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The Arc

Swanage, Dorset
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Romantic
Open fire / wood burner
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
9 more

At a glance

  • Pretty Purbeck stone cottage with period features and coastal interiors
  • A cosy, family-friendly hideaway, well equipped for extended stays
  • Quiet and restful location, close to both the beach and town

Overview
Property code: OC-WY501

This pretty cottage is a true home from home. The Arc is a beautifully presented period bolt hole located close to Swanage town centre, sandy beaches and the Swanage Steam Railway. The current owner has finished the property to a high standard throughout and has created a cosy and comfortable hideaway for you to enjoy during your stay. With so much on offer in this corner of Dorset every day will bring a new adventure.

As soon as you step inside The Arc the heritage of the cottage is there to be seen. The living space features flagstone floors, wood burner and fantastically deep window sills. With lounge and dining seating it is an atmospheric room to relax in after a day out. The kitchen has a door to the garden, and is a delightful space to cook and make picnics in!

Stairs rise from the living space to the 1st floor, the twin bedroom is at the front and looks over Church Hill to the rear is the double bedroom and a well appointed family bathroom.

Outside is a cottage courtyard, an ideal space for an evening meal. The church is in close proximity and you will hear the church bells ring during your stay.

Swanage is a traditional seaside town its victorian pier, sandy beaches and access to the coastal path - it makes a great base to explore the local area as well as other parts of Dorset. Close by you will find - Corfe Castle - maybe take the steam train from Swanage to Corfe Castle; a real Enid Blyton experience, The Blue Pool, Studland, The Tank Museum and Monkey World. With lots of walking to pick from and the beach to explore Swanage has something for everyone.

Living/Dining Room: Country styling, sofa seating and dining table. Smart TV. 

Kitchen: Modern, light and airy. Kettle, toaster, microwave, gas hob, electric oven, washing machine and dishwasher, fridge.

2 Bedrooms: 1) twin beds 2) double bed.

Family Bathroom: Bath with shower over, WC and hand basin.

Garden: Sunny courtyard garden on 2 levels (not enclosed). Please note that the garden is not enclosed from neighbouring property.

Line and Towels Provided: please bring your own beach towels.

WiFi- Included.

Fuel: Gas central heating, stove.

Parking: On street parking in residential roads close by.

 

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC
  • Gas hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Wood burner (first basket of logs supplied)
  • Smart TV
  • Courtyard garden on 2 levels, shared with the property next door (not enclosed)
  • On-street parking
  • Shop and pub 200 metres
  • Beach 0.5 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Samantha Banner

This property is personally managed by Samantha.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 26 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 starsOverall cleanliness 4.4 stars4.4
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 starsOverall equipment 4.3 stars4.3
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 stars4
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by Corrine 9th June 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

This cottage was very good for our needs, there was a small area with seating and a further communal grassy area. A large bath in the cottage was much appreciated by my very tall husband 6 ft 3, and the shower was good too for me. There was plenty of crockery and cutlery.

Reviewed by Victoria 2nd May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Exceptional time. Due to a mechanical fault with our van we stayed an extra week and that still wasnt long enough.

Reviewed by Stephen 19th March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The cottage was perfect for a short break.

Reviewed by Donna 14th March 2026

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

A very cosy cottage in a great location of Swanage. Great walks from here and very close to The Black Swan which serves great food, although not a drinking pub. Although not plush, the cottage is really well equipped and very warm but also has the additional cosy log burner, it was great for the two of us. Just a few improvements can be made to iRead moremprove the cottage, the garden needs to be tidied and isn't self contained, it could be very sweet. The carpets could do with a clean but not horrendous. We thought it was value for money. Hide

Reviewed by Sue 1st February 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Compact little cottage within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, restaurants and the seafront. Ideal for a few days away without having to drive any further afield. Plenty of attractions within easy driving if you do wish to explore further. Would recommend.

Reviewed by Linda 31st December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wonderful cottage warm and welcoming. Location is superb easy walk to town and beach. Comfortable and charming

Reviewed by Annette 28th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Christopher 21st September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cottage was really well equipped, everything you need for a holiday. Location excellent, short walk to spar and black swan. Recommend black swan for meal and good pint.

Reviewed by Natalie 7th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Sarah 26th July 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

A very charming little stone cottage, furnished with great attention to detail. We found it very cozy. Well located in a lovely neighborhood, with a grocery store within walking distance.

Reviewed by Jonathan 20th July 2025

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

Reviewed by Susan 13th July 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Loved the cottage especially the well equipped kitchen. Was advertised as pet friendly but the garden was shared and this was not clear at time of booking. Dog could therefore only go into garden on a lead. Worked around it but that and only that would deter me from revisiting. It occurred to me that a screen type fence with a gate would solve Read morethe problem and provide a little privacy too. As it was I couldnt use the garden which was a great shame as it looked a nice spot relax in. Hide

Reviewed by Anne 25th June 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Cottage delightful, no milk left for us, which might have been a nice welcome. We have to keep our dogs on leads as the garden is not fenced in. This detracted from an otherwise charming cottage.

Reviewed by Wendy 11th June 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

I had a lovely stay at Arc cottage, well equipped and comfortable apart from the slight aroma of dog. This probably wouldnt bother dog owners but not being one I noticed it. Great location and close to town Parking a bit of an issue but managed to find a space each time.

Reviewed by Jonathan 17th February 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely cottage great location.

Reviewed by Melissa 6th January 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved The Arc, didn't want to leave! Cosy and well located, loved the wood burning fire, it was just a lovely place to unwind. We even cancelled a day out on the last day to cosy up in front of the fire with a book. Loved it. 10/10.

Reviewed by Fiona 3rd January 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Excellent location for bellringers - I had a really good time joining the local ringers for all the extra Christmas ringing.

Reviewed by Richard 8th December 2024

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Characterful (if slightly tired in places) cottage in great location in the heart of old Swanage, a stones throw from shops, restaurants and the sea. Would happily stay again.

Reviewed by James 16th November 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Excellent location and cozy cottage. Unfortunately the beds were very uncomfortable and spoilt our holiday.

Reviewed by Allen 25th October 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Reviewed by Janine 30th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Victor 26th September 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

A lovely cottage in a great location.

Reviewed by Mary 25th August 2024

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Elizabeth 18th August 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Paulette 5th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely cottage, very comfortable and clean.

Reviewed by Rachel 23rd June 2024

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Nice cosy cottage in a very good location for restaurants and beach. We didnt have any issues parking in surrounding roads which was good to know.

24 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.