History of
The Old Stables at Branksome Dene
The Old Stables at Branksome Dene has been lovingly renovated and reconfigured to create our holiday cottage for your enjoyment.
​
It was built in 1860 by Edward Buckton Lamb (1806-1869) as part of the Branksome Dene Estate, which became home to Lord and Lady Wimborne and was frequently visited by their nephew Winston Churchill.
​
The large Estate was built on a parcel of land purchased from Robert Kerley from the Alum Cliff Estate by a Mr Charles Allen King, and consisted of the Mansion House, the Lodge, the Dower House, the Chauffeurs Cottage and our Coach House & Stables buildings; however today besides us, only the Lodge and the Mansion House (now called Zetland Court) on Alumhurst Road remain.
Branksome Dene Mansion House
​
​
By 1880, the Mansion House became the Seaside Villa of Lord and Lady Wimborne of Canford, who considerably extended the building and later sold it to Sir Ernest Cassel, a publisher and financier. Sir Ernest left the estate to his granddaughter, Edwina Ashley in 1921, who married Lord Louis Mountbatten the following year, becoming Lady Edwina Mountbatten. Subsequently, the building was used as a fruitarian and vegetarian hotel amongst other things. An advert in 1935 extols the virtues of the “Branksome Dene Hotel”, stating that it “excludes all animal foods from its menus, yet provides a dietary so varied and tasteful that it must be experienced to be appreciated”..
​
Neighbouring roads have been named after these previous owners
After falling derelict in the 1970s the main part of the building was converted to a care home during the early 1980s by the RMBI (Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution) and named in honour of the Marquess of Zetland, the then Grand Master, “Zetland Court”. Over the next two years a complete restoration of the building was undertaken with the official opening by HRH the Duke of Kent taking place on 21st April 1983.
By the 1920's the Coach House & Stables buildings were used as gardener's accommodation as well as stabling, with the surrounding area most likely being used for market gardening. Part of the property was used as a mechanics garage (the 1926 auction particulars mention an inspection pit) and later it was occupied by local car dealers Norman Motors.
During the War, together with the Mansion House, the Coach House and Stables was billeted to the Canadian Air Force.
​
​
Branksome Dene Coach House & Stables, 1926
Recent History
More recently The Old Stables has been lovingly converted from a twelve garage property with accommodation above, to a family house and the Holiday Cottage. We are fortunate enough to be part of a quiet cul-de-sac enjoying close proximity to both the beach and Westbourne village, as well as Sandbanks, Bournemouth and Poole.
2017
2018
2019
