Self-catering holiday cottage Wareham, Dorset

The Old Dairy House is a Dorset self-catering holiday cottage situated in the tiny settlement of Arne, near Wareham, in the ‘Isle of Purbeck’. It is on the western side of Poole Harbour, close to beaches, the RSPB bird reserve at Arne, Corfe Castle and to Swanage. This area of Purbeck offers plenty to see and do.

The self catering cottage provides comfortable holiday accommodation for 8-10 people and has a wonderful garden of nearly an acre. We employ a house minder and part-time gardeners to ensure the highest standards. Many people return each year to enjoy the house, and the beauty and tranquility of the area.

Now a Dorset holiday cottage, it was built around 1560-1600 and it has a fascinating history, serving as a dairy nearly up to the Second World War. It was partially rebuilt in the 1950’s after war damage, when Arne played a role as a decoy. The cottage has modern facilities while maintaining and restoring the character and feel of the place.

This Dorset holiday cottage has excellent facilities for 8+ people. Downstairs there are four main rooms: a kitchen, a dining room, a hall-study area and a sitting room. The kitchen has fridge-freezer, double electric oven with a grill, microwave, dishwasher, CD tape-radio, and table and chairs. It has a walk-in larder with ample storage and cooking utensils. Behind the kitchen is a small lobby,with a larger room off it containing WC, washbasin and shower room.

The dining room table seats 10-12 and a high chair is available. Doors lead to the patio and garden, the kitchen and the hall/second sitting room. The flagstoned hall has a large open fireplace and wood burning stove, a sofa and arm chairs. The oak floored main sitting room has an open fireplace and wood burning stove. There are three comfortable sofas (including a 4ft 6in sofa bed) and an armchair, a TV with Sky, video-CD player and a radio with CD player.

Upstairs there is:

a double bedroom with super king-sized bed
a double bedroom with king-sized bed
two twin bedrooms, each with two 3ft single beds
two single mattresses, a double air bed and a travel cot
bathroom with Victorian bath, washbasin, separate shower/WC
shower room with shower, washbasin and WC
floor to ceiling bookshelves with family books
N.B. bedding and towels are provided for all beds but not for the cot, sofa bed or spare mattresses
The laundry is in a separate room at the end of the garage. There is ample parking for five cars in the drive. Outside this Dorset holiday cottage, is nearly an acre of garden. This overlooks the bird reserve and neighbouring farm, with distant views of Poole Harbour. With deer-proof fencing and gates, the garden is a secure place for children to play. Tables, chairs and umbrellas are provided for the main patio and garden areas. In the Summer months gas and charcoal barbecues (ideal for al fresco dining) are provided.