7 bedroom detached house for sale

Unique Purbeck stone 7 bedroom home in a quiet, secluded location with amazing sea views, all within a short walk of the beach. Full of traditional charm – a hidden gem.


Located on the outskirts of Swanage, within a short walk of Durlston Country Park, this property has a rural feel. Secluded by mature trees and shrubs framing the views across Swanage Bay to Ballard Down, this is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Built in 1864 of local Purbeck stone under a clay tiled roof, this substantial house is attractive from every angle. Stone mullioned bay windows, ornate stone carvings, decorative timber fascia boards and cornerstone detailing add elegance to the property. Internally, high ceilings, decorative cornices, coving and picture rails continue the classic charm and add to the stylish feel. 


A sweeping stone chipped driveway leads up to the front door. The entrance hall is a welcoming space with beautiful, original terrazzo floor tiles. The sitting room is dual aspect, with box bay floor to ceiling windows, original shutters, an open fire and views over the garden to Swanage Bay and Ballard Down. The dining room has an open fire, doors on to the garden and space for a large dining table and chairs. Along the hallway is a room currently set up as a small library/study. The bespoke kitchen, designed by Harvey Jones, has glazed display cabinets, an integral dishwasher, electric AGA and informal dining area. Off the kitchen is a small walk-in pantry and a separate utility/laundry room. There is also a separate cloakroom, a boiler room, a workshop, a storeroom and a second back staircase to the first floor.  

On the first floor there are 4 bedrooms, a bathroom and separate WC. The main bedroom and second bedroom have stunning views across Swanage Bay, window seats, open fireplaces and built-in wardrobes. The second floor has 3 further bedrooms, a bathroom and storage cupboards. The largest bedroom is a triple aspect room with a vaulted ceiling and exposed brick wall – a great space for a home cinema, teenager retreat or playroom. The superb family bathroom has a modern roll top bath, a large walk-in wet room shower, dual basins, heated towel rail and underfloor heating.  

Outside
The well established garden wraps around the property and has amazing views over Swanage Bay to Ballard Down. Purbeck stone walls enclose the boundaries and large stone gate pillars mark the driveway entrance, which sweeps up to the front of the property. There is an old garage, which could be rebuilt or extended subject to planning permissions. The lawns follow the natural contours of the land, with a small pond, crazy paved paths and terraces. There is private access from the garden to the Downs and the South West Coastal Path. 

 The painter Mark Gertler (1891-1939) was closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group and painted ‘Near Swanage’ while staying at the house in 1916. He wrote about the house in a letter to fellow artist Dora Carrington, explaining that ‘from every window one gets a good enough view for painting. The sea surrounds the house on two sides.’