A FAMILY-owned leisure company has said £3.9million spent on developing luxury lodges has proved a sound investment.

Burnbake Forest Lodges are in woodland on the Rempstone estate between Corfe Castle and Studland.

The company has operated a campsite there since the mid-1970s but says the investment last year was a big step forward.

General manager Christine Wyburgh said: “It was a big decision to spend just short of £4m to develop 22 bespoke, architect-designed luxury lodges alongside our existing facilities.

“We certainly feel that we have added something very significant to the tourism offer in Dorset. There is nothing like this in the county and that was a big part of our thinking. Every lodge has a full range of luxury facilities. They are really top of the range.”

She added: “We have made a very significant investment by any standards but it’s a sound investment in the business and in the economy of Dorset.”

The lodges all have hot tubs and other features such as wood burners, flat screen TV and Wi-Fi. The company is developing a long-term marketing strategy with an emphasis on families, special interest groups and the business sector.

Ms Wyburgh said: “The lodges are perfect for families, luxury accommodation in a safe, secluded, rural environment and with many attractions within easy reach. But also we have much to offer for hikers, bird and wildlife enthusiasts, the Jurassic Coast, water sports, cycling, Swanage Railway and much more.”

The company is looking to encourage firms to use the area for employee team-building exercises.

“Although we are in the heart of the countryside, we are also right on the doorstep of the Bournemouth and Poole conurbation,” she added.

“It means we are within easy reach for a lot of organisations and we want to develop that opportunity.”

Burnbake has partnership deals with other local businesses for arranging activities and events.

Ms Wyburgh added: “Partnership working is a really important element of our business because it helps us give our clients a real taste of what the area has to offer. It’s also good for the wider tourism sector.”

The lodges are open all year round for three, four or seven night breaks.