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

Cottage in Swanage with kitchen and patio

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
Interior with log fire
Galley kitchen with fridge, two zone hob, oven, small freezer and storage space.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 327.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead
  • Place, Swanage Beach
  • Place, Poole Harbour
  • Airport, Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)

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.

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. While the natural beauty of Bournemouth Beach and Durdle Door can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Poole Harbour. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Vitality Stadium or Poole Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and mountain biking.
View more Cottages in SwanageOpens in a new window
Map
Kingston, ENG

What's nearby

  • South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead - 3 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Corfe Castle - 6 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Swanage Beach - 9 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Poole Harbour - 28 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Durdle Door - 33 min drive - 29.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Greggs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coastal Crust Pizzeria - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Square & Compass - ‬1 min drive
  • ‪The Kings Arms - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Corfe Castle Tea Rooms - ‬4 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).

How much is parking at The Lookout - panoramic views; log fire; ONE-dog-friendly, NOT 2, local beaches.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of South West Coast Path Section 52 Trailhead, Isle of Purbeck and Dorset and East Devon Coast. Chapman's Pool Beach and Corfe Castle 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. 123 out of 150 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 150 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 150 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 150 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 150 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tina I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property and location, great Host
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent pre-arrival communications and welcome. Charming cottage, spotlessly clean, with a dog-friendly garden. Situated right next to a bridleway with great walks and views in both directions
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Alan John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views from the Look Out.........
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderfully cottage. Peaceful, relaxing 5 days. Heartbreaking to leave.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ballazz 7.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property and an ideal base for exploration. House was clean and tidy and the garden area well kept. Walks on the doorstep. Would def recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beverley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well appointed cottage in an ideal location for exploring the Purbeck coast. First time visitor to Dorset and will definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gillian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is lovely, tastefully furnished and cosy accommodation. The hosts were very welcoming, the location is ideal for exploring Purbeck and country walks are accessible from the garden at The Lookout. Everything you need for a comfortable holiday is here and we're looking forward to another visit soon. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Philip M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Excellent views of the sea and Corfe Castle. Upstairs a bit short of space, but plenty of hot water for baths.Couldn't get the hob to work. Otherwise very comfortable and lovely location.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

GRAHAM C.

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

Happy Days

All in all a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicky A.

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

Excellent holiday

property exactly as described - comfortable and well equipped. Would recommend highly.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Cynthia P.

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

A unique little place

The Lookout makes a lovely base for a holiday in Purbeck. The fantastic views make up for the lack of space in the bedrooms and kitchen area. All we needed for a comfortable stay for two.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

susan s.

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

The look out

An excellent venue for exploring the area on foot and visiting further afield by car. Loved the views from the cottage!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

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

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

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

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

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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