by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Just days after serving their last meals the owners of the highly rated Yalbury Cottage on the outskirts of Dorchester have applied to operate the thatched property for AirB&B.
The Lower Bockhampton building has been a restaurant since 1974 – but the current costs of keeping it open are just too high, according to the owners.
Jamie and Ariane Jones took over the restaurant in 2007 making it a success not only for its food and accommodation but for the number of chefs and other staff trained there who went on to work for high-end establishments elsewhere.
The couple, both in their late 50s, say they are now looking forward to some time off.
A planning application to Dorset Council (P/FUL/2025/07331) asks for a change of use from restaurant to residential and using the current letting rooms for AirBnB.
A planning agent says the Grade 2 listed building, which is about 350 years old, was previously two cottages, and currently offers eight bed and breakfast rooms.
Said the agent in a statement supporting the change of use: “The intention is to maintain the building with all the original features, therefore retaining the heritage assets and minimising any impact. Externally, the building will have very minimal changes the only additions being French doors for each of the Air B&Bs which will not affect the primary elevation. Some minor internal partitions are required as well as the removal of some partitions in the transition from the current restaurant layout in order to form a more typical residential home layout; but these alterations will be as sympathetic in style and design to the existing as possible.”
The restaurant section of the property is proposed for conversion to a four-bed home: “The proposal sees the current restaurant/lounge to be converted into a residential area with a new bedroom and an office area and bathroom. with the existing kitchen remaining and the toilet area to be removed and replaced with a cloakroom and utility store,” said the statement.
A greenhouse and part of a wall will be removed under the plans to create an extra parking space with a communal kitchen area for the B&B users.
Public comments on the application remain open until January 17th.
