Three things make The Ollerod what it is: a 14th century building, a small devoted team, and the quietly extraordinary corner of Dorset that surrounds it.
The Setting
Beaminster sits in a fold of the hills, ten minutes from the Jurassic Coast. The Ollerod makes an ideal base for exploring West Bay, Lyme Regis, and the quieter footpaths in between.
Our History
Constructed as a clergy house for local priests, featuring traditional Dorset hamstone architecture and medieval craftsmanship.
Converted to a tudor dwelling with new partitions and stone mullion windows (some still visible today), reflecting the architectural styles of the era.
Occupied by a catholic family who installed a hidden 'priest hole' for secret worship during religious persecution. It remains a fascinating feature in one of our four poster rooms
A new wing was added to the building, which, after a few hundred years, is now our kitchen and one of our four poster rooms
As Beaminster grew into a lively market town, the building evolved beyond its clerical roots to welcome travelers with a coaching-inn style.
The original coach house was restored and converted into guest accommodations (now our self catering apartments), marking the beginning of its journey as a boutique hotel.
The property was revitalized by a creative London couple who transformed the historic building into a stylish country hotel.
Silvana Bandini took ownership, rebranding as The Ollerod and establishing a 'restaurant with rooms' that blends traditional character with modern design.
Award-winning restaurant forced to shut due to national hospitality crisis. Start of the new "Bed & Bar" evolution
The Team
Owner & Host
Silvana Bandini got the keys for The Ollerod in March 2018; she has a wealth of experience in hospitality and decided it was time to follow her dream and buy her own place. Silvana walked into what was The Bridge House Hotel in Beaminster and fell in love with the building and the area. She has been putting her own stamp on it (including a name change) without altering the intrinsic beauty and character of the building.
