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The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.

Photo gallery for The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.

South facing aspect with secluded garden and patio doors leading onto terrace.
Sitting-room interior.
Exterior detail
A typical sunset from The Lookout.
Interior with log fire

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 3300 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Kingston, ENG
  • Isle of Purbeck
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Corfe Castle
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Swanage Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.

'The Lookout', as the name suggests, is a small, two bedroomed stone-built cottage commanding spectacular views in all directions. It is attached to the main house but has its own entrance and is totally private. Downstairs is a sitting-room with open-feature fireplace with a raised galley kitchen. Upstairs, it sleeps 2/3 with a shared bathroom. Outside is a secure, dog-friendly, enclosed walled garden with terrace.
This property is not suitable for those with disability issues as there are steps down to reach the property and a couple of steps up to the galley kitchen. There is also a winding staircase up to the bedrooms with a single bannister on one side.
It is vital to have a car as most key places to visit and shops require a car journey of some sort.

Property manager

Michael Feben Smith

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Sea view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No dogs allowed upstairs please. No dogs allowed on the sofa - or use your own dog blankets. Leave the property as you found it.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Swanage

Located in Swanage, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, while Monkey World Ape Rescue Center and Bournemouth Pier are popular area attractions. Travelling with kids? Consider The Blue Pool and Tea House, or check out an event or a game at Purbeck Shooting School. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and mountain biking.
View more Cottages in SwanageOpens in a new window
Map
Kingston, ENG

What's nearby

  • Isle of Purbeck - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Corfe Castle - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Durlston Country Park - 10 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Swanage Beach - 11 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Studland Beach and Nature Reserve - 19 min drive - 12.1 km

Getting around

  • Wareham Harman's Cross Station - 2 min drive
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Funworld Arcade - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Black Swan Inn - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Square & Compass - ‬1 min drive
  • ‪The Salt Pig Too - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Village Inn - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches. located?

This family-friendly Swanage cottage is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead, Isle of Purbeck and Dorset and East Devon Coast. Langton Matravers Museum and Chapman's Pool Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 113 out of 136 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 136 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 136 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 136 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 136 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Lookout

Excellent little property, ideal for solo traveller/couple or small family. Beautiful location with stunning views in all directions, especially down the valley to Corfe.Everything I needed was there and communication was very good throughout.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Derek S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Clean and comfortable bijou property, very helpful owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clare D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short but sweet stay

Amazing location if you love walking and even if you aren’t a walker only a short drive to Swanage and stunning Studland. Very clean and everything you need with a beautiful patio and garden to use. Hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay at the lookout!

The lookout was just delightful with absolutely everything you might need. So cute and comfy with a delightful garden and patio which is not given enough credit by the description. So much better than we were expecting. Will definitely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Lookout

Lovely views all around and a wonderful host.private garden and a beautiful sunny patio. Conveniently placed to visit corfe and Swanage. Comfy bed with beautiful bedding.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antonia E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage

The lookout is a beautiful place to stay, it has everything you need for a relaxing break, the views are stunning and Michael & Sally are perfect hosts.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheila M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family fossil exploring.

Lovely cosy cottage. Lots of cosy fires. Lovely garden and field. Very central for fossil hunting, beaches and castles.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carole H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always I’ve the cottage and feel at home

Lovely location for visiting all the places we love
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Pete L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect base for exploring the Dorset coast

We had a lovely stay at the Lookout. It's a clean, well laid out cottage. All that was needed for exploring the Jurassic coast and beyond. The garden was lovely and dog proof. Hosts provided local honey and marmalade which was a nice touch. I'd recommend it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

CLIVE S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

High in the Dorset Hills

Idealic for 2 agile adults small compact ,clean well equiped property in amazing location even an hourly bus service to Swanage& Poole outside worthfinding would go again
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr collins

The stay at the lookout was great i would recommend it to any one we had a fantastic week we will be going back so thanks to Michael and sally
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Johanna F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Lookout- cosy cottage in a peaceful location

We had a lovely weeks stay in The Lookout. The owners were friendly and helpful when we had queries. The cottage is small and cosy but perfect for 2-3 people. It is well-equipped and the owners have thought of almost everything you may need. Daughter loved playing with their dogs. We enjoyed the peaceful location and views to Corfe castle and beyond. Weather was mixed some rainy days but we visited Monkey world and Tank museum on those days. Highly recommended for a break in Dorset.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

John Smith

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Late May Holiday

What a wonderful place to stay, comfortable and clean accommodation. Hosts both kind, helpful and thoughtful. Amazing views from many windows added to our time away.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely property in a lovely quiet area. Very clean and tidy. No complaints from us. Pleasant owners

We had no problems about renting it was simple
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

stephen h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great bolt hole for 2

Nice clean well equipped place with great views
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

The cottage was very homely. There was everything we needed. Lovely walled safe garden for the dogs. We had a very relaxing time there. Have recommend to friends. The owners very welcoming and helpful. Could not have been better
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy Retreat

We spent the Easter weekend at ‘The Lookout’, and it was just perfect. We had everything we needed, including a cosy log fire and a pretty garden. It was spotlessly clean with very comfortable beds, well-equipped, and lots of useful local information. The hosts made us feel really welcome and were very helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Shaun O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Lookout

The Lookout does exactly what it says on the tin!! Perfect location, lovely cottage - the owners have thought of everything. We had a wonderful, relaxing holiday - and even the weather played ball.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful break

The cottage was perfect for us and our two small dogs, providing everything we needed. Access straight from the driveway for local walks and a short drive to country parks and beaches all contributed to a lovely ‘away from it all’ week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Natalie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect break

Stayed for 5 nights and enjoyed it immensely! Lovely accommodation, perfect for the 2 of us and our dog. Clean and comfortable with all needs catered for. Our hosts (who live next door) were extremely welcoming and helpful. The Lookout has footpaths right alongside it (2 miles to Chapman’s Pool and to the Coastpath) and directly across the road (2 miles to Corfe Castle) and buses that stop outside the door (to Swanage / Corfe Castle). The perfect location to explore the Isle of Purbeck. I am sure we will return!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

TRUDI M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jewel in the crown

An immaculate, compact, beautiful, property, set in the most stunning location with easy access to so many places. The owner was at hand if required and everything we needed was provided.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

katrin l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gem on the Isle of Purbeck

Thank you Michael and Sally for having us stay in The Lookout! Perfect little hideaway, Bridleway just outside leading to the coastal path one way and down toward Corfe Castle the other way. Stunning views no matter what the weather. The patio is a little sun trap and sheltered from the wind. The house is so cosy and the sofa so comfy! Very handy to have a hose in the garden to rinse off dog and boots after muddy walks. I have booked my next stay already!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliet G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just lovely

The cottage is so full of character, with sloping ceilings and stunning views of corfe castle one side and the sea the other. Although small, it is very well equipped and the beds are comfortable. The enclosed garden made taking my dog very easy and there are many walks and beautiful beaches in the vicinity. All in all, a wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a hidden gem!

The Lookout was in the ideal location for exploring the East Dorset countryside, on the edge of the Purbeck Way and with stunning views of Corfe Castle in the distance from just outside the cottage. Beautifully clean and comfortable with very welcoming hosts, a log fire and a small, enclosed garden that was just perfect for our little dog. Will very much recommend to friends and family and look forward to returning very soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Base

The property was very clean and well equipped. The secure, secluded garden was perfect for my dog. It was in the countryside but fairly close to Swanage. Although on a busy B road, at night there was hardly any traffic and was quiet inside the property. On a bus route to Swanage and Poole. Good walks close by the property.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Michael Feben Smith

Host profile image
I am retired teacher, married to a community nurse and we have lived in the area for over twenty years. We are passionate about its unique opportunities for appreciating nature and, being musical, have become fully involved in several artistic societies and groups. Our golden retriever also seems to enjoy a life of endless, varied walks.

Why they chose this property

Having grown up first, in London then in Herefordshire, I was totally drawn to a life in the countryside out of choise. When an opportunity to teach in the Purbeck Hills presented itself, I abandoned London and fell in love with Dorset and its beautiful surroundings. Apart from a brief spell of teaching in Sussex, we have stayed here ever since. My wife also fell in love with the area when she began her hospital training in Weymouth so we have now managed to combine all our preferences.

What makes this property unique

Sally and I fell in love with this property on a sparkling day in May when the skylarks were singing, the surrounding fields had just been harvested and the sky was pure blue. We then realised you could view key sites from each point of the compass: Corfe Castle to the north; the Isle of Wight to the east; Kingston to the west and Chapman's Pool to the south. We felt that its location was quite unique and we did not want to miss the opportunity. We have never regretted our decision.

Languages:

English
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