Southcliffe Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19

South Barn is an exquisite 17th-century character home that beautifully embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of its time. This remarkable property, steeped in history, showcases intricate period features such as original timber beams, and stunning leaded glass windows that invite an abundance of natural light. Nestled in a picturesque setting, the home offers a charming blend of historic charm and modern comforts, making it ideal for those who appreciate the allure of the past while desiring contemporary living. With its spacious layout, verdant gardens, and unique architectural details, this stunning residence is more than just a home; it’s a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, waiting to be cherished for generations to come.

Dating back to the 1600s, South Barn was extensively and sympathetically renovated in 1927 by the acclaimed architect Percy Morley Horder. Built from the region’s distinctive Purbeck stone, the property is marked by its striking stonework, including leaded windows framed by graceful stone mullions. Situated along a private, tranquil lane, this remarkable home is accessed via a set of timber gates providing an in-and-out driveway with generous parking facilities.

Inside, South Barn effortlessly combines period elegance with modern comforts. Upon entering, you are greeted by an open lobby with a cloak’s cupboard, that leads into a spacious reception hall/sitting area, featuring an impressive stone fireplace equipped with a log burner accentuating the home’s rustic charm. The flooring featured throughout the home highlight the natural materials of the coastal locale and character of the home, presenting a mixture of limestone and flagstone floors across the ground floor. The drawing room provides a superb and expansive hosting space that’s bathed in natural light from the triple aspect windows, benefitting from all day sun. A beautifully framed stone fireplace enhances the cosy atmosphere of this space.

The sprawling dining room provides generous hosting space for large families or friends to get-together and opens into the expansive kitchen/breakfast area, featuring an impressive, vaulted ceiling with exposed timber beams and bi-fold doors leading into the rear courtyard. The kitchen is well-equipped with a full range of hand-painted cabinetry, attractive timber worktops, porcelain sink unit and a gas Aga. An airy utility/laundry room with access to the rear garden, a walk-in larder and separate WC complete the downstairs accommodation.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom provides a serene retreat, boasting a large en suite bathroom and a dressing area, including a walk-in wardrobe. The freestanding bath in the en suite enhances the luxury feel of the space. Three additional well-sized double bedrooms offer a sense of coziness, served by the family bathroom featuring a limestone tiled floor. The second floor also provides a substantial loft area with generous storage potential.

The detached guest cottage offers the ideal solution for extended family stays or as additional income potential. The ground floor includes a bright open-plan living space with a fitted kitchen and dual-aspect views over the surrounding gardens and countryside, with a shower room. The stairs to the first-floor lead to a spacious and airy bedroom with triple aspect offered provided by the Velux windows. Accessed via a separate entrance on the lower ground floor, the cottage includes a versatile studio space, currently fitted out as a recording studio.

The gardens that surround South Barn are a true highlight, with beautiful terraces, stone garden walls, and a delightful folly. A secluded walled garden with a large terrace and raised lawn provides the perfect setting for al fresco dining. Throughout the garden, mature shrubs, trees, and hedges create peaceful spots to relax, with views of the nearby nature reserve. The nearby Durlston Country Park offers a serene natural background, just beyond the grounds.

The Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula in Dorset which is bordered by water on three sides: the English Channel to the south and east, where steep cliffs fall to the sea; and by the marshy lands of the River Frome and Poole Harbour to the north. Locations cover a range of villages and towns including Lulworth, Corfe, Wareham, Worth Matravers, Kimmeridge Bay and Studland.

South Barn is located in the desirable town of Swanage, which affords a good selection of local amenities, restaurants and Blue Flag beaches with an abundance of local points of interest including the historic Swanage Railway, nearby Golf Clubs, in addition to a wealth of coastal walks and activities.

Swanage is the most easterly town on the Jurassic Coast, and its gently sloping sandy beaches and sheltered waters have made it a popular destination for families since the Victorian era. Despite being just six miles from the urban Towns of Poole and Bournemouth, Swanage feels a world away and retains a sense of bustling seaside charm. The beach also holds the prestigious blue flag for beach cleanliness. Swanage has been flying the Blue Flag for nearly 22 years and won an award in 2021, which are only awarded to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality.

The town makes a great base to explore the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks are (approx.) a three-mile walk northeast along the Southwest Coast Path. From here there are spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast extending westwards, with the Isle of Wight visible on the horizon.

Durlston Country Park is a fabulous 280-acre countryside paradise with stunning walks and a plethora of local wildlife. The visitor centre at Durlston Castle, within the park, features a superb introduction to the Jurassic Coast, created with the support of the Jurassic Coast Trust. The town also has a thriving events calendar, with a variety of walking, railway events and other highlights including hugely popular jazz and folk music festivals.