5 bedroom Cottage near Wareham, Dorset

This Grade II listed house dates back 400 years and was The Red Lion Inn that served King George III its own ale in 1802. Close to Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole (both half a mile), this fantastic property is the perfect base for exploring the atmospheric Jurassic Coast of Dorset. Local attractions include the natural arch at Durdle Door (1.5 miles) and the Fossil Forest on the Lulworth Estate (0.5 miles). Nearby beaches include Man O’War Beach (1.5 miles), Worbarrow Beach (3 miles), Kimmeridge Bay (8.5 miles) and Ringstead Bay (11 miles). Moving inland, you can visit Lulworth Castle (2.5 miles), the Tank Museum (6.5 miles) and Monkey World (6 miles). The thriving town of Wareham (9 miles) has a range of places to eat and drink, or you could head to Dorchester (13 miles), a town famous for its links to Thomas Hardy.

The accommodation comprises of the main house with an attached cottage to rear. On entering the main property, which retains many original features including exposed beams, curved oak panelling and Purbeck flagstone floors, a couple of steps take you down from the hall into the bright and tastefully furnished lounge. This is a lovely space to relax in, with a Smart TV/DVD, plenty of seating and a wood burner set in a raised fireplace on a Purbeck stone hearth. There’s also a cosy snug with curved walls, bench seats, a feature inglenook fireplace and an original meat curing cupboard, as well as a TV and window seat. Exploring further, you will find a large and attractive dining room with a feature fireplace and access to the cottage annexe. Two steps lead down to the bright and stylish kitchen which features a range oven, induction, hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, breakfast table, a quarry tiled floor and a door to the courtyard. Three bedrooms can be found upstairs, all with reduced height in the eaves: a single room, a beamed double, and a beamed twin room. There’s also a shower room with WC and a bathroom complete with bath, hand-held shower and WC.

From the dining room, you can access the annexe which houses the additional cottage. This features a breakfast/utility room with a fridge, freezer, dryer and breakfast table. Four steps lead to the door which opens onto the garden. There’s also a bathroom with a shower over the bath and a WC. Heading upstairs, you will find two bedrooms, each with reduced height in the eaves: a twin room and a double room with a door leading out to the garden and a TV.

Stepping outside, you can unwind on the charming courtyard terrace with outdoor furniture and BBQ, making this an ideal spot for enjoying a meal or a drink in the evening. There are also two lovely terraced lawns, reached via a few steps, with flowerbeds, trees and hill views. Off-road parking is available for two cars.