Knoll House Hotel

About Knoll House Hotel

A charming, family hotel situated in the beautiful Studland Bay, facing 3 miles of uninterrupted heath and expansive sand dunes.

Knoll House Hotel Description

Knoll House was built around 1900 as a summer retreat by a member of the Bankes family of Kingston Lacy. In the 1920s, it was leased to the Duke of Hamilton who lost interest when the toll road was built by the ferry company.

After a succession of summer lets it was rented in a dilapidated state, and soon purchased, by Francis ‘Chris’ and Marjorie ‘Poppy’ Smith, young hoteliers from Dorchester, who opened it as a six bedroom hotel in 1931.

The original building was extended to north and south with a view to offering holidays for families of all ages. Many of the new rooms had connecting bedrooms; a separate children’s dining room with its own kitchen catered for young children and their nannies. The hotel was an immediate success, being the first to offer such facilities.

After the outbreak of WW2 rationing made it impossible to continue and the hotel was requisitioned for troops erecting beach defences. In 1943-44 the beach and hinterland saw large scale operations in preparation for D-Day. After the war materials were short and it was not until 1946 that repairs to Knoll House were finished and the hotel could reopen.

Chris and Poppy Smith retired in 1959, having sold the hotel to Kenneth Ferguson, an engineer from Newcastle, and his wife Pauline. The Smiths had been besieged by several large groups, including Butlins, who wished to buy the hotel.

Chris and Poppy Smith wanted Knoll House to continue as they had run it and so passed on the hotel to the Fergusons who had their own three young children. The family ran the hotel for nearly 50 years with the younger generations taking the reins in the 1970s.

The hotel has changed hands again in 2017 but the family-friendly operation still continues today. The hotel attracts all ages of guest; many older generations first came as children themselves and now visit with their grandchildren.

At Knoll House we not only invite families to come and stay but also your beloved furry friends! After all dogs deserve a holiday too.

We look forward to welcoming you soon,

Knoll House Team

Reviews

User

With only a month to go until Valentine’s Day, why not spoil the love of your life with a romantic stay at Knoll House? Relax in the hot tub, take a stroll along the beach or simply wrap up warm in front of our open fire together ❤️ Enjoy a three course meal and overnight stay for just £109. Book now by clicking on the link: https://www.knollhouse.co.uk/offe…/vale ntines-at-knoll-house or call 01929 450450 #valentinesday2019 #valentinesweekend #knollhouse

User

It might be January but it’s the perfect time to take a break with your canine companion 🐶! With miles of stunning, dog friendly beaches to enjoy, a doggy dining specific area and blankets/treats a-plenty, you can book a ‘Sandy Paws’ package from £150 on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Call 01929 450450 to book or click on the link: https://www.knollhouse.co.uk/offers/sandy -paws… #dogsallowed #studland

User

These iconic ironstone pillars frame the front of Knoll House! Aren’t they stunning? They were dug out of Woodhouse Hill with great difficulty. Read more by swiping to see the next photo ➡️ #pillars #architectures #knollhouse @ Studland Beach Dorset

User

Did you know that Knoll House was visited regularly by Enid Blyton in the 1950s/60s? It is thought that a Studland policeman at the time was the inspiration for PC Plod in the Noddy books. We have a wonderful collection of memorabilia on show at the hotel so please do pop in for a browse and why not enjoy a cuppa in our bistro, which is open from 11am - 5pm daily #enidblyton #noddy #knollhouse

User

Here’s a little look around our indoor swimming pool and spa facilities! We have a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna as well as a relaxation area 💆🏼‍♀️💆🏾‍♂️Come the warmer months, we open our outdoor pool and hot tub with extensive sunbathing area, overlooking the heathland. We’ll share more on that soon! If you really feel like indulging yourself you can book a treatment with Charlotte from @purbeckretreats who is based on site. To book a midweek stay with us from just £189 on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis call 01929 450450 #spatime #swimming🏊 #hotellife

User

Who else agrees?! It's no coincidence that January is one of the most popular times to book a holiday. If you're dreaming of longer, warmer days then call the team on 01929 450450 to book your stay at Knoll House #studland #januaryblues

User

What do you look for in a hotel? A comfortable, cosy and relaxed atmosphere? Perhaps somewhere you can go to unwind from daily stresses? Well at Knoll House you can truly escape and for just £189 for a two night stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, you can be soaking up the spectacular sea views in no time! Book now by calling 01929 450450 #relaxandunwind #studland #knollhouse

User

Fancy putting your detective skills to the test? We still have a couple of places left for our Murder Mystery Weekend on 23rd February 🧐 You're also welcome to join us for the evening only and a three course dinner, call 01929 450450 to book or read more here: https://www.knollhouse.co.uk/offers/murde r-mystery-break #murdermystery

User

Thanks to Jenny from Filmcroft for sharing this short video of her stay during December with us. It really captures the essence of the hotel’s charm and it’s spectacular location. We especially love the outside evening shots, what do you think? Why not take advantage of the off-peak room rates and enjoy a two night, midweek stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis from just £189. Call 01929 450450 to book or click on the link: https://www.knollhouse.co.uk/offers/midwe ek-seasonal-special #hotelstay #studland #knollhouse

User

It's very cold out there so be sure to keep warm! At Knoll House it feels super cosy with our roaring open fire. What does your ideal Saturday night in look like? #saturdaynightsin #warmandcosy #knollhouse

User

Is your canine companion dreaming of a stay with us to kick start the new year?! Then why not take advantage of the quieter season with one of our 'Sandy Paws' breaks. We offer a dog specific dining area, treats on tap and blankets at the ready. It's the perfect break for everyone. Book here: http://ow.ly/qFmW30n4xpu or call 01929 450450 #dogfriendlyhotel #newyearbreak #knollhouse

User

Here's one of our lovely receptionists, Jenna! Always one to have a smile on her face, she'll go out of her way to make your stay an extra special one. Jenna is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to the local area and knows a thing or two about the hotel! #staffappreciation

User

With a new year upon us, it's the perfect time to blow away the cobwebs and explore the stunning natural beauty of the local area! It's easy to take things for granted but let's make 2019 a year for being thankful. See what to do in the local area by clicking here: http://ow.ly/CpVK30n4wIl #studlandbeach #bethankful #knollhouse

User

Welcome to 2019! We wish you a happy and healthy year ahead and hope you visit us soon, from all the team at Knoll House #studland #knollhouse

User

We're looking forward to celebrating this evening as we reflect on a fantastic year at Knoll House! If you'd like to join us we still have some places available for £65pp, which includes a gala buffet, casino games and dancing into the night. Call 01929 450450 for your ticket #newyearseve2018 #studland #knollhouse

User

Thanks you for the lovely review! We'd have to agree that Knoll House is particularly special at this time of year #customerappreciation #hotelreview #knollhouse

User

It's business as usual in the bistro! We're open from 11am-5pm daily. Seen as it's the season to be indulgent, come and enjoy Afternoon Tea with spectacular sea views. Call 01929 450450 to book #afternoontea #studland

User

As the year draws to end many people look back and reflect on their lives. We've been doing just that at Knoll House! We recently found these photos of what looks like the housekeeping girls back in the 1930s/40s. There's so much history here, we feel very lucky #knollhouse

User

stayed on Friday,loved it,the food was out of this world and Connor in the dining room was first class attentive and diligent.some may find this hotel a little dated,but this adds to the charm ,thank you for a memorable time.

User

We arrived at the Bistro and were greeted warmly and shown to our reserved table in the sunshine outside. Polite efficient staff, and hot, well prepared food. Always attentive, we were looked after as if we were the only people there, although in fact it was quite busy. And of course the position with the delightful grounds and that view are notably excellent in one of the five star locations on the Jurassic coast. I have a theory that works nine times out of ten and that is:'Behaviour breeds behaviour.' If you are polite and well behaved and thankful, you will bring out the best in people, unless there are extenuating circumstances. We had a romantic lunch in a beautiful place and it ticked all those important boxes. Thank you Knoll House, you looked after us well in 1961 and again in 2018. We shall be back.

User

Took my 86 year old mum for a night half board. We both loved it! Old fashioned

and quirky with lots to,do,for all age groups. Outdoor swimming pool was lovely and warm, the staff welcoming, the food very good quality and great proximity to the beach. Yes it is old fashioned but felt that was its charm. The bedrooms were comfortable and bathrooms up to date. I hope it doesn't change.

User

Today after passing Knoll House for many years I ventured into the hotel with my dog Rochy. I fell instantly in love with the place. The decor, art,view,history...I couldn't get enough of it. Sitting in the sunshine with tea and cake outside the Bistro served by my dogs new best friend Damien I meditated on the distant shimmering sea and white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks.What a place.I shall be back very soon for lunch and a stay with my dog in this hound friendly hotel.Thankyou Damien for making my first visit so memorable I shall spread the word.

User

This is our first time spent here and it’s brilliant, we brought our Labrador with us and everyone loved him, very doggy friendly, our room was lovely and clean, and the bed was amazing, so comfy, we had a room at the front and the view was fantastic, we were bed and breakfast and the breakfast was fab, we will hopefully come again next year, though it will probably change with it being sold this year, hopefully they won’t change it to much it’s a beautiful place, and the staff are all lovely , definitely recommend it.

User

Someone described very it’s old fashioned charm. We used to stay at this lovely dog friendly hotel before we moved to Dorset. We call in for lunch or just a coffee often and pleased to report the new owners are doing a great job maintaining the standards.

User

Only just arrived but wowed by the old fashioned charm of this place! Fabulous room (44) which is huge with a mini chesterfield style leather sofa and solid wood bed. Stunning views of the beach and coastline. Nice ambience with open fireplace and roaring fire. We will be back !

User

Loved the old school charm ,room was very clean,loved our terrace and view bed very comfortable,bathroom spotless ,pleasant staff,such a lovely setting, excellent breakfast.felt bistro shut to early and restaurant was on the expensive side .room numbers need to be displayed as we found navigating the hotel difficult.lady who cleaned our room was a very helpful girl and cleaned to a very high standard.would definitely recommend the hotel,will definitely be visiting again a wonderful experience

User

Loved it! Faded elegance and felt at home - Mary on the front desk was so helpful, the food was excellent and the leisure facilities and the staff at the pool were great.- can't wait to come back soon!

User

Just got home from an amazing time at the Knoll.

It's not my first Christmas there but first Christmas under new ownership.

It's not just an amazing hotel with amazing staff, it's like home!

Thank you everyone who made my Christmas so special

You're doing a great job! Love the extra touches like Father Christmas turning up on Christmas Day!

Keep going, you're smashing it!

See you all very soon!!!!!! Xxxxxxxxxxx

User

Fantastic!

Excellent value great staff especially reception, even though they owe me 50p ha ha!

Really enjoyed the food the room was lovely and position to die for.

We will be back!

User

After driving past this hotel for years when visiting Dorset we finally booked a 2 night stay and were not disappointed - it was great and very relaxing. Staying at this hotel is like stepping back into a bygone era and that is the beauty and charm of it. There was plenty for the boys to do with a TV room, games room, bar billiard table (which they loved), golf, tennis and swimming pool - yes we did go in the outdoor pool in late October!! You can also walk in the woodland and down to the beach - so no need to use the car! Our room was very comfortable - a small family suite with a separate twin room for the boys - and had all we needed. The Bistro is a modern addition but offered good food, coffee and cake. The food in the restaurant was good and the children's menu catered for their needs. A good breakfast too. Thoroughly recommend a stay here if you want to get away from the speed of current times. The hotel is under new management so I hope any changes they make don't detract from the relaxed atmosphere and history of this beautiful hotel.

User

We stayed for one night only. Living close by I’ve often wondered what the hotel was like as I often cycle and Drive past. We had booked a meal in the Pig on the Beach near by and used the hotel as accomadation as the Pig would only take 2 nights booking. We had a friendly welcome and went to our room. We had a garden suite near the swimming pool. The rooms were warm & clean .The bathroom and wash facilities were modern and contemporary a great shower with instant hot water and powerful.The rooms decorated to achieve the look of a bygone era. This is the charm of the place obviously it could all be ripped out replaced with modern Ikea esq stuff but where is the fun in that.

After a great meal and stroll back we had a great nights sleep so quiet and woke to sunshine over the Purbecks. We wish we’d brought our swim wear a jacuzzi and lovely pool would’ve been a great way to wake up. Breakfast was fab and filling. Staff very good and now we know we can bring our dog for walks and pop in it’ll be a new favourite place.

User

We had a fabulous two night mid week break and loved the hotel.

Great little pool and a great game of golf to.

Loved the old bar billiards game in the bar and the old charm of the lounges.

My only complaint is the breakfast, although extremely tasty and plentiful it was a little on the cool side and not helped by unheated plates ! But hey .... it’s a trivial thing that could be easily sorted. On the other hand, my wife and daughter ordered salmon and poached eggs rather than self serve from the buffet and that was served on very hot plates.

Overall ..... we loved it ! Charming, full of character, history, logs fires, books, dogs, kids, interesting people and on the best beach in the country.

User

Positives: Great pool, dog and familly friendly, fantastic views, lovely bedrooms and hot water, near lovely beach.



Negatives: Needs a lick of paint and the chef needs to be fired as the food was mediocre.



Great for families and pet lovers though

User

We went for afternoon tea to what we believed to be a revamped Knoll House. If the brasserie is the extent of the revamp it is so out of sync with the rest of the hotel . It was a big disappointment to be served tea in this sterile room. The waiter was surly in his services and his colleague spent time noisily rearranging the furniture.

The actual tea was very basic served on heavy pottery plates. We asked for coffee rather than tea - this is possible for an extra charge!

A disappointing experience. The view was the only positive.

User

Was a bit disappointed with the afternoon tea. The scones were not fresh and I didn’t finish one. Service was not friendly. The waiter was working alone and rushing about.

Didn’t make me feel like I want to go back and eat at the Bistro.

User

Looks tired and could do with some sympathetic updating to not lose its character. Our room was spotless and comfortable but looked dated due to the decor...and tartan carpet. Dinner was okay.....but had sold out of some main courses and starters an hour into evening service....sorry this is unacceptable. Also due to the recent takeover they were assessing the bar...and consequently had no draught ales...only bottled....yeukk! But was saved by a small range of malt whiskies and the barman (Ed). Will visit in about a year or so to see what the takeover has done.

User

Amazing location, comfy bed and nice bright, comfortable room. Relaxing atmosphere, and nice to sit on sofas in lounge in front of the fire. Nice to have dogs around. Great bar with nice larger on tap.

However, food was poor and staff at reception were unfriendly and unhelpful, except for one man, didn’t catch his name, who has 2 dogs who were gorgeous. He was very chatty and friendly.

User

stayed on Friday,loved it,the food was out of this world and Connor in the dining room was first class attentive and diligent.some may find this hotel a little dated,but this adds to the charm ,thank you for a memorable time.

User

We arrived at the Bistro and were greeted warmly and shown to our reserved table in the sunshine outside. Polite efficient staff, and hot, well prepared food. Always attentive, we were looked after as if we were the only people there, although in fact it was quite busy. And of course the position with the delightful grounds and that view are notably excellent in one of the five star locations on the Jurassic coast. I have a theory that works nine times out of ten and that is:'Behaviour breeds behaviour.' If you are polite and well behaved and thankful, you will bring out the best in people, unless there are extenuating circumstances. We had a romantic lunch in a beautiful place and it ticked all those important boxes. Thank you Knoll House, you looked after us well in 1961 and again in 2018. We shall be back.

User

Took my 86 year old mum for a night half board. We both loved it! Old fashioned

and quirky with lots to,do,for all age groups. Outdoor swimming pool was lovely and warm, the staff welcoming, the food very good quality and great proximity to the beach. Yes it is old fashioned but felt that was its charm. The bedrooms were comfortable and bathrooms up to date. I hope it doesn't change.

User

Today after passing Knoll House for many years I ventured into the hotel with my dog Rochy. I fell instantly in love with the place. The decor, art,view,history...I couldn't get enough of it. Sitting in the sunshine with tea and cake outside the Bistro served by my dogs new best friend Damien I meditated on the distant shimmering sea and white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks.What a place.I shall be back very soon for lunch and a stay with my dog in this hound friendly hotel.Thankyou Damien for making my first visit so memorable I shall spread the word.

User

This is our first time spent here and it’s brilliant, we brought our Labrador with us and everyone loved him, very doggy friendly, our room was lovely and clean, and the bed was amazing, so comfy, we had a room at the front and the view was fantastic, we were bed and breakfast and the breakfast was fab, we will hopefully come again next year, though it will probably change with it being sold this year, hopefully they won’t change it to much it’s a beautiful place, and the staff are all lovely , definitely recommend it.

User

Someone described very it’s old fashioned charm. We used to stay at this lovely dog friendly hotel before we moved to Dorset. We call in for lunch or just a coffee often and pleased to report the new owners are doing a great job maintaining the standards.

User

Only just arrived but wowed by the old fashioned charm of this place! Fabulous room (44) which is huge with a mini chesterfield style leather sofa and solid wood bed. Stunning views of the beach and coastline. Nice ambience with open fireplace and roaring fire. We will be back !

User

Loved the old school charm ,room was very clean,loved our terrace and view bed very comfortable,bathroom spotless ,pleasant staff,such a lovely setting, excellent breakfast.felt bistro shut to early and restaurant was on the expensive side .room numbers need to be displayed as we found navigating the hotel difficult.lady who cleaned our room was a very helpful girl and cleaned to a very high standard.would definitely recommend the hotel,will definitely be visiting again a wonderful experience

User

Loved it! Faded elegance and felt at home - Mary on the front desk was so helpful, the food was excellent and the leisure facilities and the staff at the pool were great.- can't wait to come back soon!

User

Just got home from an amazing time at the Knoll.

It's not my first Christmas there but first Christmas under new ownership.

It's not just an amazing hotel with amazing staff, it's like home!

Thank you everyone who made my Christmas so special

You're doing a great job! Love the extra touches like Father Christmas turning up on Christmas Day!

Keep going, you're smashing it!

See you all very soon!!!!!! Xxxxxxxxxxx

User

Fantastic!

Excellent value great staff especially reception, even though they owe me 50p ha ha!

Really enjoyed the food the room was lovely and position to die for.

We will be back!

User

After driving past this hotel for years when visiting Dorset we finally booked a 2 night stay and were not disappointed - it was great and very relaxing. Staying at this hotel is like stepping back into a bygone era and that is the beauty and charm of it. There was plenty for the boys to do with a TV room, games room, bar billiard table (which they loved), golf, tennis and swimming pool - yes we did go in the outdoor pool in late October!! You can also walk in the woodland and down to the beach - so no need to use the car! Our room was very comfortable - a small family suite with a separate twin room for the boys - and had all we needed. The Bistro is a modern addition but offered good food, coffee and cake. The food in the restaurant was good and the children's menu catered for their needs. A good breakfast too. Thoroughly recommend a stay here if you want to get away from the speed of current times. The hotel is under new management so I hope any changes they make don't detract from the relaxed atmosphere and history of this beautiful hotel.

User

We stayed for one night only. Living close by I’ve often wondered what the hotel was like as I often cycle and Drive past. We had booked a meal in the Pig on the Beach near by and used the hotel as accomadation as the Pig would only take 2 nights booking. We had a friendly welcome and went to our room. We had a garden suite near the swimming pool. The rooms were warm & clean .The bathroom and wash facilities were modern and contemporary a great shower with instant hot water and powerful.The rooms decorated to achieve the look of a bygone era. This is the charm of the place obviously it could all be ripped out replaced with modern Ikea esq stuff but where is the fun in that.

After a great meal and stroll back we had a great nights sleep so quiet and woke to sunshine over the Purbecks. We wish we’d brought our swim wear a jacuzzi and lovely pool would’ve been a great way to wake up. Breakfast was fab and filling. Staff very good and now we know we can bring our dog for walks and pop in it’ll be a new favourite place.

User

We had a fabulous two night mid week break and loved the hotel.

Great little pool and a great game of golf to.

Loved the old bar billiards game in the bar and the old charm of the lounges.

My only complaint is the breakfast, although extremely tasty and plentiful it was a little on the cool side and not helped by unheated plates ! But hey .... it’s a trivial thing that could be easily sorted. On the other hand, my wife and daughter ordered salmon and poached eggs rather than self serve from the buffet and that was served on very hot plates.

Overall ..... we loved it ! Charming, full of character, history, logs fires, books, dogs, kids, interesting people and on the best beach in the country.

User

Positives: Great pool, dog and familly friendly, fantastic views, lovely bedrooms and hot water, near lovely beach.



Negatives: Needs a lick of paint and the chef needs to be fired as the food was mediocre.



Great for families and pet lovers though

User

We went for afternoon tea to what we believed to be a revamped Knoll House. If the brasserie is the extent of the revamp it is so out of sync with the rest of the hotel . It was a big disappointment to be served tea in this sterile room. The waiter was surly in his services and his colleague spent time noisily rearranging the furniture.

The actual tea was very basic served on heavy pottery plates. We asked for coffee rather than tea - this is possible for an extra charge!

A disappointing experience. The view was the only positive.

User

Was a bit disappointed with the afternoon tea. The scones were not fresh and I didn’t finish one. Service was not friendly. The waiter was working alone and rushing about.

Didn’t make me feel like I want to go back and eat at the Bistro.

User

Looks tired and could do with some sympathetic updating to not lose its character. Our room was spotless and comfortable but looked dated due to the decor...and tartan carpet. Dinner was okay.....but had sold out of some main courses and starters an hour into evening service....sorry this is unacceptable. Also due to the recent takeover they were assessing the bar...and consequently had no draught ales...only bottled....yeukk! But was saved by a small range of malt whiskies and the barman (Ed). Will visit in about a year or so to see what the takeover has done.

User

Amazing location, comfy bed and nice bright, comfortable room. Relaxing atmosphere, and nice to sit on sofas in lounge in front of the fire. Nice to have dogs around. Great bar with nice larger on tap.

However, food was poor and staff at reception were unfriendly and unhelpful, except for one man, didn’t catch his name, who has 2 dogs who were gorgeous. He was very chatty and friendly.

More about Knoll House Hotel

Knoll House Hotel is located at Ferry Road, BH193 Studland
01929450450
http://www.knollhouse.co.uk