The Wow Factor
10 guests
-
4 bedrooms, 7 beds
3 bathrooms
sq/ft
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Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
With spades of style, The Wow Factor welcomes up to ten guests to inhabit this architectural masterpiece on the Dorset coast that was the 2017 Winner of the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize. A full-height glass front opens up the home and offers splendid views of Poole Harbour ahead, while the open-plan living space is divided into several smaller, unique spaces linked by stepped bridges, open staircases and hallways for a truly exceptional and grand feel. The split-level, open-concept layout was introduced in order to put social interaction at the forefront, making it ideal for a group of friends or an extended family planning to spend quality time with one another in one of England’s most breathtaking settings. The glass frontage invites seamless indoor-outdoor living, and the pretty garden terrace is the perfect spot for an alfresco glass of wine, come evening. Host Megan can even provide a private chef to take care of all your meals (and the dishes as well, if need be). Walking on the Common, fishing on Lake Pier and swimming on Lake Beach are all less than a fifteen-minute walk from your door, so you can explore this AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with ease.
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- No time for average – We reject thousands of homes worldwide, so you don't have to.
- Hosts we know – With track records of high-quality hosting.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot – Exceptional service before, during and after your stay.
Ask the host anything
Do you have a question about this home or the local area?
What to expect
Highlights

Cradle your coffee with a charming view across Lake Pier through the full-height glass frontage

Enjoy plenty of peace and quiet in this AONB landscape just off Poole Harbour

Treat yourself to an alfresco meal on the pretty garden terrace

Gather your ensemble for a feast around the large dining table
Like what you see? Explore more of this home
Home truths
Bedroom three has two bunk beds, making it best suited for younger guests
We highly recommend having a car in this area – there's accessible parking at the house
Due to the rural location, there's no WiFi in the home
Your host provides a baby cot and high chair on request
This home has quite a lot of stairs and is therefore not suitable for those with limited mobility
Bring your four-legged friends along – pets are welcome at no extra charge
Your host can arrange grocery deliveries, private dining and events on request
Smoking is strictly forbidden on the entire premises
About this stay
Amenities
Laptop friendly workspace
Wi-fi
Air conditioning
Pets allowed
Parking available
Washing machine
Dryer
Garden
Bedrooms & bathrooms
4 bedrooms, 7 beds
3 bathrooms
Local guide
About Poole
The coastal town of Poole is home to Europe's largest natural harbour. Wander around the historic quayside with its impressive ships and luxury powerboats, or admire the Georgian architecture in the Old Town. In the middle of Poole Harbour, tiny Brownsea Island, famous for Lord Baden-Powell's scout camps, contains paths that meander through beautiful woods and heaths, where you'll see red deer, peacocks and red squirrels. Make sure you stop...
Explore the area
Local restaurants, cafes, museums, sites and activities, recommended by our community of hosts and travel experts

Enjoy the Tranquil Beauty of Hamworthy Park
A large park with plenty of activities for kids, stunning beachfront views, and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for dog owners and those seeking a relaxing day out. Don't miss the lovely cafe!

Explore the Natural Beauty of Upton Country Park
Nestled in a picturesque landscape, this park offers scenic walking paths, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful stroll, picnic spot, or an educational day out with the family. Don't miss the interactive visitor centre and the beautiful house and grounds.

Relax at Ashley Cross Green
This 3-acre park in the heart of Ashley Cross offers paved walkways, benches, a fountain, and kids' play equipment.

Take in the Breathtaking Views at Constitution Hill
Enjoy beautiful views across Poole Bay from this popular viewpoint. Whether it's a sunny day or a chilly one, the snack shack and lovely coffee shop make it a perfect spot to relax and contemplate.
Get around
Airport
Bournemouth
36 min
Southampton
1 hr 4 min
Train station
Hamworthy
6 min
Bus stop
Red Lion
4 min
Local shops & services
Supermarket
5 min
Cafe
8 min
Pharmacy
4 min
Points of interest
Beach
Lake Beach
3 min
Booking policies
House Rules
Children welcome (1-12 years)
Infants welcome (under 12 months)
Pets welcome
No parties or events
No smoking
Good to know
Arrival from 16:00
Departure before 10:00
Air con
Wifi
Cancellation policy
Up until
30
days
Cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a full refund.
Up until
7
days
Cancel at least 7 days before your check-in date for a 50% refund.
Not eligible for a refund once your check-in date is under 7 days away.
Host
This home is managed by Megan
This home is managed directly by its owner who will be your point of contact before and during your stay. Megan has been working in high-end hospitality for the last thirteen years. Originally training as a chef at the prestigious Tante Marie Cookery School. She spent eight years travelling the world as a private chef for HNW families and individuals. Now settled back in her hometown in Hampshire with her husband and two children she loves using all the experience she has gained to ensure guests at The Houseboat have the most memorable stay.
This home is nominated for the Plum Guide Award.
- Great hosts, not just great homes – We reject homes managed by hosts who don’t meet our standards of excellence.
The Plum Promise
- Every home scrutinised by experts, they have to meet our standards.
- Hosts we knowHigh-quality hosting, with track records of high-quality hosting.
- Impeccably clean, well maintained homes.
- Peace of mind in the rare event your host cancels.
- Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, delivering exceptional service before, during and after your stay.