Dorset

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Stradling the border between Devon and Dorset on over five acres of woodland, this stately and delightfully quirky home can thank the secluded location for the beautiful countryside views. Between the untamed garden and on-site meadows, you'll find a tiered deck with a sauna, hot tub and ample seating. Even further along is a natural pool for warmer days. If you'd prefer a day at the beach, Lyme Regis lies only a few minutes away. And exploring the Jurassic Coast is a must, Durdle Door especially – it's a little over an hour but well worth the trip.

The Road to the Meadow

Rabbits, pheasants and foxes, oh my! Welcome to life at this cosy woodland hut, situated on the twenty-three-acre grounds of Downwood Vineyard in the Dorset countryside. 

Surrounded by towering trees and a myriad of wildlife – including an owl and an odd deer or two – this is a spot to switch off, unplug and bask in the quiet surroundings. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and pad out into the private courtyard for a morning coffee in the fresh air. In the evenings, rustle up dinner in the cute kitchen – it's compact but has everything you'll need – before sinking into the hot tub for ultimate relaxation. We could happily spend all our time bubbling away under clear skies filled with stars.

When you're not at home, the countryside is perfect for a wander and you're only a ten-minute drive from historic National Trust properties and five from the pubs and eateries in Blandford Forum. And if you fancy venturing a little further, the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest are also less than an hour away by car, perfect for day trips.

Meet Me in the Woods

In the vibrant coastal city of Bournemouth, you won’t just be keeping yourself busy with watersports and sunbathing, but galleries, theatres, and historic churches. Forget about beach life for a second and head further up into town, where you’ll find this luxurious flat just ten minutes from Bournemouth train station on foot. In an Edwardian building, this refurbished home is a distinguished and elegant base for exploring the delights of Dorset. We love the fabulous living space – antique and vintage furniture meets modern, industrial pieces in this eclectic room. The brick fireplace features a funky mirror in its hearth, the Ziegler rug plays host to a mid-century leather Barcelona chair and footstool, the white Chesterfield sofa and regency chaise longue are perfect for relaxing, and the reflection of the black wire chandelier can be seen in the ornate gilded mirror. You’re sure to be charmed by this home of sophisticated and exquisite contrasts. On a sunny morning, wake up to light from the huge, bay windows and head out for a wander. You’ll hit the beach in under thirty minutes, but we recommend taking the long way through town to discover cool local shops and great restaurants on Charminster Road. Further afield, the scenic New Forest is half an hour away in the car, and the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula can be reached in twenty.

King Edward

Part Victorian farmhouse, part modern pad, this rural home is filled with light and character. The recently-renovated manor sits on a verdant plot in the bucolic Somerset countryside, boasting far-reaching views and access to plenty of scenic routes. If you're the kind of walker who enjoys a post-stroll pint, you'll be pleased to hear the village pub is just a fifteen-minute walk away.

This homely property will welcome you with open arms, inviting you to sink into the plush Chesterfield sofas or unwind with a soak in the free-standing bathtub within minutes of arriving. When you're settled, gather the family for a meal on the fairy-lit terrace and take in the natural vista ahead. If it's too cool for alfresco dining, the contemporary kitchen-diner is the next best thing, letting the outside in through expansive sliding glass doors.

There's no shortage of worthwhile sights in your immediate vicinity, from the manicured gardens at The Newt to the Swiss art gallery in the town centre. Thirty minutes down the road, the historic hamlet of Wells is home to an impressive cathedral and a selection of quintessentially English eateries.

Montague Manor

Tucked away in the sleepy village of Dewlish, this 18th-century barn has been converted into a cosy rural retreat. Surrounded by the Dorset Hills, you’ll find easy access to beautiful walking trails and it’s just a short stroll to the local pub. It’s also a great base for exploring the Jurassic Coast with the nearest beaches just a short drive away. Back at home, there is a private patio, a shared heated pool and a games room – making this a great option for families. It’s worth noting the furnishings and decor are a little dated, but it’s well equipped with all the essentials you could need for a relaxing break. 

The Village Barn

Designed by award-winning architects, this stunning home is set to impress. It’s on the Isle of Purbeck within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the Jurassic Coast and Wareham within easy reach. Modern and beautifully crafted, this charming home offers contemporary open-plan design inside and a stunning garden with terraces – there are outdoor dining areas and a play area, too. Three living spaces mean there’s plenty of space for a large group – whether you’re travelling with friends or family, this is a splendid choice of base in an unbeatable setting. 

The Wildwood Retreat

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

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

Hidden away in a quiet Dorset village, this marvellous thatched cottage makes for a perfect rural retreat. Surrounded by greenery and only fifteen minutes from the coast, the cottage boasts elegant period features on the inside and a beautiful garden outside – complete with its own stream – for you to wander at leisure. Its three bedrooms are upstairs and linked with no separate access, meaning whoever takes the first bedroom will need to accommodate other guests passing through. Beyond the cottage's verdant grounds, it's only a short drive to the beaches of Lyme Regis, as well as the amazing topography of the Jurassic Coast.

The Secret Stream

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

Always fantasized about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic stable building (dating back to 1900) is part of a family estate located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Along with the estate’s gatehouse (also available on Plum Guide), it's been recently refurbished and is accessible to outsiders for the first time. We loved the balance between period features and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom and kitchen gadgets. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The owners clearly want their new guests to feel at home, as they’re happy to accommodate needs, whims and fancies, from arranging a paid-for chef or babysitter, to offering a choice of seasonal duvets, luggage storage, locally sourced ingredients in the welcome pack and everything you’d need to bring your baby (high chair, cot, dinnerware, pram, potty, etc). The home’s location is another definite selling point. At the end of a small village lane, near a cricket green and traditional pub, it’s picturesque and quaint. The nearest town is Sturminster Newton where there are plenty of shops and cafes, a great deli and butchers. This home makes a great base to explore the famous Dorset coast and countryside or simply settle back and relax by the wood-burning stove and imagine your servants are just out of sight.

The Manor Stables

Located in the seaside town of Lyme Regis, this apartment was once part of the old Station Hotel. Ideal for a family or friends looking to explore this picturesque part of England, there's so much to see and do around here. Spend your days with your toes in the sand, tucking into fish and chips, or enjoying a game of golf at the nearby course. By night, sit out under the stars in the enclosed courtyard or stroll into town for a pint in the local pub. Whatever your holiday calls for, this handy homestay delivers.

Jurassic Coast Jewel

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