Dorset

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Entertainment

Bathtub

Bathroom

Dishwasher

Fridge

Kitchen

Kitchen Utensils

Microwave

Oven

Kitchen & Dining

Washing Machine

Bedroom & Laundry

Wi-fi

Internet & Office

Central Heating

Fireplace

Heating & Cooling

Parking Available

Parking & Access

Garden

Outdoor

Child Friendly

Other

If you’ve been dreaming of a classic countryside escape, look no further than this 16th-century, Grade II listed cottage. Set within the Cranbone AONB, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful countryside, while the nearest pub and farm shop in Winterborne Whitechurch are just a short walk away. It’s also a great base for exploring the Dorset coast – Weymouth and Lyme Regis are within easy driving distance. Back at home, there’s a peaceful garden, an outdoor pizza oven, cosy rooms, wood burning stoves and plenty of traditional character. 


A Timeless Place

Satellite / Cable TV

Hair Dryer

Luxury Toiletries

Rain Shower

Toiletries

Cafetiere

Coffee Maker

Cooking Essentials

Freezer

High Chair

Kettle

Stove

Toaster

Black-Out Blinds

Cleaning Products

Cot / Crib

Hangers

Iron

Ironing Board

Luxury Bedding

Desk

Laptop Friendly Workspace

Temperature Control

Free Parking On Street

Free Parking On Premises

Early / Late Check-Out Available

Gated Community

Helipad

Private Entrance

Self Check-in / Check-out

Single-Level Home

Outdoor Fireplace / Firepit

Outdoor Seating

Sun Loungers / Beach Chairs

Throws

Nice to haves

Pet Bowls

Pets Allowed

Pets

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Smoke Detector

A historic gatehouse on the grounds of the Shaftesbury Estate in rural Dorset, this petite one-bed lodge has recently undergone a loving refurb by one of the estate owners, Lady Shaftesbury. She obviously has a great eye for design, as her palette of delicious apricot and duck egg blue stylishly updates this vintage cottage into not just a twenty-first-century home, but a home with charm and character. There are plenty of thoughtful touches we found exquisite, from soft dressing gowns to the complementary breakfast hamper – and everything, from Egyptian cotton bedding to the plush sofas, is of boutique hotel quality. The hosts are attentive, meticulously committed to making sure your every whim is met. All in all, this cosy country hideaway is perfect for city escapes, with nearby the great beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest, the National Trust property of Kingston Lacey, cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth and traditional seaside in Bournemouth. And while it feels like one of a kind, a twin lodge and two maisonettes in a neighbouring cottage are also available, so you can bring your friends too (although you might want to keep this little secret to yourself). 

A Little Peach

Board Games

Library of Books

Pool / Snooker Table

Projector

Sound System

Bathrobes

Heated Towel Rail

Blender

Espresso Machine

Ice Machine

Mini Bar

Wine Cooler

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Vacuum Cleaner

Underfloor Heating

Private Parking

Multiple Sets of Keys

Step-Free Access

Wheelchair Access

Courtyard

Garden Games

Umbrellas

Come for the countryside, stay for the drama. Set in the sprawling Wiltshire estate that once belonged to the twelfth Earl of Shaftesbury, this former riding house exudes the spirit of the original stables thanks to a meticulous restoration – modern comforts meet ancient artefacts and authenticity. It's one of those homes that takes your breath away from the second you open the front door. The owners have made no effort to cover up the fact it's from a bygone era – and that's why we love it, true to the past with period artwork, original features, beamed ceilings, even a banqueting hall for grand feasts (which feels very extravagant when you're having your cereal). The velvet furnishings and exposed brick only add to the step back in time. An honesty bar is housed in a secret cupboard by the billiard table, and there are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves where you can select a novel to lose yourself in. Each bedroom comes with a luxurious roll-top bath, and the wooden dividers that once separated horses have been cleverly repurposed to create privacy screens. Outside, vast acres of the manor's parkland are yours to explore, so remember to bring your welly boots. This home is a fine example of outstanding restoration – countryside lovers may never want to leave.

The Riding House

Amazon Prime

Netflix

Dryer

Drying Rack

Desk / Workplace

Access to Beach

Safe

An elegant apartment by the sea, this home in Swanage is just a few minutes' walk from the seafront. Set in an attractive Victorian building, it's a perfect retreat for a couple or a solo traveller, and with its period features and Boho styling, it's bound to appeal to the romantic in you. 

Tall ceilings, sash windows, oak floorboards and chandeliers are the order of the day here, along with all-white decor and pops of colourful modern art. There's a squashy sofa in the cosy living room, and a well-kitted-out, modern kitchen if you'll be cooking at home. But it's the bedroom we really love here, with its vintage rattan headboard and French vintage furniture.

The Swan's Feather

This little hideaway is nestled in the residential area of Bowleaze Coveway – just a mile from the heart of Weymouth. You can stroll towards the seafront or adventure further afield to West Bay and the Jurassic Coast. It’s worth noting you may hear some street noise during your stay, but you will have private parking as well as access to a garden. Inside, the rooms are simple, cosy and well suited to couples and solo travellers in search of an easygoing coastal getaway. 


Breezy Cottage

Pod Coffee Machine

Accessible Parking

Want to recreate a passionate escape à la Bridgerton - just on a much smaller scale? Then we think you'll fall in love with this home in a 400-year-old former gatehouse lodge. Part of the glorious 5,500-acre St Giles House estate, it's been personally and immaculately renovated by the estate's owner (real-life nobility Lady Shaftesbury) to stunning effect. The natural and historical character - original lead windows, log burner and dove grey stone slabs - pack a punch, but it's her Ladyship's keen eye for style that has elevated this home into a truly romantic stay. We're talking about bold splashes of colour (a vibrant coral in the living room and soothing forest green in the bedroom) plus beautiful illustrated artwork and the highest quality Egyptian cotton sheets. This rural location is the perfect place to hide away from the rest of the world, but if you tire of each other's company, the beaches of the Jurassic Coast, the New Forest and the classic British seaside resorts of Poole and Bournemouth are all within a short drive away.

Tangerine Lodge

Connected to the mainland by a tombolo, the isle of Portland is a pretty spot off the Dorset Coast. This chic house is in the village of Fortuneswell in the north of the island, and it makes the perfect place to begin your adventures. 

The home effortlessly blends contemporary chic with traditional charm, creating a welcoming atmosphere that isn't short on style. Take in the stunning sea views from the top floor master bedroom – binoculars provided, or get cosy around the fireplace in the living room with a glass of wine and a good book; you can take your pick from the squashy sofa and the retro hanging egg chair. There's also a fantastic dining space, complete with an exposed stone wall where you can share a delicious home-cooked feast with your guests. 

This home might not have its own outdoor space, but it is only an three-minute walk away from the eighteen-mile long pebbly Chesil Beach. Paddle in the water, then enjoy a long coastal walk as you breathe in the fresh air. And, if you take a ten-minute drive to the south of the island, you can visit the historic Portland Bill Lighthouse and admire the curious Pulpit Rock too. 

Island Tides

Part of a nineteenth-century groom’s cottage on the grounds of St Giles House in Dorset, this maisonette in a former stable block looks like a scene straight out of Bridgerton. A stylish mishmash of antique brickwork, vintage pieces and modern design touches, every inch has been cleverly renovated by Lord and Lady Shaftesbury to enhance the history and character in an uber-cool way. Think bold paint colours, jazzy wallpapers, traditional flagstone floors, hand-crafted bespoke showers and a drool-worthy copper roll-top tub. While the Egyptian cotton bedding and plush dressing gowns are modern luxuries worthy of a boutique hotel, the estate's rolling green fields, the stable views and the cosy living area – complete with a wood-burning fire – feel authentically rural. You'll love strolling among the manor's private garden, or, when you crave a bit of adventure, enjoy day trips to the beaches of the Jurassic coast, the New Forest and cities like Salisbury or Portsmouth. Larger groups can even rent the neighbouring cottages and lodges, all beautifully designed by Lady Shaftesbury. If you're looking for a glamourous stay in the stunning English countryside, this is it.

Serving Up Style

Private Washing Machine

Bike Shed

Beach / Pool Towels

Fenced Garden

Patio / Terrace

With plenty of space to spread out, this ground-floor apartment in an Edwardian home near Westbourne is a fantastic base to return to after a day at the beach. Having a private entrance and garden ensures you have all the privacy you need here, plus private parking is a real premium in this area during the summer months. Although there's room for six, we think the main bedroom is better suited to two adults and two children, while the second bedroom is ideal if you're travelling with another couple. When it's time to explore, you'll find the beautiful sandy beach of Alum Chine just 350 metres away, whilst a 15-minute walk will get you to the eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes and bars of Westbourne and its beautiful Victorian arcade.

Escape To The Sands

Smart TV

Streaming Services

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Balcony

Barbeque

Get far away from the madding crowd in Thomas Hardy’s Dorset with this beautiful home – it’s the perfect romantic retreat. Surrounded by woodland, relax in the hot tub with a glass of fizz (or whip up a smoothie with the blender in the kitchen), and when the sun sets, cosy up by the fire pit. There’s a hammock to unwind in as well. 

The sylvan setting can be admired through the French doors in the living room, too – keep your eyes peeled for visiting wildlife. At the end of an idyllic day, head up to bed in the treehouse-like bedroom with its honeycomb-shaped, whitewashed wood ceiling before exploring the area the following morning. 

Out and about, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries, is a six-minute drive. Alternatively, the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy, a country house and estate near Wimborne Minster, is eight minutes in the car, while Thomas Hardy's Cottage is twenty-three minutes. Further afield, Sandbanks, with its award-winning beach and chic boutiques, is just over a thirty-five-minute ride, so there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Honey Bee Cottage

Lift Access

This attractive apartment is located directly on Poole Quay, with stunning views of the harbour. The apartment is modern and sleek, with everything you might need for a laid-back harbourside stay. We love the private terrace, which overlooks the Sea Music sculpture and is a wonderful spot for watching the boats coming and going from the harbour. The sandy beaches of Sandbanks and Branksome are a fifteen-minute drive, and Sandbanks can also be reached by boat. 

Quay Views

Children's Dinnerware

Private Dryer

Free Parking

Safety Gates

Stair Gates

Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this family-friendly home offers unobstructed views of the Jurassic Coast. Equipped for all seasons, the wood-burning stove and underfloor heating will keep you warm in the winter while the outdoor dining space is ideal in the summer. There’s a downstairs bedroom and bathroom (handy for those who struggle with mobility) and the neighbouring property can be rented alongside this place if you wish to stay as a group of eight. When it comes to location, the Fleet Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching and Chesil Beach is around a ten-minute drive away.

Along the Shore

Ping Pong Table

Balcony / Patio

Spend your mornings watching the wildlife such as pheasants and rabbits in the garden of this home with its peaceful location. After a stroll in 24 acres of woodland and rolling hills, relax in your private hot tub with a glass of wine – we’d be on cloud nine. Later cosy up inside with the faux fur throws and then cook a meal in the modern kitchen or order a takeaway. If you prefer to eat out, the market town of Blandford Forum, with its array of eateries is a five-minute drive. In the daytime, you can walk there too through a path of beautiful meadows and woods. Or play a round at the local golf club, a fifteen-minute saunter away. For those who prefer to unwind on the beach, Durdle Door, with its natural limestone arch, is just over a thirty-five minute drive.

Wood Anemone

Welcome Hamper

Part of a manor that dates back to the sixteenth century, this beautiful listed barn conversion is not your average country cottage. With enough design credentials for a magazine spread, the home mixes old and new with aplomb. Gather in the grand room to see a space with cathedral-like ceilings and antler chandeliers, with pops of bright modernity from the aquamarine walls and huge pieces of artwork hanging on the walls. There are cosier spots too, including bedrooms that have been tucked up in the rafters ensuring a snug night's sleep, as well as a log-burning fire in the second living room. Comprised of two adjoining barns, the home has got enough room to seat the entire party, with two kitchens for whipping up a feast — ask ahead and the owners will provide you with eggs from the grounds' chickens. Outside, there's a private covered hot tub, a barbecue area and pretty walled gardens to explore, but beyond the gates, one of England's most beautiful counties awaits — Cranbourne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car, as can the architecturally unique town of Blandford Forum.

Hammoon Manor

Piano

Baby Monitor

Buzzer / Wireless Intercom

This picturesque, Grade II-listed cottage set within the grounds of a 19th-century mansion is full of surprises. Designed by eminent architect Benjamin Ferrey, it features characterfully towering chimney stacks and a charming redbrick facade. So far, so traditional. But step inside and we think you'll do a double-take. The interior is a contemporary design haven, with bold colour choices (we love the lavender dresser in the living room and the playful candy-coloured chairs in the kitchen) and stunning modern artwork (say hello to Michael Caine as you sashay through the kitchen). Large windows let light flood right in, and make every colour pop in a joyful way. There are thoughtful, almost-kitsch touches everywhere you look - the neon disco ball cocktail glasses on the gilded drinks trolly, the flamingo leg table lamp in the kitchen, the silver graffiti slogan on the royal-blue dresser in the master bedroom and the cute zebra-print cushions in the twin room. And it's not often we say the downstairs loo is a real highlight in a home, but check out this one with the retro cassette wallpaper and you'll see what we mean. The home's private terrace is the perfect place to give those disco glasses a whirl (might we suggest a Mai-Tai?), and the enormous, immaculate shared gardens are waiting to be explored. Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the dramatic Jurassic Coast is about 30 minutes away, and the magnificent cathedral city of Dorchester about a 20-minute drive.

Chimney Stack

DVD Player

Calling all history buffs. This Grade II-listed apartment was the former headquarters of Captain Briggs, the leader of the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach. It's on the first floor – and the building itself is perched on a steep hill – so though you'll need to climb a few stairs, you'll be treated to postcard-worthy sea views. We love the cosy feel of the living space, especially the characterful window seats. And the location? It’s ideal for exploring. Lyme Regis Front Beach is a fifteen-minute stroll away, and the town's shops and eateries are nearby, too.

Briggs & Company

Trash Compactor

Heated Pool

Indoor Pool

Private Pool

Exercise Equipment

Jacuzzi

Sauna

Sauna / Steam Room

Steam Room

Swimming Pool

Pool House

Sun Umbrellas

Live a life of luxury on the Dorset coast in this prestigious home. Not only is the main house spacious and impeccably decorated, but there's also a separate building at the foot of the garden that houses a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. Sounds like the kind of place that's difficult to leave.

We love the slick style aesthetic that's adopted throughout the home, from the plush Chesterfield sofas to the mirrored furniture in the double suites. Opting for a palette of charcoal grey with brick and marble accents, your hosts have made a strong case for monochrome interiors. When you're not lounging in the open-plan living area, glide across the manicured lawn and have a leisurely dip in your private pool. Come evening, the wood-burning stove creates a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.

If you can pull yourself away, wander down to Weymouth harbour and watch the fishing boats come and go. Past picturesque streets lined with quirky cafés, you'll reach a stretch of white-sand beach. On bright days, this idyllic expanse feels like it could be anywhere in the world.

Marble & Charcoal

Sonos

Parking On Premises

This beautiful Grade II listed cottage is located in the heart of Lyme Regis, just a short walk from the beach and the town's many shops and restaurants. Perfectly placed for a family coastal getaway, we love the pops of colour here, the sunny vibes blending beautifully with the home’s historic roots. With a wood burner for winter and a sunny garden for summer, this is a home for all seasons. Locally, you’ll find museums, a theatre, and a selection of beaches – take your pick between Church Cliff beach, Lyme Regis and Fossil beach. 

The Coastal Beauty

Ceiling Fans

Dating back to the Elizabethan era, this grand manor in the Somerset countryside is said to have inspired one of Jane Austen’s fictional stately homes. Across five acres of gardens and woodland, you’ll find vast lawns, furnished patios, an old tennis court and riverside walks with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s palatial inside with four reception rooms – grand wood-panelled lounges, lavish sitting rooms and a dedicated office for those working remotely. The kitchen is fit for banquet-sized meals, and there’s room for 16 in the formal dining room. Bedrooms feel fit for nobility with sleigh beds and four-posters, but quite a few guests will be sharing in threes and fours at full capacity.   

Rowan & Thorn

Where do we start with this home – both the apartment and the location are excellent. Firstly, it’s just a 50-metre stroll across West Cliff Green to the beach steps making this the perfect base for a family-friendly holiday by the sea. There are an array of restaurants and bars within walking distance whilst Bournemouth Pier and the town centre are also accessible by foot. We love the sea views from this place’s private garden and who wouldn’t want to dine or relax in the light-filled conservatory? If you’re a group of eight, then two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the living space, but it’s a spacious room. What a great find this is.

Dorset Paradise

Herb Garden

This recently remodelled home on the Devon/Dorset border is perfect for a countryside retreat. Positioned on the edge of a historic, seventeenth-century farm, just a short way from Lambert’s Castle and five miles from Lyme Regis and Charmouth on the Jurassic coast, the area promises exciting day trips and outstanding natural beauty. Whether you’re after rural rambles or swimming in the sea, there's something to pique your interest. Inside, underfloor heating means you'll be toasty warm no matter the weather, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure guests enjoy a splendid view from every corner of the home. Food is important to your chef host, so despite the compact size of the kitchen it contains everything you could need. We'd definitely recommend sampling charcuterie made from his rare breed pigs and you'll be supplied with farm fresh eggs on arrival. The comfortable bed is perfectly positioned to catch a glimpse of the stars through remote-controlled skylight

Meadow View

Tucked in the charming village of Shroton, this converted barn is ideal for a relaxing Dorset getaway. It’s suitable for a couple or a small family with up to two children over the age of six, as the second bedroom is on a mezzanine level accessed via spiral stairs. Still, with everything needed for a comfortable stay and the village offering fresh local produce, this is a home where you can truly switch off. With countryside walks on your doorstep, yet just a forty-five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast, you’ll never be lost for things to do. 

Dorset Soul

Record Player

Step through this cottage's pink front door and you'll find breezy living spaces bathed in light and more than enough room for the whole family to spread out. The pared-back design has some subtle coastal influence – no surprise, given the proximity to Weymouth Harbour – and features like traditional ornamental fireplaces and vintage furniture add just a touch of character.

Days at this beachy retreat begin and end in the lovely garden – start the morning off with a cup of coffee in the early sunlight, then finish the night with a barbecue and a couple of glasses of wine on the cosy outdoor sofa. Not much of a grillmaster? The chic kitchen has everything you'll need to rustle up Sunday roasts and tasty baked goods. During chillier weather, throw a log on the wood-burner and hole up in the lounge with a good book, play a board game around the table or settle down for a Netflix movie night. There's also a record player to set the mood.

Location-wise, you're just a six-minute stroll from Weymouth Harbour and fourteen from Weymouth's award-winning beach. When you're not enjoying fish and chips by the water or lounging in the sand, spend your afternoons discovering the town's trendy art galleries, boutique shops and array of pubs and eateries. Walks along the Jurassic Coast are easily reached by car, but with so much on your doorstep, who'd want to leave?

Sweet Like Taffy

The sights and sounds of Poole's quayside can be felt from your balcony, providing a dreamy scene to accompany your morning breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sit out on the cosy space any time of day and feel energised by the fresh scents of the sea.

Once you've fully awoken with breakfast and coffee on the balcony, make your way down to the picturesque waterfront. Find quaint cafes, seafood restaurants and authentic stores selling cute clothing and funny mementos. 

Wander inland and you'll discover the rustic charm of The Old Town, a a collection of welcoming pubs, ice cream stores and fish and chip shops. Simply stroll around the vibrant streets, ice cream in hand, and feel the charisma of the town. 

Of course, no trip to Dorset is complete without sampling the beautiful beaches. Take some refreshments and spend a day under the summer sun, taking frequent dips in the water.

However you spend your days, you can relax at night in the quiet comfort of the home. Gather on the dining table with a spectacular view, snuggle up on the sofas with a film or watch sunset from the intimacy of the balcony.



Breakfast By The Beach

Paid Parking On Street

Follow in the footsteps of nineteenth-century fossil hunter Mary Anning with this glorious coastal apartment overlooking Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast.
 
 Spend your days scouring the cliffs for prehistoric treasures, browsing Lyme's tempting gift shops and eateries or strolling the world-famous Cobb Harbour – all within a few minutes' walk of the apartment. Enjoy a sunny barbecue on your private roof terrace or rustle up something tasty in the well-equipped kitchen, then settle back to enjoy spectacular sea views. If the Dorset weather isn't so kind to you, a squashy sofa (and smart TV) awaits in the open-plan living space. Oh, and look out for the host's thoughtfully curated artwork featuring the local area.
 
 Spend time getting to know the quirky charms of Lyme Regis or take a road trip and explore further along the West Dorset and East Devon coastline before returning to your welcoming home-from-home. A rare find indeed!

Ammonite

Set on the popular Marine Parade in Lyme Regis, this home is an ideal base for a small family or group of friends. You’ll need to take care with the steps and uneven ground here, and because of the desirable location, you may hear a little noise during your stay. But, we think you’ll be too busy soaking up the fresh sea air to notice. The key thing that caught our eye here is the secret passageway to the beach – so stroll down to the sea, after which, a plethora of beachfront eateries await ready to serve up an authentic coastal dinner. 

Fossil Finder

Games Room

Games Console

EV Charger

Beach Essentials

Only a couple of blocks from bars and eateries, this modern home places its guests beside Bournemouth Beach. You'll receive a thoughtful welcome hamper upon your arrival, offering slippers and teatime treats. Don't fancy sipping sundowners on the decking? Hang out in the games room instead. There's even Netflix and a PlayStation here. As for practical bonuses, the twin beds can be set up as doubles. With an EV charger, Dorset road trips are on the cards via the easily accessible A338 dual carriageway.

Bournemouth Blue

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