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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 327.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • 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
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

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

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 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

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 hiking/biking trails and cycling.
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 10:00 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. 114 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 137 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

The Outlook

Idea location for days out in Dorset. Fantastic views from most windows.All amenities you need and Manager next door if needed.Welcome pack leftNice and clean and dog friendly with own private garden. Few low ceilings to navigate in bathroom and bedrooms.Great stay. Thank you
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

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

Mandy T.

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

Hervorragend

Sehr schöne Unterkunft. Super nette Vermieter. Aufmerksamkeiten zur Begrüßung. Honig, Kekse,Butter, Cider. Es gibt viel zu erkunden in der Umgebung.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 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

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

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

Andrea R.

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

Perfectly situated

The Lookout was a wonderful little gem perfectly placed for all the attractions around the area. The hosts were friendly and made sure we were welcome. The garden was great for my dog and very secure. Everywhere was clean and well prepared, the beds were very comfortable. The sofa got a little uncomfortable and I had to reposition cushions regularly. Lots of thought put in to equipment you may need, everything was there. I would have liked to vac up the dog crumbs from the rug but couldn’t find a vac. No complaints against the hosts, I just felt bad they were there. The bathroom with low ceilings did cause us a few problems, we kept bashing ourselves, but we are clumsy. If you’re a walking fan, this is perfect with the footpath being right next to the property. Parking was fine and right next to us. Thank you for having us. 😊😊🐾
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Margaret L.

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

Small and quaint.

Small and quaint. Nice garden. The upstairs with the low ceilings is a problem. Also there being no shower to stand up in is difficult. The sofa could do with replacing as the springs have seen better days. It would be good if the television was larger. There isn’t any hanging space for your clothes. But saying all of that we had a very enjoyable stay here and would possibly book again
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan B.

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

The Look Out - Perfect location and property

My husband and I, and our Cavapoo dog, had a very relaxing stay at The Look Out. The property had everything we needed, including an enclosed garden for the dog, and was furnished beautifully. A perfect place to stay, to explore the beautiful Corfe Castle village and Swanage. We had a very mixed bag of weather though … 2 fine and dry days to see the area … and two very wet and windy days, where we hunkered down in the cottage and relaxed with everything we needed. The gift of a pot of Devon Honey upon arrival was a lovely touch along with a personal written greeting. Great communication with owners, who even posted my warm headband back to me when I left it behind! Thank you Michael. Highly recommend The Look Out .. and we will return as we want to visit more of the local area. Thank you Michael and Sally for a wonderful break.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

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

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

Geoff B.

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

The Outlook

Third visit. Surroundings very rural. A major footpath (Purbeck Way) passes right by the house. Corfe Castle visible from the bedrooms. Small but comfortable property. Compact "galley" kitchen; only real problem here that there is not quite enough room for two of you to work side by side. Comfortable bedrooms and small but cosy bathroom. Shops a 10 minute drive into Swanage. Ideal if you wish to lounge or walk a network of paths of differing lengths.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

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

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

Andrew M.

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

A lovely week in a real character cottage.

We always look for something quiet and different when we book a break. The Lookout did not disappoint. We were made to feel welcome from the minute that we arrived. The welcome package was much appreciated as was the personal touch from Michael, our host. The cottage is well equipped having everything that we needed. Some lovely walks directly from the property which really nice. Overall we had a wonderful week in a beautiful location. Thank you to Michael and Sally, we had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

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

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

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

Premier Host

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