In a conservation area just a mile from the cliffs and sea at Dancing Ledge, this attractive and very well-equipped stone house enjoys superb views across the countryside towards Swanage Bay. Set with its own garden on the edge of the small hamlet of Acton, it has been completely renovated to a good standard throughout and includes an extension at the rear (part of which is the owners’ accommodation). Each bedroom boasts en-suite bathroom facilities and colour television making it ideal for large family groups holidaying together. Swanage (2½ miles) has a lovely sandy beach, and offers a wide variety of attractions, including shops, inns and restaurants, a theatre, and facilities for tennis and swimming. There are steam trains to the little town of Corfe Castle, and odd pieces of architecture brought from London, including the Wellington Tower on the beach, which once stood near London Bridge. The unspoilt village of Studland (4 miles) has another excellent beach (NT) and is close to woods and downs. North of the village is Studland Heath National Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife ranging from wildfowl to lizards. A ferry runs from Studland across the bay to Sandbanks, from where the bay stretches on to Bournemouth. Excellent walking can be found in this area, with the coastal path running nearby along the cliffs, and the hills at Nine Barrow Down within easy reach. Riding stables at Wareham, 8 miles. Golf 4 miles. Poole and Bournemouth, both 20 miles. Shops ½ mile, three inns within a mile.

Nestling in the quiet hamlet of Acton, just a mile from the sea and cliffs of delightfully named Dancing Ledge, these two charming, Grade II listed, former quarrymen’s holiday cottages enjoy their own furnished gardens. Offering cosy accommodation for couples with plenty of rustic charm (with low beams and stone fire surrounds), they occupy either end of a row of three in a conservation area, affording lovely views towards Swanage Bay and many excellent walks along coastal paths or through charming villages, three inns lie within a mile and a half. Swanage, 2½ miles, offers a lovely sandy beach together with many other attractions, including shops, restaurants and inns, a theatre and an extensive range of sports facilities. Bournemouth 25 miles. Poole 20 miles. Shops ½ mile and pub 1 mile.