Swanage, Dorset

Built in 1885 by local builder William Masters-Hardy, who knew Thomas Hardy when he visited Swanage in 1875. In more recent years it has been the home of an eminent biologist, a poet and currently an artist. It is probably one of Swanage’s little known gems.

Stepping along a path, surrounded by flower beds, that runs across the front of these houses, number 4 sits proud amongst its neighbours. A few steps up to the front door and directly into a surprisingly large KITCHEN, with windows overlooking the front garden and crab apple tree. It is beautifully light and airy with contemporary base and wall units, integrated dishwasher, washing machine, gas hob with extractor fan, electric oven and an integrated fridge freezer. Through the original doorway of the cottage, and up a stone step worn down by hobnail boots over the centuries, you are straight into the gorgeous interior and welcoming DINING ROOM, which has a log burner and a cosy reading area tucked under the stairs, a perfect place to snuggle up next to the fire. The original wooden flooring flows through to the SITTING ROOM, also with an open fireplace, and a door opening to the enchanting garden. Stepping out to the sheltered terrace where the family dine during the summer months. Stone steps lead up onto a central lawn and a path weaves around fruit trees up to the GARDEN STUDIO. This has been crafted with artistic precision as you might expect from this house. It has power and ethernet and is currently used as a home office but could lend itself to a number of functions.

Up to the FIRST FLOOR, and the bedroom accommodation, again with original wooden flooring lovingly restored. There are two very pretty and good-sized DOUBLE BEDROOMS, both with delightful views across gardens to the rear and across Swanage to the front. There is also a charming BATHROOM with bathtub, W.C, and wash-hand basin and lots of natural light coming in from a window looking out across Swanage Bay.

Outside
Alexandra Terrace is accessed by a path meandering through gardens. Those falling within the curtilage of number 4 are planted with a pollinator friendly crab apple, mini topiary and cottage plants as well as a new shed with power providing plenty of storage for garden equipment, bikes, kayaks etc.

The original front façade of the house, the formal and prettiest, now faces the long, south facing main garden with patio made of antique Purbeck stone paviours abutting the sitting room, steps take you to a raised lawn surrounded by fruit and flowers. It is a series of ‘cottage garden rooms’ culminating in the paved area in front of the enchanting studio. These gardens are sun soaked, private and imaginatively planted with fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and plants, bulbs and perennials.

Location
Swanage Bay shelters the town and provides ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. The town is also famous for its heritage train service which offers passengers a unique journey through the Dorset countryside between Swanage and Corfe Castle.

As with most areas of Dorset, Swanage is surrounded by fabulous walking opportunities. One of the vendors favourites is to Dancing Ledge, a flat area of rock at the base of the cliffs approximately two and half miles from Swanage, into which an outdoor swimming pool was blasted for the use of local school children at the beginning of the 20th Century. In the town itself, national stores, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants (and ice cream!) abound. Swanage also offers a comprehensive program of events throughout the year, from music events and festivals to the annual carnival and regatta.

Alexandra terrace is no more than a mile to the cliffs of the Jurassic coast, via the nature reserve, a 7 minute walk into the centre of town and 6 minute walk to Swanage Primary School. It is extremely peaceful and private – no roads, no cars to hear. It is tucked away in a secret corner of Swanage.

Directions
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expectant.jots.ordinary