About us
The Cree Family
We are the Cree family, and Moignes Court has been home to our family for eight generations, beginning with John Cree, who came here in 1826.
Over the years, generations of the family have lived, worked and grown up within these walls — at one point, four generations were living here together. Pamela and George Cree made their home here, followed by their son Martin Cree and his wife Anne, who lived at Moignes Court from 1980 until 2022.
Following the death of Martin’s mother, Martin and Anne moved on and we took over the care of the house in 2022, becoming the seventh generation to call Moignes Court home, with our children now the eighth.
We feel incredibly fortunate to be the custodians of such a special place and see it as our responsibility not only to protect and preserve it for future generations, but to keep it alive. Our hope is for Moignes Court to remain a creative, welcoming place — somewhere people can come together, explore its history, stay, create, celebrate and make memories of their own. By sharing the house and its story with the public, we hope to ensure that this remarkable place continues to be loved and lived in for generations to come.
Generation 5 George and pamela Cree
George Alexander McMahon Cree (1918–2007) and his wife Pamela Pope Cree (1923–2020) were the next generation to make their home at Moignes Court. George served in the British Army, reaching the rank of Major, and later farmed the estate. Pamela came from another prominent Dorset family: she was a granddaughter of Alfred Pope, of Dorchester’s famous Eldridge Pope brewery, who was also a solicitor, magistrate and twice Mayor of Dorchester. George and Pamela raised their family at Moignes Court, including their son Martin Cree, who joined the board of Eldridge Pope in 1977. In 1980 Martin took over the running of Moignes Court, while George and Pamela moved to nearby Court Cottage. George died on 3 March 2007, aged 88, and Pamela remained at Court Cottage until her death on 1 November 2020, aged 97.
Generation 6 Martin and Anne Cree
Martin and Anne Cree took over the care of Moignes Court in 1980 and made it their family home for the next forty years. Martin worked for the family brewery, Eldridge Pope, and following its closure went on to establish his own business, Wire Fittings, in Swanage, which made postcard stands. Anne was a much-loved teacher at the local village school until its closure. She also ran the Sunday school in the village and devoted much of her time to supporting Martin in his work, caring for their home and family, and serving the local community. Both Anne and Martin were strong supporters of the church restoration fund, helping to raise money and taking an active part in the parish council.
Above all, Anne was at the heart of family life at Moignes Court. She was a devoted mother and a wonderful grandmother, filling the house with warmth, kindness and love and creating many happy memories for the generations who grew up around her. In her later years Anne developed Alzheimer’s disease, but remained surrounded by the family who loved her dearly. Her loss is still deeply felt, and she is remembered with enormous affection by her children and grandchildren. Following the death of his mother Pamela in 2020, Martin passed the responsibility for Moignes Court to the next generation and moved from the house, bringing his forty years as its custodian to a close.
Hi I'm Ralph Current Custodian of Moignes Court and I have lived at here on and off since 1980. It’s a place I deeply love.
I have been a professional musician since 1997, playing mainly drum kit, world percussion and keyboards. Music Technology has been a passion of mine since 1998, recording my own and others work, as well as teaching it.
I have had a love of meditation since travelling to India in 1997, and over the last few years have been developing a teaching methodology I call Body Heart Mind Spirit. This brings in my other three main interests: Psychology, Philosophy and Body-Weight strength and fitness.
here are the links to my websites
Hi my name is Rebecca Cree and I am Ralph Cree's wife. I am an entrepreneur specialising in accommodation, education and music.
I am a Hammered Dulcimer player and music teacher of over 20 years. I have performed all over the world with my sister as a dulcimer duo and currently perform with my Husband Ralph Cree a set of our own musical compositions.
I also home educate my two children
As well as this I co-manage Moignes Court as a holiday venue and retreat centre.
We offer accommodation in vintage vehicles at Moignes Court and rent out the main house for holidays and events.
So, as you can see I am a pretty diverse lady. My main passion is to make Moignes Court into a thriving inspirational venue that offers educational workshops, and awesome holidays that are completely unique and so much FUN!! Weve even been feature on TV a couple of times. you can click the link below to find out more! Hope to see you here at Moignes Court very soon!!