Buying Agent and Property Search for Dorset Coastal

The Jurassic Coastline is one of the most sparkling jewels in Dorset’s many faceted crown and this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site covers a diverse stretch of coastline from Exmouth in the west to Studland in the east.   As a result of its special character, much of this area is carefully protected by strict planning controls but there are still opportunities to secure a property in locations many people have never found – I remember from childhood a saying that “the rolling Dorset drunkard made the rolling Dorset road” and sometimes it can be quite an adventure to reach some of the more outlying properties… but usually worth the effort when a breathtaking coastal view comes into sight around the final bend!  I once walked from Weymouth to Corfe Castle and it was an absolute joy to hardly touch a road along this undulating and incredibly scenic route.

When considering Dorset coastal towns, sparkling Sandbanks is usually at the forefront and for a very good reason.   Having lived on Poole Harbour with its fantastic opportunities for water sports, breathtaking sunsets, miles of Blue Flag beaches, train links to London, nearby airport and direct access by Ferry to France and the Channel Islands, I cannot think of a better place to be if a buzzy lifestyle is on your agenda – either as a second home or full timing living.   The outdoor lifestyle makes socialising very easy and young families in particular have so many opportunities to “live the dream” here.

However, if a quieter life is the aim, a few miles away from the coast you’ll find unspoilt villages within the Tarrant Valley, the Purbecks hills, the Okefords which nestle below Bulbarrow, Okeford, Hod and Hambledon hills and in the rolling countryside south of Dorchester westwards towards the Devon border – many of these villages have fantastic pubs and Sunday lunching is definitely a “thing” here in Dorset.   Small towns such as Swanage, Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis thrive and the larger centres of Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth are always in demand.   For those concerned about busy times in the summer holidays, my take is that I am really fortunate to be in Dorset all year round and most locals are happy to welcome visitors as we are so proud of our county and everything it offers.