Purse Caundle is situated on the boundary of North Dorset and Somerset, within a conservation area, nestling between the A30 and the headwaters of the River Parrett. The Caundle name, traditionally pronounced ‘Candle’, derives from the local stream, which is a tributary of the River Yeo, and gives its name to several parishes.
The countryside in and around the parish is crisscrossed with public footpaths going through farmland and woodland, much favoured by ramblers and visitors to Dorset.
The Electoral Roll lists 90 names, and the population is mixed with some young families and many older retired residents. Housing is a mixture of privately owned, privately rented and some social housing.
St Peter’s Church which dates from 15th Century is the only public building in the village and stands in a central position. The Parish Council holds its meetings in the church.
Purse Caundle Manor also built in the 15th Century is a building of historical interest. There may originally have been two manors at Purse Caundle, with one having been used as a royal hunting lodge around the time when the early Plantagenet kings visited Blackmore Forest.