Swanage, Dorset

Convent Mews, formerly a coach house and subsequently part of the convent that was housed at the now Purbeck House Hotel. It is a few minutes from the high street but tucked down a small lane offering an oasis of privacy, and next to the tranquil setting of the hotel gardens. This characterful home is packed with history, including a bust of Shakespeare high on the gable end of the house - one of many artefacts originating from London, which are dotted around Swanage.

Step down from the lane to the charming front door, into a small PORCH, and on into an enormous SITTING ROOM with one window facing out onto the lane, flooding the room with light, and large glazed double doors opening out onto the private gardens. Atop this window is a certified hand-blown stained-glass window, commissioned by the previous owner. The current owners have used this as the main reception space including a dining area looking out to the garden. A further door opens into a magnificent central hall with a staircase of imperial proportions ascending into the sleeping quarters, To the left is the KITCHEN, which is perfectly laid out with plenty of units, a sunny window again looking out across the garden. It includes an electric oven, gas hob, extractor fan and space for a fridge and dishwasher. An archway leads through to the LAUNDRY / BOOT ROOM, which we believe was originally the laundry room for the convent. The washing machine and tumble dryer is housed here with a classic ‘kitchen maid’ pulley system raising up to the high ceiling for airing laundry. A run of units sit below a window and the origins of the original coach house arch is visible across this wall. At the end of the laundry room is a ground floor SHOWER ROOM with step in shower, hand wash basin and W.C. The vendors have cleverly exposed the original stonework in this room, adding to the charm of the house. Returning to the Laundry / Boot Room, an unusual arched door with small picture window leads out onto the courtyard and across to the GARDEN ROOM. This again has double glazed doors, high ceilings, exposed stone walls and tiled floors…ideal as an alternative reception room, dining room, studio or office.

Returning to the central hall and climbing the stairs into the cosy sleeping quarters set within the eaves the original beams are a feature across all rooms. At the end of the passage, the PRINCIPAL BEDROOM offers excellent ceiling height as well as characterful sloping walls and exposed beams. Plentiful fitted wardrobes have been cleverly incorporated to both sides of the doorway to complement the character of the room, and offer additional storage above, while keeping a cathedral like sense of space. Windows set into the sloping ceilings flood the room with natural light from both sides. Next to this is the main FAMILY BATHROOM with walk in shower, wash basin and W.C. Opposite the bathroom is BEDROOM THREE, a single room with plenty of light coming from another window above, and the magnificent arched beams is an obvious feature as soon as you enter. At the far end of the corridor is BEDROOM TWO, a double bedroom with space for chest of drawers or plentiful wardrobes.

Outside
There are two allocated parking spaces in the smart car park of the hotel (plus the opportunity to use the upper tier of the garden as an additional car parking space), this is a bonus in this popular seaside town, particularly in the busy summer months.

The south facing COURTYARD GARDEN has been thoughtfully and tastefully planted, giving colour and texture around the lower cobbled courtyard, from which double glazed doors open from the sitting room and garden room, as well as the former laundry, making it a very integral part of the living accommodation. Looking at the house from the outside it is easy to see the evolution of the coach house with various elements of architectural interest being revealed.

Stone steps wind up to the higher garden laid primarily to gravel. Vast arched gates open out onto the lane (allowing access for additional parking if required) and again this spot offers seating and views across the rooftops of old Swanage and the hills beyond.

Location
Convent Mews is steeped in history, like many of the properties in this the oldest part of Swanage. A couple of steps from the front door and through the impressive pillars brings you to what was the old village center of Swanage, with independent antique shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the beach where current vendors have always enjoyed the clean, safely shelving beach where families are busy building sandcastles, swimming and further along fishing.

From the house you can reach the Southwest Coastal Path via a nature reserve (a heaven for blackberry picking) and a 20 minute walk to Durlston Castle, situated in the Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, a gem of a wildlife location on the doorstep and a joy for the whole family. After a stop for refreshments the walk back to Swanage is via a beautiful cliff top walk with views across the Bay to the Isle of Wight, arriving in Swanage via Peveril Point, the RNLI Station, the fishermen’s huts and the Pier. A walk in the opposite direction from the house will take you, via the beach and a challenging climb, to another exhilarating cliff top walk towards the famous Old Harry Rocks, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. One favourite of the family is the wonderful walk from Swanage along Ballard Down to Corfe with amazing views across the whole of Poole towards Bournemouth…and then a steam train back!

Directions
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