’. Opened on Friday 2nd December, this
exhibition engages audiences in questions of identity,
belonging and sharing our world.
A Grade I Listed building, Shire Hall was Dorset’s centre
of justice from 1797 until 1955. Now an award-winning
social justice museum, Shire Hall brings over 200 years
of justice and injustice to life.
Shire Hall Museum is the final venue on this UK-wide
tour from the British Museum, the first time the
‘Lampedusa Cross’ has been displayed across the
country. Made from the remnants of a boat carrying
refugees wrecked near the Italian island of Lampedusa,
close to the coast of Tunisia, the cross carries poignant
messages about kindness, community and the
indifference faced by many refugees.
Alongside the cross will be a display of twelve tiny boats
from Syrian-born Issam Kourbaj’s series ‘Dark Water,
Burning World’ (pictured above), made from repurposed
bicycle mudguards tightly packed with burnt matches to
represent the fragile vessels used by refugees to make
their perilous voyages across the Mediterranean.
Jill Cook, Curator at the British Museum, says: “The
Lampedusa Cross reminds us of all the histories that
are lost and of the thousands of people who are not
otherwise remembered. The wood, with its paint
blistered by the sun and smelling of salt, sea, and
suffering, embodies a crisis of our times, as well as hope.
The cross invites discussion of the varied reactions to
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one of the great tragedies of our time. It is an artefact
shaped by tragedy that symbolises those who have
nothing and desperately seek to share in a better
future. As such, it is touchingly complemented by Issam
Koubaj’s little boats.”
Alongside the objects on loan from the British Museum,
the exhibition features objects kindly loaned by Dorset
History Centre and Portland Museum. From the 1872
wreckage of the Royal Adelaide and the thousands of
people travelling through Blandford from across the
world to penal transportation and forced migration
overseas, the exhibition will explore the journeys people
made and their impact throughout the world.
Nina Corey, Director of Shire Hall Museum, says:
“Throughout history, people have set out on journeys
across our world. Some are made by choice, others in
hope, and there are also journeys people have been
forced to make. In this exhibition, we’re taking a closer
look at the stories behind those journeys.
“Inspired by the incredible objects loaned to us by the
British Museum, we wanted to explore our local history
and the stories of people who travelled through or from
Dorset. We were interested not just in the journeys that
people made, but the reasons and motivation behind
them.”
‘Crossings: Community and Refuge’ is at Shire Hall
Museum from 2nd December 2022 until 26th February
2023. Entry to the exhibition is included with a Museum
ticket. For more information, visit shirehalldorset.org
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Crème Brûlée Rosemary’s Way
A fresh twist on a timeless classic from Rosemary Rogers Catering
Serves: four
Equipment:
• 4 x individual ramekins
Ingredients:
• 600ml double cream
• 1 vanilla pod split lengthways
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 dessert spoons caster sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons caster sugar for the crunchy top
1. Chill four individual ramekin dishes in the freezer.
2. Heat together the cream and vanilla pod, whisking to
disperse the seeds into the cream. Remove from the heat
and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
3. Lightly beat together the egg yolks and sugar. Strain
the cream into the egg mixture and whisk thoroughly.
4. Heat the custard over a very low heat, stirring
constantly. Stop from time to time to see if there is a
tremble from the custard as it begins to heat. When
this happens, beat with a whisk to disperse the heat.
Keep gently heating and whisking until it reaches an
almost jelly-like consistency. Start testing after about
10 minutes by removing from the heat and drawing the
whisk across the surface of the custard.
5. Pour into the ramekins and chill in the fridge for 8
hours or overnight.
6. About 1 hour before serving, sprinkle with caster
sugar and caramalise using a blow torch or by placing
under a hot grill. Serve with a side of berries and a
shortbread biscuit.
To discuss your catering needs with Rosemary, visit
facebook.com/rosemaryrogerscatering
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Four bedrooms | Two reception spaces | South-facing garden | Garage and parking | Offers over £675,000
Bere Regis, Dorset | Contact Alison Owens: 01929 555300
Central village location, peaceful, private garden
In association with
In association with
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domvs.co.uk

Five bedrooms | Two reception spaces | Large garden | Garage | Grade II listed | Guide price £695,000
Wareham, Dorset | Contact Trisha Ashby-Rudd: 01929 555300
Historic town location, river views
In association with
domvs.co.uk
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Vehicle for Life
Test ride the Specialized Turbo Vado at EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers
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Drop into the EBIKE Cafe @ Deheers on Custom House
Quay, Weymouth and test drive the ‘eBike of the Year
2022’, Specialized Turbo Vado, as voted by Cycling
Plus Magazine.
Specialized Turbo Vado - ‘Your Vehicle for Life’
You’re more than a bike rider, and Turbo Vado is more
than a bike. Yes, it’s fast (4x you), but we think you’ll
appreciate its versatility just as much. It’s powerful yet
smooth. Fun but functional. A bike you can commute on,
workout with, carry lots of stuff on — then lock up and
walk away.
Our customers tell us:
• It’s seriously smooth
• It gives them superpowers, as much as 4 x YOU!
• You can ride it anywhere with up to a 90-mile range
• And it just looks lovely
Book a test ride and let the Turbo Vado speak for itself.
Whatever colour or size you’re after, Josephine and
Peter can call one down from the Specialized warehouse
if they don’t have one in stock, ready for you to pick up
in a matter of days.
In the meantime, the shorter days have seen us
introduce our Winter menu at EBIKE Cafe, with lots of
tasty treats, including our brand new Moroccan Bowl,
served warm with quinoa, chilli butternut squash, kale,
beetroot, black beans and falafel, dressed with mint
yoghurt, olive oil, pumpkin seeds and Moroccan spices.
We have a vegan option for this scrumptious dish too,
or if you want to go full carnivore, we can add chicken.
Finally, add a glass of Golden Milk, a special Ayurvedic
drink that will put a pep in your step. You’ll feel on top of
the world and like you’ve been whisked away.
EBIKE CAFE @ Deheers is open seven days a week, from
9am to 4pm, on the ground floor of Deheers, 9A Custom
House Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8BG.
Find out more at ebikecafe.co.uk
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NEST
Nurture, Educate,
Support - Together
NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy Service
offering bespoke support to families with children aged
0-5 years. NEST works closely with you and your family
in a nurturing and non-judgmental way, to support you in
your child’s early years. NEST is proud to have a strong
ethos ensuring that every family receives a service
which is confidential, informative, and exclusively
tailored to each individual family and their needs.
NEST was founded in 2018 by Lucy, a qualified Norland
Nanny and Maternity Practitioner who has ten years
of experience, and has worked with families and
their children, both privately and in the community
through the NHS. This enabled Lucy to gain a wealth
of knowledge and experiences, and she passionately
believes that no two journeys are the same, which is why
she felt a bespoke service should be made available.
For more information:
Visit: n-est.co.uk
Call: 07825 308570
Email: nestchildren.enquiries@gmail.com
Or find us on social media at:
facebook.com/NESTchildren
instagram.com/nest.children
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Big Night In
With Brace of Butchers, Poundbury
As the temperature drops and daylight dwindles,
the prospect of venturing out can seem rather
underwhelming – typically, this coincides with the climax
of our social calendars over the festive period! And with
worries about rising costs and tighter budgets, it can
feel daunting when you’re faced with so many invitations
to dinners, drinks parties and trips to the pub. That’s
why, this year, we’re perfecting the art of the night in.
Forget paying through the nose for elaborate but
disappointingly small cocktails and getting cold as you
wait for the taxi home. Instead, this year we’re all about
rounding up our favourite people and putting on some
top-notch food to enjoy from the comfort of our own
home – or a friend’s.
Ben (pictured above left) and Rob, our expert butchers,
can help you find everything you need for feasting at
home this winter; whether you want to go gourmet with
duck breast for two, host a chilled steak night, or need
a luscious leg of lamb for your home-style carvery, our
dynamic duo can help you pick the right cut, give you tips
on how to prepare it and recommend lots of produce to
pair it with.
If picky teas are your thing, Lee is the man to speak to
– he carefully curates our in-house charcuterie range,
delicately smoking and curing a range of treats that are
perfect for the occasion. Of course, no charcuterie board
can be complete without a choice of fine cheese, which
is Henry’s area of expertise. Whether you’re a cheese
novice or connoisseur, Henry (pictured above right) will
be able to help you build a superb selection of texture
and flavour.
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To top it all off, we have a fantastic range of local drinks.
What could be better than curling up with a beautiful
bottle of Bride Valley Pinot Noir on a chilly evening?
We’ve also got plenty of choice for the beer, cider,
cocktail, gin, and rum drinkers. Whatever your tipple of
choice, we promise to deliver something delicious.
So that’s it, our recipe for the best big night in; great
company + great food + great drinks. The team is
always on hand in the shop or on the phone to help you
prepare for your own night in, whether it’s a low-key,
sophisticated dinner or a wine and cheese night with
friends. Either way, it will cost you less than a night out,
and you can stay warm and cosy!
Brace of Butchers can be found in Queen Mother
Square, Poundbury. To find out more, visit the website at
braceofbutchers.co.uk or call 01305 260956.
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Pictured: Brace of Butchers beetroot gratin
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Four bedrooms | Three entertaining spaces | Wine cellar | Rural and coastal views | Offers over £775,000
Weymouth, Dorset | Contact Gabby Lock: 01305 835300
Convenient town location, stunning rural views
In association with
29
domvs.co.uk

Four bedrooms | Three reception spaces | Extensive parking | One-bedroom annexe | Offers over £625,000
Weymouth, Dorset | Contact Gabby Lock: 01305 835300
Family home, income potential
In association with
domvs.co.uk
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Pictured: ‘Luna’ by Simon Gudgeon
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Winter
Wonderland
Christmas at Sculpture by the Lakes
A wintry walk through The Sculpture Park, a tasty lunch
in The Kitchen café, a feast for the eyes in The Gallery,
followed by a wander through The Store and The Pantry
perusing unique and beautiful gifts – your perfect
day awaits at Sculpture by the Lakes this Christmas!
The festive season is a special time to visit this multiaward-winning
attraction nestled in the heart of the
countryside at Pallington, near Dorchester. For those in
the know, the combination of The Sculpture Park, where
art meets nature across 26-acres of gardens, woodland,
rivers and lakes, and The Makers Yard, with its fresh
dining and artisan shopping opportunities, is the perfect
tonic to the commercialised mayhem December can
bring.
The Store is brimming with creations from the hands of
more than 80 artists and makers from around Dorset
and beyond, and treasures from as far afield as Morocco,
including ceramics, textiles, jewellery and more. In The
Pantry, visitors can discover exceptional produce from
passionate artisanal producers, from small batch chili
sauces to botanical gins - the perfect presents for the
foodie in your life. The Kitchen is open for coffees, cakes,
and lunches, including seasonal delights sourced from
the park’s own kitchen garden, and no visit is complete
without a wander around The Gallery, where the
exhibition closing out the year is ‘Look Up! A Journey
Through Print Land’, a stunning celebration of the
ingenuity, diversity and sheer magic of contemporary
printmaking.
With its delicious food and beautiful venues across
the park, which can host between four to 100 people,
Sculpture by the Lakes is also the ideal spot for
Christmas parties and corporate away days, providing an
inspirational setting for colleagues to connect and enjoy
time outdoors. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the
website for details of additional seasonal events, such
as late-night shopping with fire-cooked food and mulled
wine, and the popular Saturday night Supper Club in The
Kitchen.
Sculpture by the Lakes is open Tuesdays to Saturdays,
10am - 5pm during the winter. Tickets to The Sculpture
Park are £14.50, and entry to The Makers Yard, including
The Gallery, The Kitchen, The Pantry and The Store, is
free. See sculpturebythelakes.co.uk
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Pictured: ‘Dancing Cranes’ by Simon Gudgeon
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Pictured: ‘Breeze’, linocut by Lisa Takahashi

Pictured: ‘Holkham’, linocut by Colin Moore
Pictured: ‘Thoth’ by Simon Gudgeon

Winter Sparkle
Face the season with Dorset’s skincare specialists, Sarah Dale Aesthetics
Frosty mornings, crisp afternoons... winter has
descended! We are embracing this glorious change
of season but, as always, it can leave our skin feeling
compromised and in need of some replenishment and
repair. Here at Sarah Dale Aesthetics, we are familiar
with supporting our clients’ skin as it adapts to the
colder months.
We bring you the most advanced skincare and nonsurgical
treatments in Dorchester and across Dorset.
Our clinic offers a natural and effective alternative
to anti-aging injectables and surgery. We consider
ourselves a pro-aging clinic and feel we can embrace and
even celebrate the aging process with style and dignity.
We are recommended by GPs and dermatologists
alongside having NHS contracts. Clinical lead Tanya
Lambert-Culling and her team of aesthetic clinicians
provide you with their extensive experience of skincare
and four different laser platforms. We work to the
highest standards of professional excellence and thanks
to our extensive research we only offer the safest and
most effective treatments.
OUR TOP THREE SAVIOUR TIPS FOR DISTRESSED SKIN
- Hydration
- Repair
- Rejuvenate
We can help you combine the scientific evidence of
ingredients within our skincare ranges with the expert
knowledge of our clinicians to achieve these goals.
TREATMENTS FOR EVERYONE
We specialise in skin solutions for:
- Redness/rosacea
- Pigmentation
- Broken facial/leg vessels
- Acne and scarring
- Hair removal
- Collagen building
It’s a great time of year to start your skin health journey
with us. We offer complimentary consultations with all of
our clinicians, so you can determine the best solution for
you. We cater to all different skin types and lifestyles.
With over 160 5-star reviews on Google, you can trust
that you are in the best hands. We pride ourselves on
our welcoming and specialist care.
sarahdaleaesthetics.com
facebook.com/sarahdaleaesthetics
E. info@sarahdaleaesthetics.com
T. 01305 269220
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Three bedrooms | Period features | Gardens and terrace | Off-street parking | Offers in excess of £350,000
Chideock, Dorset | Contact Benjamin Dobson: 01308 805500
“Chocolate box” charm, close to the beach
In association with
domvs.co.uk