Cranbourne Chase Stargazer

Built with one purpose in mind, Cranbourne Chase Stargazer takes dark sky accommodation to another level. This space-themed lodge sits on Whitey Top Farm within an International Dark Sky Reserve, where clear nights reveal the Milky Way arching overhead and the Andromeda Galaxy visible to patient eyes. A telescope is available to hire from the owners, turning evening soaks in the hot tub into proper astronomical expeditions. The ground floor opens into a modern living space featuring an electric woodburner for cosy evenings and patio doors leading to the veranda. A Smart TV provides entertainment when clouds obscure the stars, while the well-equipped kitchen handles everything from quick breakfasts to celebratory dinners. A dishwasher keeps cleanup minimal, and the dining area seats the family in comfort. The master bedroom on the ground floor features a kingsize bed and an ensuite shower room with Jack and Jill sinks. But the real magic happens upstairs. Climb the steep spiral stairs to the galleried mezzanine bedroom, where a second kingsize bed sits beneath windows specifically designed for stargazing. Lie back and watch the universe unfold overhead, or slip outside to the hot tub and continue the show from bubbling warmth. The mezzanine design means children under seven cannot be accommodated, and the steep stairs require reasonable mobility. The lodge best suits two adults with older children, or three adults maximum. This keeps the space from feeling cramped and ensures everyone can enjoy the stargazing experience the design prioritises. Outside, your private hot tub seats four, positioned to maximise those famous dark skies. Guests consistently mention the experience of watching stars appear as evening deepens, with the absence of light pollution revealing details invisible from most of Britain. Telescope hire adds another dimension for those wanting to explore further, with helpful guidance from the owners on what's visible during your stay. The working dairy farm provides rural character without the need to interact if solitude is preferred. Three lodges share this select park, each well-spaced to ensure genuine privacy. The hosts receive consistent praise for thoughtful touches, with one guest arriving at Christmas to find a real tree decorated and waiting. Martin Down National Nature Reserve borders the property for daytime adventures, while the New Forest National Park sits twenty minutes away. The sandy beaches of the south coast wait forty minutes distant, with the Jurassic Coast fossils adding geological interest to coastal day trips. Longleat, Peppa Pig World, Monkey World, and Bovington Tank Museum provide family entertainment within reasonable drives. But honestly, the main draw here happens after dark. This lodge was designed for stargazers, and it delivers on that promise with genuine commitment. The Dark Sky Friendly certification means something real here, and the space-themed design creates an experience genuinely different from standard holiday accommodation.