If wild things make the heart sing, visit Arne Peninsula (featured on Spring Watch). This fascinating detached house, converted from a barn with great flair and imagination by its architect owner, is idyllically and peacefully set in a landscaped ‘wild’ garden with sitting-out areas, Arne Barn, which has been within the family for many years, offers a very unusual and welcoming retreat. There is an interesting mix of artefacts, ornaments and personal touches using a ‘nature’s theme’, as well as a vast array of books and traditional family games. With views over a farm, and glimpses of the harbour beyond, it is an ideal spot to explore the Dorset coastline, the Purbecks and RSPB nature trail at Arne. Clean sandy beaches at Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. Corfe Castle/Wareham within 10 miles. Poole/Bournemouth within 25 miles. Riding, fishing, boat hire locally. Shops 3 miles.