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

Netflix

Smart TV

Board Games

Streaming Services

Blender

Extra Pillows and Blankets

Hot Tub

Wellness & Fitness

Balcony

Barbeque

Patio / Terrace

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

Amazon Prime

Dryer

Drying Rack

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

Library of Books

Pool / Snooker Table

Projector

Sound System

Bathrobes

Heated Towel Rail

Espresso Machine

Ice Machine

Mini Bar

Wine Cooler

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

Record Player

Pod Coffee Machine

Fenced Garden

Sun Umbrellas

Welcome Hamper

Safe

Stair Gates

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

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

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

Home Cinema Setup

Games Room

Ping Pong Table

Swimming Pool

Private Pool

Sauna

Desk / Workplace

Herb Garden

Outdoor Audio

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

Foosball / Table Football

Games Console

Baby Bath

Changing Table

Balcony / Patio

Out in the unspoiled countryside of Cranborne Chase AONB, this Victorian house sits in red-brick splendour. It’s a five-minute drive into the centre of Blandford Forum, a charming town to stock up on groceries and perhaps pause for a cup of coffee. Though there’s plenty to keep you busy on the estate as well – wander between the grapevines of the small vineyard, or head to the private tennis court. There’s over 30 acres of woodland walks to explore too. Within an acre of private garden, this home has its own heated swimming pool, hot tub for six, gas barbecue and croquet lawn. But, if the weather isn’t on your side, you can always while away the days in the games room. Two living rooms and a conservatory offer the group plenty of space to spread out, and you’ll have the choice between a cosy crackling wood-burner or streaming sunshine from glass walls. You can still picture scullery maids bustling around in the country-chic kitchen. In keeping with the Victorian grandeur of the home, bedrooms are a plush medley of chandeliers, silk curtains and four-poster beds and the master comes with a beautiful claw-foot tub. 

Downwood

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

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

Safety Gates

Located in the unspoilt hamlet of Benville (as once described by Thomas Hardy), this renovated cottage is ideally placed for a family retreat to West Dorset. Your host provides a starter pack with essentials like tea, coffee and biscuits, but if you need to stock up on extra bits, the village of Evershot also lies just two miles away. The charming location allows you to take in country views from just about every angle, while the inglenook fireplace serves as a lovely spot for unwinding after a lunchtime walk. Better still, you'll also have an outdoor dining patio and a garden to enjoy on warmer days. We recommend having a car here – you'll find private parking on the premises.

The Rambler's Retreat

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

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

Paid Parking

You couldn’t ask for a better address really with this home. It overlooks the English Channel and Weymouth Beach. There’s plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows in this split-level apartment and we love the open-plan living space. Okay, more about its fantastic location. As well as the beach being just steps away, you’ll be able to explore all of the award-winning cafes and restaurants on your doorstep. Other attractions worth visiting include the historic ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, Nothe Fort and Sandworld Weymouth.

Golden Sand

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

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

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

Free Parking

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

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

Well, the sea and beach views from this apartment’s private balcony are stunning. You can enjoy the vistas from this home’s large windows in the living room, too. The bedroom is compact, and there’s not much storage here, but there is a wardrobe in the utility. Also, the kitchen is on the small side – that said, it has everything you need and there’s an array of eateries a short stroll away. And, of course, the beach is footsteps away. This place is the perfect base for exploring all that Dorset has to offer.

Shell Cottage

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

Whether you’re in search of a slow-paced, restorative retreat or an action-packed countryside adventure, this eco-friendly home welcomes you to enjoy it all with a wonderful sense of ease and comfort. 

Sitting peacefully in the Dorset hills with the market town of Gillingham just a short drive away, days can be spent embracing fresh country air, following nearby hiking trails and admiring the beautiful views. And with large glass windows, this home makes the perfect spot to cuddle up on the sofa and watch the sky transform. There’s also underfloor heating – ensuring warmth through the winter season, while sunny days will draw you outside to bask in this glorious setting from the terrace. 

Back inside, the office meets playroom serves as a wonderful games room or alternatively as a calm, meditation space, while the kitchen has everything you could need to prepare delicious home-cooked meals (Waitrose is just a three-minute drive away).  

Peace in the Moment 

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

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

DVD Library

Laundry Supplies

Bike Shed

Right in the heart of  Martinstown village, itself a part of Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this converted barn is the perfect getaway for couples wanting a quiet retreat. Blending modern decor with many of its original Elizabethan features, this home is a celebration of comfort and style. The thick stone and flint wall running the length of this home lets you see the age of the building, alongside a timber-gabled ceiling and flagstone floor. It’s in the style of a super spacious studio, with sliding barn doors separating the bedroom from the living area. Keeping the whole space open means you can enjoy the warmth of the wood-burner in the bedroom on chilly evenings too. If it’s sunny, there’s a private patio with a barbecue to make the most of the evening light. Plenty of bridleways, cycle routes, and public footpaths are all on the home’s doorstep and the Jurassic coastline is just five miles further south. A traditional pub and a village shop are both within walking distance. And, being only a twenty-minute drive from Weymouth's iconic harbour and beach, you’re never too far from an excellent restaurant or coastal walk. 


The Cowshed

Rice Maker

Save for the wooden beams and the odd patch of exposed brickwork, guests would have no idea that this was a converted threshing barn dating back to 1820 if they were to just go by the interior. Subtle spotlights in the ceiling, wooden floors and an ultra-sleek kitchen mean this home would slot in rather seamlessly in any urban environment. However, the views out of the huge windows give the game away — guests in the mezzanine living room can enjoy a bucolic panorama of Chalke Valley and acres of working arable farmland on which this building sits. As you can well imagine, there's a whole host of walking routes in the Wiltshire countryside that start pretty much as you leave the front door and the nearest pub is about twenty-five minutes away in the village of Fovent if you need an incentive. The town of Salisbury can be reached in the same amount of time in the car, as well.

Sheepwell

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