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Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome

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Lilac Cottage
Property front
Motto of Lilac Cottage
Kitchen
Dining area in kitchen. View out to rear garden.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Swanage, ENG
  • Durlston Country Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Swanage Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Swanage Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Front (child)

2 Single Beds

Front main

1 Double Bed

Rear second

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome

- Traditional three bedroom cottage
- Dog friendly
- Close to beach, countryside and Swanage town centre
- Ideal stay for families, couples and dog owners
- Lovely gastro pubs, resturants and village shops within walking distance.

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Self catering 18th century 3 bedroom cottage close to town centre, beautiful walks and the beach.

Lilac Cottage was built over 200 years ago as a quarryman's cottage and is grade 2 listed. It retains its charm and many of its original features, whilst offering modern comforts.

The cottage is 7 or so minutes walk within the town and seafront and even closer to the countryside and walks to the Townsend Nature Reserve, Downs, Durlston Point and Priests Way. Great walks and fantastic views are never far away.

It sits at the top of a short steep unadopted cul-de-sac which is quiet and peaceful. Parking is usually available outside of the cottage although during busy times this cannot be certain. There are local roads behind the cottage which have easy parking and there is a short footpath that takes you to Lilac Cottage.

From the flag-stoned porch, the front door leads into a small hall with the sitting room directly off. This cosy room has a bay window and a working fireplace. There is a sofa, armchairs, TV, video/DVD, hi-fi with CD player. The room is stocked with books, and games. Fast WiFi is included with your booking.

The kitchen/dining room leads off from the hall. This is a large room, full of character and includes an old fireplace. There is a built-in electric oven and hob, a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer and microwave. The cupboards are extremely well stocked with everything you are likely to need from a tea cosy to a cooler box and flask! The large pine dining table is situated by the original window seat overlooking the garden.

The modern bathroom is on the ground floor off of the hall. The white suite includes a bath with shower over (not for very tall people as the ceilings are quite low!), and heated ladder towel radiator.

Beyond the kitchen is a small second sitting room (the garden room), where you will find some comfortable wicker furniture.

The cottage stairs (with child gates both top and bottom) rise from the kitchen. There are three bedrooms, two doubles and a single with pull out second single bed. All beds have mattress protectors, duvets and plenty of pillows, all of which are a mix of feather and synthetic.

However, you will need to bring your own bed linen and towels.

There is a hairdryer.

For babies, there is a travel cot, highchair and fireguard. There is plenty of room in any of the bedrooms for the cot.

The large garden is secure and walled, mainly paved in Purbeck stone, with flower borders -and the Lilac tree! There are views of the downs over the rooftops. There is a sun terrace with dining table, and a barbecue.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Lilac Cottage is welcoming at any time of the year and is particularly warm and cosy during the winter months. Both gas central heating and electricity are included in the rental.

Being non smokers ourselves, and for the comfort of other holiday makers, we request that you do not smoke inside the cottage.

We like to pride ourselves on the general upkeep and cleanliness of the cottage. We strive to provide good customer care.

The cottage is an ideal base from which to explore the Isle of Purbeck with its stunning (National Trust) Studland Bay and adjacent heathlands and islands. Many towns, villages and coastal resorts are within a 25 minute drive.

Property manager

John and Helen Hutton-Attenborough
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Swanage

Located in Swanage, this cottage is by the sea. Corfe Castle is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bournemouth Beach and Lulworth Cove. Travelling with kids? Consider Bournemouth Pier, or check out an event or a game at Vitality Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Swanage, ENG

What's nearby

  • Durlston Country Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Swanage Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Swanage Pier - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Studland Beach and Nature Reserve - 13 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Old Harry Rocks - 13 min drive - 7.9 km

Getting around

  • Swanage Station - 7 min walk
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Funworld Arcade - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Black Swan Inn - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Ship Inn - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Gee Whites - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Salt Pig Too - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful seaside period cottage in the middle of Swanage, dogs welcome located?

This family-friendly Swanage cottage is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Durlston Country Park and Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre. Pier Beach and Swanage Beach are also within 15 minutes. Swanage Station is 7 minutes by foot and Swanage Herston Halt Station is 17 minutes.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 51 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Simon F.

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

Lilac Cottage

This is a cozy, homely and welcoming cottage. Excellent for pets and children, great location with a nice and private garden with a raised deck that catches the afternoon sun. Comfy beds, comfy sofa, big dining table with chairs and a window seat. Free wi fi, essential these days, oven, hob, micro, kettle, toaster, Everything you need. A good location to explore the local area and for walks in the hills and cliffs behind.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue R.

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

Great location

Lovely dog walks from the property, nice enclosed garden, good local pub, excellent location for high street too. The cottage was very well equipped, comfy bed, but did feel a bit damp & musty, however it is an old cottage so this is to be expected.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Amanda S.

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

Swanage High St

Very good great location
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bethany G.

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

Lovely cottage

Good location, enjoyed our stay, found parking was ok to .cottage is on a quiet road which was good .
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mel M.

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

Lovely short break in Swanage

Cosy, well equipped cottage with fantastic walks nearby.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

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

Homely

Lovely cottage with all mod cons
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Jackie W.

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

Comfortable stay, great location

Comfortable cottage, mind your head if you are over 6ft. Everything you need except what you are advised to bring such as bed linen and towels. Lovely little garden.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew John O.

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

Spacious in great location

Was a lovely property with plenty of room for the six of us and a dog. The garden is big and secluded at the end with a great PM sun trap. Location is idea for town, beach, harbour and at the right end to easily get out of Swanage to explore wider Dorset.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Rebecca R.

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

A pleasant little house

A good location, the owners are nice, the house was fine, the only issue is the parking at the front unfortunately however not the owners fault. Would stay again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorna P.

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

Lovely cosy cottage

We had a lovely comfortable stay. Everything we needed. Parking was good. Convenient position to walk into town.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi B.

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

Lovely stay

Had a lovely few days. Cottage very nice
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Tom W.

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

Swanage cottage

Great location in lively setting
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Anne H.

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

Quaint cottage in excellent location

Enjoyed our stay. Many thanks
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Barbara R.

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

Folk festival

We have been coming for years to Swanage folk festival but have never stayed at Lilac cottages before. We were worried that it was quite a walk from the town but not once you’d got used to it. It was delightful, so sad that it was such a wet weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clarey M.

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

Perfect Cottage

This lovely cottage is actually bigger than it looks in the photos ! There is a sunroom which we used all the time. Great location: quiet cul-de-sac, and close to town centre. One thing should be made clear on the description: you need to bring all of your own sheets, pillowcases and towels. The owner was very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay Sard

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

Just what we needed.

Lovely stay, good location, plus free parking. Well equipped cottage with comfy beds. Would highly recommend it and The Black Swan too. We were walking the SWCP, so this was ideal.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith N.

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

Our trip to Swanage

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck. Very comfortable traditional cottage complete with all we wanted for our stay. Central position to the town. Highly recommend the Black Swan. Thanks John for the use of your cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda G.

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

Lovely little cottage

Great cottage. Very clean and in a good quiet location. Everything we needed. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Jill S.

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

Lovely Swanage

Well suitated property, walking distance from the centre. So, parking limited if there is more than one car. Very cosey accomodation with good size garden. Lovely stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grant W.

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

May half term escape

Very convenient location, a short walk to Swanage. Good sized garden with all day sun, great for the dog, good kitchen facilities, cosy lounge, nice quiet neighbourhood. Perfect for exploring the area and relaxing in the back yard.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lee M., Southampton, England

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

Family trip

We had a lovely stay at the property with my parents, our 2 year old and our boxer dog. Enjoyed the garden, which was very quiet. Ten min walk to the beach, 3-4 minutes or so to nearest pub/shop.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

emma a.

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

Lovely home in Swanage

Had everything we needed, we love swanage and know it well. Just wanted something last minute that allowed dogs. Great enclosed back garden and a close walk to everything. Communication was great and lots of info sent over beforehand.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

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

Lovely stay, 3rd year running

We had such a lovely time, for the third consecutive Easter. My family really love this cosy cottage. My 6 year old tells me he wants to live there, not in our own house! It's very well located, lots to do nearby. The size of the cottage is perfect for my family (5) with dog. We hope to return when we can.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S., Hertfordshire

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

The cottage!

Brilliant location, lots to do within a short drive. Beach and numerous pubs serving good food a walk away. The dog loved it too! Cottage was beautiful and well equipped. Only one suggestion, I would have liked the option to pay extra for bedding and towels to be included too. Would definitely recommend to friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

MARK A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Parking

Lovely cottage and very clean and well presented on arrival and only a ten min walk to town and the harbour. The parking however was a nightmare. A steep unmade road. with limited parking for guests who have to vie with residents for any space to park. This only really comes to light once booked and the details are sent by the owner. Would book the cottage again however the parking would us off. Overall a lovely stay though and will come back to Swanage again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by John and Helen Hutton-Attenborough

Host profile image
Helen and John have fulfilled a dream in owning a holiday cottage which they very much want to be characterised as a home for our family and guests. Having holidayed in Swanage for many years our hope is that you will come to love the Isle of Purbeck and surrounding area as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

You are never far from having something to do whether enjoying the beaches in Swanage and Studland, the history of Corfe Castle, the Swanage steam railway or the endless walks and stunning scenery which cater for all ages.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests