Newton Manor House is in Swanage. It's a big old stone house that sleeps sixteen, so it's good for a large family or a group. There are eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms, which helps with the morning queue.
It's got a five star rating. That means it's well-kept and comfortable. It's not a modern showhome, it's a proper old house from the 1600s. There's a lot of original wood panelling and carvings. The garden is quiet and the views from the top floors look out over the town and the sea.
You're about a mile from Swanage beach and the town centre. There's a shop a quarter of a mile away. The town has the usual seaside stuff: restaurants, shops, a small theatre. In the summer, boats go from the pier to Poole and Bournemouth.
For walking, you're right by the South West Coastal Path. To the north, you can walk to the National Trust beaches at Studland. To the west, the path goes to Durlston Country Park, which is good for cliffs and wildlife, and on towards places like Kimmeridge. The old steam railway runs from Swanage to Corfe Castle, which is a nice trip.
The bigger towns like Poole and Bournemouth are a ferry ride away if you need more shops or cinemas.
Facilities: everything you'd expect is here. Washing machine, dishwasher, WiFi, TV, wood burner. Bedding and towels are included. There's parking on site. We allow one well-behaved dog. There's a cot and highchair if you need them.
Useful links: National Trust Dorset and Durlston Country Park.