Drive through swaying pampas grass and umbrella pines to this newly-restored Purbeck stone and pink rendered cottage: the deep blue sea shimmers in the distance and a solemn terracotta warrior stands guard. Sheep graze the surrounding National Trust farmland and you’ve only an unspoilt meadow between you and Chesil Beach. Charming owners Andrew and Julie, live in the 18th-century house next door and stock up with wine and local Dorset delights from the farm shop. Find a large, sociable, open plan kitchen dining and sitting room with high ceilings, bright kilims, oak floors and purple doors. Julie’s bold canvasses hang on the walls, there’s plenty of comfortable furniture, piles of books and DVDs, even an excellent Bose sound system. Two double bedrooms have finely dressed beds in feather and down, glorious watery views and smart bathrooms with roll tops and travertine stone walls. Both bedrooms open onto a west-facing terrace overlooking the garden and ocean. You can play tennis, hop on a horse from the riding stables, visit Abbotsbury Gardens or ancient Swannery by foot, or tackle wonderful coastal walks from the door.
I'm not sure I have the vocabulary to do the Short House justice. A simply beautiful, tranquil and uniquely located bolthole to escape the hustle and bustle of life. The facilities are perfect, - great kitchen & living area; two fantastic bedrooms and two great bathrooms...so far, so good; but then you get the 'garden'...a perfect 500 yard walk down to Chesil Beach. If there is a better back garden in the world I haven't found it. Couldn't recommend highly enough. Andrew & Julie; thank you for being such wonderful hosts - we will be back.