The ICM Communications team recently enjoyed a week of history, having the unique opportunity to film properties in the calendar of events for Dorset Architectural Heritage Week.

ICM Chairman, Dr Alistair Somerville Ford, has sponsored the event for over five years, providing generous funds to help ensure Dorset’s architecture continues to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the county.

Held each September, Heritage Week sees an abundance of stunning properties open their doors to visitors completely free of charge – many of which are normally closed to the public, providing the perfect opportunity for architecture enthusiasts to discover some of Dorset’s hidden charms.

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The calendar of events during the week has plenty to whet the appetite – featuring churches, private homes, museums and art galleries, as well as rural walks, river cruises and educational lectures.

For 2008, a true highlight was the unique chance to explore a 16th century Huntsman’s Lodge, which has been lovingly converted into a private home and is now a true reflection of contemporary living in a 500-year-old property.

Also of note was Maiden Castle, an Iron Age hill fort where disabled and elderly visitors enjoyed tractor and trailer rides around its ramparts, as well as Sturminster Newton Mill, a stunning property where flour has been produced from grain for over 350 years.

Heritage Week is a pan-European event, which takes place in counties across the UK and in each of the European member states. In Dorset, environmental educational charity, the East Dorset Heritage Trust (EDHT), is the event’s main organiser.

Alan Wilson, Director of EDHT, said: “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from those who participated this year – both the hosts and the visitors. The owners of Hawker’s Farm had a lovely week and we’ve had some wonderful comments from the people who did the tour of the farm. I think that one property really typifies what Heritage Week is all about.”

To find out more about this exciting event, click on the video above or visit: http://projects.icm.ac.uk/dorset-architectural-heritage-week

By Natasha Piscitelli