Overlooking the picturesque Lulworth Cove, sits a luxury escape called the Rafters. The 10-bedroom thatched cottage is a stunning hideaway within the tranquil setting of a World Heritage Site. Whether you choose to spend your days adventuring at sea, hiking the famous coastal paths, fossil hunting or sampling the local produce; the Rafters will welcome you to relax and unwind in a lavishly comfortable and indulgent home with all amenities and details considered for a truly memorable stay.
The Rafters is the perfect base to explore the nearby iconic sites of the Jurassic Coast. Lulworth Cove and the Stair Hole are on your doorstep. The Fossil Forest, Man O’War Beach and Durdle Door are accessible via the various coastal paths. Walks from the Rafters over to Durdle Door is approximately 30 minutes, however, we can assure you that it is worth the trek as there are plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the stunning landscape along the way.
The house is located a two minute walk from the cove, visitor centre and shops. The gated property is only accessible by a private road and situated in an acre of land with the landscape acting as a natural screen; keeping the house secret from the rest of the cove without disturbing the incredible views. The Rafters has been designed as a truly secluded refuge with a wide range of activities within the house to keep everyone entertained even on the rainiest of days.
The Home
The Rafters has recently been fully rebuilt to the highest standard; with no expense spared to create this special home. The design offers a mix of traditional and modern - a coastal, cosy retreat that is consistent with the look and style of the area but equipped with all modern amenities and a luxury finish. All 10 en-suite bedrooms have superking beds and built-in wardrobes. Every spacious ensuite bathroom features a walk-in wet area with a powerful rain showerhead. Two of the ensuite bathrooms include freestanding bathtubs. The entire house and detached garage boast underfloor heating; with each bedroom and bathroom having individual temperature controls to suit all preferences.
The communal areas are designed to easily accommodate over 20 guests. The entire ground floor is open plan, making the most of the beautiful views. If choosing to remain indoors for the day, there are a variety of rooms to enjoy. The top floor includes a library, sitting area with mini bar and a cosy cinema room with Blu-ray, Apple TV and Amazon TV. The Games room in the “garage” boasts a ping-pong table, board games, large TV, music speakers all in an area large enough to host a yoga class. The lower ground floor offers a large, heated indoor saline pool with a paddling area for the young ones if the adults just want to watch and relax. The ground floor has a Snug, Lounge, Fireplace and Copper topped bar all with incredible views of the coast. Meals can be prepared in the spacious chef-style kitchen, which is equipped with everything needed to create a gourmet meal for 20 that can further be enjoyed in the stylish dining area. Outside there are two large terraces overlooking the lovely landscape, sea and cove and an acre of natural gardens.
The choices in the Rafters are endless when it comes to enjoying and entertaining yourself and your group. The house is perfect for large families, multiple families, corporate events, yoga groups, large celebrations or any other excuse you need to treat yourself to a coastal luxury getaway with 5 star amenities and an idyllic coast at your fingertips.
The Neighbourhood
Lulworth Cove, a unique scallop shaped cove on the Jurassic Coast, was formed around 10,000 years ago by the powerful sea. The surrounding land is rich with fossils, natural beauty and even has its own species of butterflies called the “Lulworth Skipper”. The Jurassic Coast runs from Orcombe Point in Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks in Swanage and was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2001. The area continues to be extremely popular for hikers, fossil hunters, mountain bikers, swimmers, boaters and surfers. The walk down to the cove is filled with all sorts of local merchants: ice cream shops, pubs, bakeries and a very well known fishmonger. As busy and popular as the cove gets, the idyllic landscape remains an unscathed paradise and a hidden gem. The dramatic coastline continues throughout the surrounding areas-places like Durdle Door, Kimmeridge, Stair Hole and Hambury Tout are just a few of the landmarks within walking distance along the south coast path of the Jurassic Coast.
West Lulworth, just a 5 minute walk from the house, is a picturesque Dorset fishing village with thatched cottages dating back over 400 years – interestingly it used to be a smugglers haunt, being only minutes away from the coastline. Full of history and beauty, it is a great village to visit and have a walk around.
The village of East Lulworth, only a short 7-minute drive from the house, is also a very quaint village with some of the most charming cottages in the county. East Lulworth is home to the famous Lulworth Castle and Park. There is so much to explore with the beautiful grounds and woodland walks, tearooms and entrance to the partly restored castle.
Wareham and Wool are the local “bustling” towns with the amenities if you need food markets, nice restaurants, etc. and both just a short drive away. If you are happy to just relax in the house, you can just as easily order Waitrose or Ocado to be delivered to your door.
You will be welcomed into the house by our house manager and given full access to the house and the gates. You will be given a few sets of keys and a welcome tour and then given privacy.
If needed, the house manager can be reached most hours of the day.
Nearby attractions
• South West Coastal Path
• Lulworth Cove
• Durdle Door & Man O’War Beach
• Fossil Forest
• Lulworth Castle & Estate
• Corfe Castle (National Trust)
• Durlston National Nature Reserve
• Studland & Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve
• Swanage
• The Pig on the Beach
• Brownsea Island (National Trust)
• Sandbanks & Poole
• Clouds Hill – Lawrence of Arabia’s Rustic Cottage (National Trust)
• Thomas Hardy’s birth place (National Trust)
• Max Gate – Thomas Hardy’s former home (National Trust)
• Ringstead Bay (National Trust)
• Monkey World
• Tank Museum
Getting here-
By train:
Wareham Station (2 hour and 25 minute train from Waterloo Station) – 9 miles from house
Wool Station (2 hour and 30 minute train from Waterloo Station) - 15 minute drive to house
By Car:
From London: 2 hours and 45 minutes
