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The Arc is a 17th /18th Century stone cottage on Church Hill in Swanage, near to the parish church of St Mary and opposite the medieval mill pond in the old part of the town. It has a special family history for the Coulter's. It was saved from demolition after bomb damage in the war by Ian's grandfather, the Revd. H. Nicholl-Griffith, who then left it to Ian's mother, who has now given it in trust to Max, Katy, Ben and Jemima. Ian's aunt lives next door in Wyvern Cottage.

The cottage is cosy! It is ideally suited to a family of 2 adults and 2-4 children.

The front door leads into a sitting room, with a wood-burning stove. There is a sitting area around the fire and at the far end of the room there is a table and chairs and a desk. There is a television and a video and a CD player. Stairs go up to the first floor between the sitting room and the kitchen.

The kitchen has a gas stove, a fridge, a small freezer, a washer/drier and a table and chairs for eating (seats 6). There is a screw-on high chair. At the far end of the kitchen is a door leading to a small bathroom. At the back of the kitchen is a door to the garden.

There are some steep stone steps (not child friendly) which lead to a small paved area with a little bench, ideal for eating outside - there is a picnic table and chairs and parasol in the cupboard under the stairs.

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The front bedroom is the children's room and has two sets of bunk beds. There is also a travel cot, toys and children's books. There is a bathroom next to this with a bath and basin. The back bedroom has a double bed and a small en suite loo and basin.

There are immersion heaters for hot water and electric storage heaters for heating. There are games, toys, videos, CDs, beach kit (buckets, spades, rug, windbreak, parasol, boules etc.), books, most usual cooking equipment, bedding (including sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers), towels (but not beach towels) and most things you will need.

We will endeavour to leave basic things in the kitchen - flour, sugar, salt, orange squash, baked beans, tins of tomatoes, frozen stuff etc. We ask that if you finish anything or break anything that you replace it.

The cottage is full of charm and character and has a warm, family atmosphere. It is not for those who would prefer a spotless, modern apartment! We want to create a holiday home which is welcoming and meets the needs particularly of families with children.

Obviously, some things will not be suitable for all ages, and there will be lego and playmobil which will need to be hidden if your child is too young!

About the Cottage | Things To Do | Booking Enquiries

Alison Coulter - March 2000