Coastal cottages and self catering in Dorset, South West England

The Chines, Alum Chine, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from £388 to £ 753

Self catering accommodation in Alum Chine sleeps 4.

Features include: Non smoking Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Easy Walk access • Pub near by sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Just 5 minutes' walk from the lovely safe beach at Alum Chine (pictured) this very comfortable property is one of 12 new apartments (set within the building shown) and enjoys its own large patio. A peaceful residential area it is only 4 miles from Bournemouth and its myriad resort attractions. Brownsea Island Corfe Castle lovely gardens at Compton Agnes Durlston Country Park and Kingston Lacy (N.T.) are all easily reached. Golf sailing and woodland walks close by. Pub 400 yards shops 2 miles.

Up eighteen steps (or lift from garage) to lobby and front door entrance to this very comfortable apartment. Modern fitted kitchen with dining area. Sitting room with electric fire and glass doors to patio. Double bedroom with ensuite shower room/W.C. Twin bedded room. Bathroom/W.C.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

The Old Smithy, Dorchester, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 3
Weekly prices from £300 to £ 599

Self catering accommodation in Dorchester sleeps 3.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 3

Accommodation overview: This delightful 18th-century detached cottage, well presented for three people, is set in the heart of Maiden Newton, near the county town of Dorchester and is a great base to discover West Dorset. Explore from Weymouth with its beach, shops and attractions, along the Chesil beach and famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast to Lyme Regis, taking in Abbotsbury (with its swannery), West Bay and many exciting venues, or simply enjoy superb country and coastal walks, cycling and many traditional Dorset tea rooms. Shops 50 yards, pub 75 yards.

Large living room with wood-burning stove. Kitchen/dining room with tiled floor. Conservatory. First floor: Double bedroom. Single bedroom. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.

Fernlea, Langton Matravers, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 14
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Langton Matravers sleeps 14.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Golf nearby • Pub nearby • Sleeps 14

Accommodation overview: In a conservation area just a mile from the cliffs and sea at Dancing Ledge, this attractive and very well-equipped stone house enjoys superb views across the countryside towards Swanage Bay . Set with its own garden on the edge of the small hamlet of Acton, it has been completely refurbished to a high standard throughout, and includes a new extension at the rear (part of which is the owners’ accommodation). Each bedroom boasts en-suite bathroom facilities, a colour television, radio and telephone, making it ideal for large family groups holidaying together.
Swanage (2½ miles) has a lovely sandy beach, and offers a wide variety of attractions, including shops, inns and restaurants, a theatre, and facilities for tennis and swimming. There are steam trains to the little town of Corfe Castle, and odd pieces of architecture brought from London, including the Wellington Tower on the beach, which once stood near London Bridge. The unspoilt village of Studland (4 miles) has another excellent beach (NT) and is close to woods and downs. North of the village is Studland Heath National Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife ranging from wildfowl to lizards. A ferry runs from Studland across the bay to Sandbanks, from where the bay stretches on to Bournemouth.
Excellent walking can be found in this area, with the coastal path running nearby along the cliffs, and the hills at Nine Barrow Down within easy reach. Riding stables at Wareham, 8 miles. Golf 4 miles. Poole and Bournemouth, both 20 miles. Shops ½ mile, three inns within a mile.

Entrance into spacious hall with tiled floor. Cloakroom/toilet. Modern, well-equipped kitchen with Aga and electric cooker. Attractive sitting-room with open fire. Flight of stairs from hall to comfortable dining room with rugs on tiled floor. First floor: Three pretty double bedrooms, each with TV, radio, internal phone system and en-suite bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. Two twin bedrooms, each with TV, radio, internal phone system and en-suite bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. Steepish stairs to second floor: Two twin bedrooms, each with sloping ceiling, lovely views, TV, radio, internal phone system and en-suite bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.

Fryermayne, Broadmayne, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 10
Weekly prices from £724 to £ 1646

Self catering accommodation in Broadmayne sleeps 10.

Features include: Short Breaks • Multi bathrooms • Non smoking Wheelchair access • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by sleeps 10

Accommodation overview: Amidst peace and rural seclusion yet only 4 miles from the county town of Dorchester this spacious and very comfortable house stands on the owners' 160 acre working farm. Converted from the former stables and adjoining two farm cottages it offers accommodation of a very high standard – a wonderfully relaxing base from which to explore Dorset's lovely Hardy country and nearby Jurassic coast an area of outstanding natural beauty. Broadmayne village (½ mile) boasts a pub and shop and Dorchester offers a myriad delights including four museums a Roman villa and Maiden Castle. The coast 3 miles has been awarded World Heritage status – an area extending from beyond Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour with glorious scenery walks and beaches as well as plenty of fossil hunting. Inland attractions as varied as the Cerne Abbas Giant and Bovington Tank Museum invite exploration a network of footpaths and bridleways starts from the door and bicycles are available (foc) for visitors' use. Golf fishing and riding are found nearby.

Sitting room with wood burner and French doors to patio. Spacious well equipped modern kitchen with dining area. Utility room. Twin bedded room with zip and link beds (double by arrangement). Shower room with flush to floor shower and grab rails/W.C. First floor: Spacious double bedroom with king size bed and ensuite bathroom/W.C (shower attachment). Second double bedroom with king size bed and ensuite shower room/W.C. Two twin bedded rooms one with zip and link beds (double by arrangement). Bathroom/W.C.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Highfield, Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Bridport sleeps 8.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: Set in a stunning cliffside location with spectacular views of Charmouth Bay and Lyme Regis, this beautiful property offers uninterrupted coastal views as far as Torquay some 50 miles away. The New England-style, single-storey house and annex is ideal for a larger party of friends or two families holidaying together. It offers the convenience of being just ¾ mile from beautiful Charmouth, and the seclusion of being nestled between the sea and miles of National Trust land, as well as the South West Coastal Path. Everything about this property is well thought out with a strong design focus on comfort and seaside living. Charmouth, which is on the doorstep, is famous for its beaches, fossil hunting, pubs (¾ mile), restaurants and shops. Visitors can explore the beaches and spectacular footpaths along the world famous Jurassic Coast taking in the breathtaking views from the 626ft Golden Cap (which is the highest point on England’s south coast). It forms part of the 2000-acre National Trust Estate. Nearby is picturesque Lyme Regis (4 miles) with its legendary Cobb and ancient harbour (setting for the famous book and film The French Lieutenant’s Woman). It has an array of quaint bookshops and galleries amongst its rambling narrow lanes. There are plenty of offers of fishing trips, boating, swimming and windsurfing. Further afield, Abbotsbury Swannery and the famous sub-tropical gardens can be visited, or Weymouth with its Sea Life Centre, Deep Sea Adventure, Time Walk and sandy beach. There are many historic houses and gardens within easy driving including Mapperton Gardens, Forde Abbey, Montacute House and Compton Gardens. For families there is fossil hunting on the beaches but also Crealy Theme Park near Exeter, Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park, or the cathedral city of Exeter. Honiton, Sherborne and Dorchester also make for good visits. Shops ¾ mile.

Main house: Large living/dining room with open fire, wooden floor, sea views and conservatory with patio doors to large deck. Well-equipped kitchen with combi m/wave oven, further oven, hob, Rayburn and natural stone floor. Two bedrooms, each with sea views; one double with brass bed, one twin. Single bedroom. Natural stone fully tiled bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet. Separate toilet. Hallway to annex: Open-plan living/dining room/kitchen with countryside and sea views. Double bedroom. Single bedroom. Shower room with toilet.

Copper Beech, Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Bridport sleeps 8.

Features include: • Pool • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: This restored detached holiday home, with a heated indoor swimming pool and 4 bedrooms all en-suite, is set in the heart of the quaint village of Netherbury, between the famous World Heritage Jurassic Coast (6 miles) and the small market town of Beaminster (2½ miles). Visitors can enjoy the lovely accommodation, unwind by the pool or wander into the village and sample the local public house. It is excellent holiday accommodation for two families to enjoy this wonderful part of Dorset, with its lovely unspoilt countryside and superb scenic coastline stretching from Weymouth to Lyme Regis. Nearby visit the quaint historic town of Beaminster (Thomas Hardy’s ‘Emminster’), and Broadwindsor which has a lovely craft centre where visitors can relax looking at the craft, or wine and dine in the restaurant. Chesil Beach and the Heritage Coast are a must for scenic walking, fishing, swimming and fossil hunting, and are truly breathtaking. For some really exhilarating scenic coastal walking, try walking from Seatown up to the top of Golden Cap with views over the whole of Lyme Bay stretching from Torquay to Portland. Call in on West Bay with its pretty harbour and do visit Lyme Regis with its well known Cobb, which was built in the 18th century and became famous as the setting for John Fowles’ French Lieutenant’s Woman. Within easy driving are many family attractions ranging from the Victorian seaside resort of Weymouth with its Sealife, Timewalk, and Blue Flag beach, and for family days out which the children will love, Monkey World and the Tank Museum near Wool. For the bird lover, Abbotsbury Swannery and Tropical Gardens are a great place to visit, as are the two RSPB Nature Reserves at Lodmoor and Radipole Lake. Inland Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum with its concorde and carrier flight deck are very popular, as are Sherborne Castle, Haynes Motor Museum and many more memorable attractions. Shops 2½ miles and pub ½ mile.

Spacious living room with electric ‘coal-effect’ fire and patio doors. Well-equipped kitchen/dining room with tiled floor. Utility. Separate toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with 5ft bed; one with en-suite bathroom with separate shower cubicle and toilet, one with en-suite shower room and toilet. Two twin bedrooms, each with en-suite shower room and toilet.

The Old Post Office, Morcombelake, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 8
Weekly prices from £1300

Self catering accommodation in Morcombelake sleeps 8.

Features include: • Open Fire or Woodburner Stove • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Detached • Sleeps 8

Accommodation overview: The Old Post Office on The Green is an attractive and charming period cottage, believed to be over 200 years old, and built of stone with a whitened rough-cast rendered exterior under a thatched roof. Serving as the village post office until 1935, it was formerly three dwellings, but now stands as one detached house, providing spacious accommodation, whilst enjoying many features such as sloping ceilings, oak beams, open fire and a large enclosed garden. Sensitively modernised, the cottage retains its natural character, blending old world charm with modern day conveniences.
Occupying an elevated position on the southern slopes of Hardown Hill, facing Stonebarrow Hill – which is owned by the National Trust – it is located between Morcombelake and the sea. The surrounding countryside and Heritage coastline is some of the most beautiful in the area, and officially designated as one of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within walking distance is the National Trust’s Golden Cap Estate, where southern England’s highest cliff can be found – composed of sandstone, and crowned by yellow gorse, it makes a good vantage point from where magnificent views along the coast take in Portland Bill, where a lighthouse has guarded the promontory since the 18th century. The villages and beaches of Chideock and Charmouth (novelist Jane Austen’s favourite resort) are both within 2½ miles. For a great day out, Bournemouth is within easy driving distance. The pier and beautiful sandy beach are well-renowned, but the other great attraction is the unusually high proportion of green space, with millions of pine trees and thousands of acres of public gardens. The best known is Compton Gardens – seven gardens, each with a different theme, from Japanese to Italian. Village store ¼ mile. Shop/P.O. ½ mile.

Large beamed living room with open fire. Large dining room with decorative fireplace. Well-equipped modern galley-style kitchen with breakfast bar. Twin bedroom. Shower room with toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with beamed sloping ceiling; one with low ceiling and en-suite bathroom with shower attachment and toilet (low ceiling), one with 5ft wrought-iron and brass bed and wash basin. Twin bedroom. Bathroom with shower attachment and toilet.

East View Barn, Melbury Osmond, Dorset, South West England

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from £900 to £ 1299

Self catering accommodation in Melbury Osmond sleeps 6.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Pets allowed • Beach nearby • Pub nearby • Detached • Sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: Set in the unspoilt and picturesque village of Melbury Osmond, East View Barn is peacefully set down a lane in the heart of the village. It is detached, part thatch and finished to a very high standard with the wonderful open plan living area with its wooden floor and high vaulted celing. The village has close historical links to Thomas Hardy and is close to sporting facilities including sailing at a nearby reservoir and a number of golf courses in the locality. Bridle and footpaths lead from the village making walking and cycling a pleasure. The towns of Sherborne, Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth are a short drive, as are beaches and footpaths of the Dorset World Heritage Coast. A walk through the deer park leads to Evershot, 1 mile. Shops 3 miles, pub 1 mile.

Two steps to large living/dining room/kitchen with gas fire, beams and high ceilings. Two steps to bedrooms; two double bedrooms, each with fitted wardrobes, one with 5ft bed and en-suite shower room with toilet, one accessed from one side only (for+1). Twin bedroom. Bathroom with over-bath shower and toilet.