Dorset

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Entertainment

Hair Dryer

Bathroom

Coffee Maker

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

Patio / Terrace

Outdoor

Welcome Hamper

Nice to haves

This 200-year-old coach house has been lovingly restored into a cosy countryside retreat. Set across two floors, the bedrooms are on the ground floor, while the upper floor sitting room has everything you could need to switch off and unwind – including a wood burning stove. Head outside and you’ll find a private courtyard and a peaceful garden. Private parking is available and there’s lots to explore in this beautiful part of Dorset. Head towards the village of Piddletrenthide or adventure further afield to the Jurassic Coast. 

Rose of the Countryside

Games Room

Ping Pong Table

Pool / Snooker Table

Bathtub

High Chair

Cot / Crib

Shared Pool

Swimming Pool

Wellness & Fitness

Pets Allowed

Pets

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

Netflix

Library of Books

Board Games

Rain Shower

Luxury Toiletries

Cafetiere

Black-Out Blinds

Iron

Dryer

Ironing Board

Hot Tub

Underfloor Heating

Multiple Sets of Keys

Barbeque

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

Satellite / Cable TV

Toiletries

Cooking Essentials

Freezer

Kettle

Stove

Toaster

Cleaning Products

Hangers

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

Pet Bowls

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Child Friendly

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Smoke Detector

Other

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

Desk / Workplace

Balcony

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

Amazon Prime

Drying Rack

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Access to Beach

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

Parking On Premises

Cosy and compact yet still packing a punch, this contemporary cabin is ideal for a romantic retreat for two. Inside, you’ll find everything needed for a comfortable stay, while outdoors, you can relax around the firepit after a day of exploration. With views across the Swanage countryside to the beach, you’ll soon be eager to explore. Head to the coast to enjoy dolphin spotting, wildlife watching, or a walk along the South West Coast Path, or hop on the historic Swanage Railway for a six-mile trip through picturesque countryside. 

Dorset Serenity

Perched on the seafront in Lyme Regis, this second-floor apartment offers postcard-worthy panoramas that won't disappoint. Sit back, relax, and watch the tide roll in from the leather armchairs – thanks to the large windows, the scenery is always front and centre. Even better is the small balcony, the perfect spot for a glass of wine as the sun goes down. The apartment is a great size for two, though a third guest could be accommodated on a sofa bed with prior notice. And the location? You can't beat it. A steep passageway leads directly to the beach, putting the saltwater and single shore right on your doorstep.

Seaside Reflections

Blender

Safe

If you’re looking to experience the magic of the English countryside, this 17th-century thatched cottage delivers the perfect solution. Nestled in the little town of Winfrith, it’s just a five-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast and some of the most beautiful spots in Dorset. There’s also a village shop and a pub within walking distance and you’ll find private parking alongside the cottage. Inside, the rooms are cosy, classic and full of charm. There’s a fireplace in the living room along with board games for relaxing evenings at home. You’ll also have access to a little garden with a barbecue for warm weather days. 

Rose of the Heart

This detached stone barn conversion is surrounded by the owner's stunning grounds. The private patio has views of the countryside, while inside, there’s a blend of traditional features and modern comforts. We love the cosy sitting room with its log burner and there’s a well-appointed kitchen too. Located in the picturesque village of Long Bredy, you’ll find a range of attractions in the area including Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, an 18th-century garden with rare plants within a fifteen-minute drive. Or, for a day at the beach, explore the Jurassic Coast.

Dorset Hideaway

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

Smart TV

Streaming Services

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

This apartment in the heart of Weymouth is a wonderful option for families. The bright living area makes relaxing together easy – there's a comfortable sofa, a well-appointed kitchen, and a table where you can tuck into delicious dinners. Need a little time to yourself? The main bedroom has its own snug, perfect for morning coffees. There isn't any outdoor space here, but the beach is just a short walk away. Weymouth Harbour is also nearby, while Dorchester is within easy driving distance if you fancy a change of scenery.

Happy Cove

This charming 19th-century gate lodge is tucked away in the picturesque Hampshire village of Rockbourne. It’s a romantic retreat equipped with an open fire and an open-plan living and dining space perfectly set up for two. Best of all, there’s a patio garden that’s a great spot for an alfresco meal in warm weather. This cosy home is within walking distance of three pubs and is just 1.5 miles from the New Forest National Park – don't forget your hiking boots. 

At Home in Hampshire

Bicycles

Electricity Adaptors

Always fantasised about being Lord or Lady of the Manor? Well, now you can be, sort of. This historic gatehouse (built in 1900) is part of a family estate, located in the Dorset village of Hinton St Mary. Recently refurbished by the owners in a modern but classic style (along with the estate’s stables, also available on Plum Guide), it's been opened up to outsiders for the very first time. We loved the balance between period features, such as the original windows, fireplace and kitchen floor, and brand new additions, like the shiny bathroom. Everything is finished in the best possible taste, with some lovely personal touches. The kitchen worktop is made from cedar from the estate, for example. 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 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 Lodge

Sound System

Heated Towel Rail

Private Washing Machine

Vacuum Cleaner

Bike Shed

Beach / Pool Towels

Fenced Garden

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

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

Children's Dinnerware

Parking On Street

Effortlessly blending contemporary with traditional, this Grade II listed cottage in the village of Burton Bradstock is perfect for a tranquil stay. We love the exposed beams and cosy fireplace and the enclosed garden is a bonus – ideal for those with a four-legged friend in tow. With a couple of pubs in the village, dining out is always on the menu, or you can take a short walk across the fields to Hive beach. After a stroll on the sand, the cafe is just the spot for a little sustenance. 

Sunlight Cottage

Home Cinema Setup

Wine Cooler

Private Pool

Sauna

Herb Garden

Outdoor Audio

Courtyard

Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Shower

Breakfast Included

Within the sprawling grounds of this Georgian manor home, the only neighbours you’re likely to come across are a couple of llamas, ponies and a waddle of ducks. Classic walled gardens, orchards, vast lawns and pastures make up the ten acres of grounds. Exploring, you’ll find a private swimming pool surrounded by rattan furniture for a drink or two and an outdoor bar and cooking area with a wood-fired pizza oven. There’s also a barn that can be dappled with fairy lights for a special celebration and a former coach house that’s been turned into a dedicated cinema and games room. 

Accommodation is spread across the main house, which dates back to the 18th century, and a separate cottage with its own farmhouse-style kitchen and cosy living room. In the main house, the ground floor is everything you expect from an updated Georgian manor – a library-like sitting room, a grand lounge with gilded mirrors and chandeliers, oil paintings adorning the hallway walls, and a big, bright dining and sitting room looking out over the gardens. The kitchen is a vision of farmhouse charm, with a purring Aga at its centre. 

But, we have to say, the real surprise is the subterranean ‘club’ area. Descend the stairs to find a private, fully-stocked bar and VIP-style velvet booths. It’s the perfect place to host a special event without disturbing the neighbours (or lack thereof).

Speakeasy Manor

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

Piano

Mini Bar

Baby Monitor

Buzzer / Wireless Intercom

Umbrellas

Stair Gates

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

Bathrobes

Step-Free Access

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

Record Player

Espresso Machine

Private Parking

Sun Umbrellas

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

Air Conditioning

Wheelchair Access

Just steps from Charminster High Street, this ground floor flat is brimming with Victorian character. It's a lovely red-brick townhouse, with plenty of historic charm to admire – think high ceilings and picture rails, ornamental ceiling roses, tall skirting boards and large bay windows flooding the rooms with light. Though it's on the smaller side, it's been well-designed to maximise the space – we think it's perfectly suited to a couple after a romantic escape. Read the morning paper in the plush armchair, help yourself to a selection of cereals and teas at the rustic breakfast bar or unwind after a busy day with a movie night in the cosy living room. The kitchenette is more suited to light bites than extravagant meals, so in the evenings you may want to dine out – there's an array of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Charminster to choose from. Bournemouth town centre and its sandy beaches are a twenty-five-minute walk (though we recommend driving), or venture a little further and enjoy a trip to the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils – you can be there in under an hour.

Madhuri

Trash Compactor

Heated Pool

Indoor Pool

Exercise Equipment

Jacuzzi

Sauna / Steam Room

Steam Room

Pool House

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

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

Projector

Ice Machine

Garden Games

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

Take in the views over the sea from this apartment’s living room – the vistas through the large Georgian windows are stunning. Okay, the kitchen is compact, but it has everything you need to create some home-cooked food. Or if you prefer to eat out, there are plenty of eateries on your doorstep. This apartment is on the esplanade, just steps away from Weymouth Beach so the location couldn’t be better. Other places of interest nearby include Portland Castle, Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

Esplanade Retreat

DVD Player

Overlooking the Marine Parade, this apartment is a great option if you’re looking to experience the vibrant heart of Lyme Regis. It’s worth noting it’s possible to hear street noise from the neighbouring bar, but you will have incredible sea views from the cosy living room. A car parking permit can be supplied on request. Plus, you’ll find everything you could need within easy reach. Stroll to the beach or adventure further along the Jurassic Coast towards Sidmouth and Axminster. 

The Way by the Sea

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