This stunning grade two listed country house is arguably one of Dorset's best kept secrets.

Until now hidden behind a pair of wooden gates, the full glory of 10 Castle Street and its accompanying formal gardens and ancient woodland can now be explored by the public as it opens its doors as a fine dining restaurant and exclusive members' club.

Gretchen and Alex Boon spent two years meticulously planning their vision, which includes a bar, tasting room and outside terrace on the ground floor, as well as a private members' club on the first and second floor featuring a members' bar, dining room, drawing room, billiard room, children's playroom and private outside bar and terrace.

The 18th century property, which was formerly a private residence, has a history as a favourite hunting ground of medieval kings, with links to Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

"It's an absolutely stunning property and we fell madly in love with it," explains Gretchen, who owned The King John Inn in Tollard Royal with Alex for eight years.

"Because that happened, we planned around what we could do with it. The idea evolved quite a lot from the initial concept."

The pair were keen on opening a restaurant with rooms, but eventually decided to also offer a members' club. In stage two of the development, a new purpose built spa and fitness centre will open its doors next year, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, studio, indoor and outdoor swimming pool and three treatment rooms.

“We have been going to auctions and antique shops to find lovely furniture but we have also used local craftsmen and artists for bespoke pieces. We really try to support locals where we can,” says Gretchen, who owns Gretchen Boon Lighting, while husband Alex owns Museum Wines.

Much of the furniture has been sourced from furniture has been sourced from furniture makers such as Dorset-based Jonathan Sainsbury, while works of art are a particular focus at 10 Castle Street, thanks to in-house art consultant Rebecca Bateman.

A beautiful installation named Sylph, by British sculptor Simon Gudgeon, who owns Sculpture by the Lakes sculpture park near Dorchester, greets visitors at the front of the house, while a bronze camel and an Andalusian stallion, both by Hamish Mackie, sit on the front and back lawns respectively. The latter is one of just six life and quarter size horses commissioned by developers Berkeley Group for the main piazza at Goodmans Fields in London.

Other pieces include those by Shaftesbury based photographer Bella West; a portrait entitled Frankel the Great 2013, the first of six Frankel portraits by Chris Levine; paintings by Cranborne's own Ursula Leach and a unique piece entitled The Air We Breathe, by sculptor Brendon Murless, who lives in Nettlecombe, near Bridport.

Work from Messums Gallery and the Cob Gallery, both in London, will also be on display.

Gretchen and Alex have worked closely with chef Dan Syndercombe to ensure the dining experience is also a work of art.

Dan, who spent nine years developing his modern techniques to create his own unique style, is overseeing the menu at the 40-seater restaurant, with a focus on the finest seasonal offerings from fish and meat to oils and herbs, some of which are grown in the kitchen garden within the grounds.

A 25-seater tasting room, set behind the restaurant's doors, under a glass roof with a view into the kitchen, offers a unique experience to guests, with a six-course tasting menu, while the striking Pillar Bar is open to all.

Individually designed bedrooms each boast a unique feel and charm whether for a weekend away, a holiday in the heart of Dorset, a wedding or a shooting party. Dogs are welcome too, with several pet-friendly rooms available.

"It's all taking shape, which is so nice to see because it's been two years in the making," says Gretchen.

"We soon realised that there wasn't anything like this in Dorset."

To find out more about dining or staying at 10 Castle Street, or to enquire about membership, call 01725 551133, email enquiries@10castlestreet.com or visit 10castlestreet.com.