Lilac Cottage was built some 200 years ago and began life as a quarryman's cottage. It is Grade II listed and has recently been restored and refurbished, retaining its charm and many of its original features. The cottage is about a 7 minute walk away from the town centre and seafront, and is adjacent to the Townsend Nature Reserve which leads directly onto the Downs and the Southwest coastal path. The cliff path is approximately a 20 minute walk.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Beautiful 'home from home' cottage
Sleeps 6 plus cot
Dogs welcome
Short walk to sea, town and cliffs
Very child friendly
Secure garden
BBQ

Visit Britain 3 stars

The cottage sits at the top of an unmade no-through road. Whilst the road is quite rough, it offers peace and quiet. There is a wide tarmaced footpath and it is only a few minutes walk to local shops, St. Marys Church, the Mill Pond and the steam railway. Parking is usually available outside the cottage.

We regularly use Lilac Cottage as our seaside home, and as a result we have furnished and equipped it to a high standard. Being parents of a young daughter, we have endeavoured to make it as child friendly as we can so that we can relax in the knowledge that we do not have to watch her every move!

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 fireplace housing a Jet-master open wood burning stove. There is a sofa, armchairs, TV, video, hi-fi with CD player. The room is stocked with books, games, CD's and tapes, and magazines. There are lots of pictures and ornaments around and about.

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 quality 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 towel rail.

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 set of bunks. Additionally, there is a foldaway 3' bed in one of the double rooms. 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, towels and tea cloths. There is a hairdryer.

For babies, there is a travel cot, bath, changing mat, potty, highchair and fireguard. There is plenty of room in any of the bedrooms for the cot. For young children there are plenty of toys and books to keep them amused.

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, a barbecue and a wooden play shed housing more toys including trikes and, for the older ones, a table football.

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.

There is a local key holder should any problems arise and we like to pride ourselves on the general upkeep and cleanliness of the cottage. We strive to provide good customer care. Tourist Board Accreditation is being applied for.

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.