Dorset, a county that is rich in history and natural beauty, has always been one of the UK’s most desirable places to live. Nestled along the sandy shores of the stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dorset is home to dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and boundless countryside, offering the perfect setting for those seeking charming tranquillity. The area’s history stretches all the way back to prehistoric times, with cliff faces full of fossils that reveal secrets from millions of years ago. Dorset county also played a key role in Roman Britain, later becoming a hub of agriculture which lasted through the medieval era.
Today the area is celebrated not only for its beautiful landscapes but also for the vibrant communities that thrive in its towns and the excellent quality of life available for people that live here. From the quaint little villages in the country to the busier towns like Poole and Bournemouth, there is something for everyone in this coastal county. Residents can enjoy access to high-quality educational institutions, excellent amenities as well as the picturesque natural landmarks the area is famous for like the Durdle Door.
Whether it is the allure of rural tranquillity or the promise of vibrant culture within the area’s bigger cities that draws you to Dorset, the county undoubtedly has the perfect place for you to call home.
Poole
Perhaps the best place in Dorset for those who desire luxury living, Poole is a large coastal town that offers both natural charm and urban convenience. Situated on the south coast, Poole is known for its stunning natural harbour that is the biggest in Europe and provides breathtaking views of the waterfront. It also creates a haven for water sport enthusiasts as it is perfect for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding just to name a few. The area also boasts the iconic sandbanks beach, a coastal strip that is famed for its high-end homes and beautiful surroundings.
Poole, and the Sandbanks area in particular, offer a number of exclusive properties from waterfront apartments to modern mansions, many with their own private moorings and panoramic sea views. Sandbanks is renowned for being one of the most expensive and prestigious residential areas in the country, offering an array of high-end amenities including fine dining and yacht clubs.
The average price of a detached home in the Sandbanks area of Poole is around £3.2 million, with large properties in other parts of the town costing upwards of £450,000.
Sherborne
Sherborne is a picturesque market town in Dorset that is renowned for its rich history and timeless charm. Nestled in Dorset’s abundance of beautiful countryside, this tranquil town boasts stunning medieval architecture including the iconic Sherborne Abbey as well as two other historic castles. It also has a bustling town centre complete with a number of restaurants and shops that cater to discerning tastes. The cultural scene in Sherborne is strong, spearheaded by popular events like the Sherborne Literary Festival that add a decided sense of sophistication to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
The history of Sherborne is also evident in its impressive property market as the area boasts grand Georgian townhouses with scenic views as well as elegant country estates with vast gardens. The town has excellent educational standards with institutions like the prestigious Sherbourne School attracting families that desire top-tier education.
Property values in Sherborne sit at an average of £350,000 for a detached house but this is likely to be much higher for some of the sprawling country homes available in the town.
Swanage
A charming coastal town of Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is an idyllic place to live that offers the perfect blend of seaside tranquillity and modern amenities. Located on the famous Jurassic coasts, this seaside town boasts stunning seaside views and sandy beaches, making it a haven for those seeking a picturesque place to call home. It also serves as a gateway to nearby amenities like the Poole Harbour and Lulworth Estate, while the town centre itself has no shortage of artisan cafes and popular eateries. As well as boasting excellent schools, the area is also the ideal place for nature lovers as it provides unbridled access to hiking trails and sailing spots.
For those with a desire for high-end living, the modern cliffside homes, elegant Victorian estates and exclusive waterfront villas with direct beach access of Swanage are the perfect choice, with properties such as these selling for between £400,000 and £2 million.
Beaminster
This delightful market town hidden in the hills of Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the county’s gems. Beaminster is serene and sophisticated, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life. Known for its welcoming community, Beaminster is also home to the acclaimed restaurant Brassica, an intimate, family-run eatery that won the award for best restaurant in the South West of England in 2020.
The Beaminster property market is full of timeless Georgian gems and sprawling stately homes, both often coming with vast grounds and stunning views. Prices range from an average of £450,000 up to more than a million for some of the most impressive estates in the area.
Wimborne
For an ideal blend of convenience and charm, the market town of Wimborne is a perfect choice. Located in East Dorset, this sought-after town boasts convenient transport links to Poole, Bournemouth and London so is the ideal slice of rural living with the added bonus of being incredibly well connected. Wimborne has a rich history that is evident in its stunning architecture, the most impressive example being the Wimborne Minster Church, a 1300-year-old building that is recognised for its unusual chained library, one of only a few surviving chained libraries in the world. The town also has a thriving cultural scene, with attractions like the Tivoli Theatre and the annual Wimborne Folk Festival which has grown from a one-day-event in 1979 to a weekend long celebration of folk dance and music.
From boutique shopping options to elegant homes at the heart of the town, Wimborne has plenty to offer those seeking an upscale lifestyle. The beautiful Georgian townhouses in Wimborne sell for an average of £415,000.
As Dorset county evolves into a premier place to live, there is a strong focus on preserving its heritage whilst embracing a future full of sustainable development and modernity. This allows Dorset to elevate the quality of life for its residents whilst also remaining an idyllic retreat with historical resonance. Future developments including improved transport links and environmentally conscious housing projects are set to make the area even more attractive to prospective residents.
Whether you’re drawn to the area’s coastal charm and rural tranquillity or the luxury amenities of towns like Poole, Dorset is likely to remain one of the country’s most desirable places to live.
