Mariane is originally from South Africa and spends most of her time at the family home in Durban

Snobs and Rebels Guesthouse located in the centre of the ancient Saxon hilltop market town of Shaftesbury – the destination for enlightened visitors. The décor is a range on antique and vintage British Colonial leftovers, giving the feel of the rich and colourful days of the British Empire, represented in The Polo and The Military rooms. On street parking is available in Shaftesbury but we recommend public car parks which are safe and reasonably priced.

Shaftesbury is a wonderful Saxon hilltop town set amid the rolling green countryside of the Blackmore vale - the vale of a thousand dairies! It has a long history and this is reflected in the many stone and thatched buildings in the narrow streets. It is a charming town to discover on foot with ample places for good food and drink - though you are staying at the most interesting place in Shaftesbury! The vista from the old Abbey is magnificent and Gold Hill gained it reputation from a famous Hovis advert in the 1970s which was the famous Ridley Scott's first production! The Jurassic Coast is a 45 minute drive and Thomas Hardy country is all around. The Tank Museum at Bovington is one of the most popular collections in the country. Salisbury and Dorchester are a 45 minutes drive. Shaftesbury itself has not got a railway station, the closest being Gillingham - 5miles away (NOT to be confused with Gillingham in Kent!), and Tisbury - 6 miles away. Both are served by Southwest Rail.