DATE PUBLISHED: 11 Mar 2016 LAST UPDATED: 14 Jul 2022

Ellis Jones advises on lease of Cranborne Lodge 10 Castle Street

Thirty five new jobs have been created in North Dorset with the opening of a private members club and also a fine dining restaurant which is open to the general public.

Alex and Gretchen Boon have spent a seven figure sum converting and updating the Grade II* listed Cranborne Lodge on the Cranborne Estate.

The newly named 10 Castle Street comprises a fine dining restaurant, bar and a tasting room. All are open to the public.

The private members club is on the first and second floors and includes a members bar, dining room, drawing room, billiards room, children’s playroom and nine bedrooms. Non members may also stay in the bedrooms for the night as ‘passing members.’

Alex and Gretchen previously ran the acclaimed King John Inn in Tollard Royal, Wiltshire. The couple have taken out a 25 year lease for 10 Castle Street and plan to add a spa and fitness centre as well as further bedrooms.

Nigel Taylor, Commercial Property partner with Ellis Jones Solicitors, negotiated the ‘highly complex’ lease with the Cranborne Estate.

He said: “Alex and Gretchen have worked wonders with a very historic building. The result is a highly desirable venue which looks set to be very popular.”

Alex said 100 people had already joined as members of the private club and bookings for the restaurant and tasting room were “very encouraging.”

He added: “Apart from creating 35 new jobs, we’ve also used local tradesmen for the rebuilding work. Overnight we’ve become one of the area’s biggest employers.”

Cranborne Lodge was built in the 18th century by the Stillingfleet family and then altered and extended by Thomas Erle-Drax of Charborough. It was subsequently bought by Lewis Tregonwell who became famous for building what is now the oldest property in Bournemouth.

10 Castle Street also boasts an extensive collection of sculptures and artwork, brought together by in-house art consultant Rebecca Bateman. They include pieces from the prestigious Messums gallery and London’s Cob gallery as well as various artists including Chris Levine, Patricia Low, Hazel Morgan and Ursula Leach.

For more information visit 10 Castle Street’s website: www.10castlestreet.com or call 01725 551133.

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