Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

Blagdon Lower Barn sits in an idyllic location, nestled amidst rolling countryside with outstanding views in every direction. This delightful barn conversion is perfect for a relaxing break, and is ideally situated for exploring Chesil Beach and the Jurassic Coast.

Information correct at time of writing. Martinstown, officially Winterborne St Martin, is an historic village and just under 2 miles away, with the famous Iron Age hillfort Maiden Castle, one of the largest in Europe sitting above the village, and The Brewers Arms pub sitting at its heart. The nearby county town Dorchester has a large selection of shops, cafes, restaurants, two cinemas and numerous museums to visit and is just a 10-minute drive away. Shire Hall offers an opportunity to see where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and is just one of several museums in the town. The Roman Town House is the only example of a fully exposed Roman property in the country. Dorset is Thomas Hardy country and a visit to Hardy's Cottage is one of the many National Trust properties in the area to explore. Max Gate, the former Victorian home of Thomas Hardy and designed by him, is situated on the outskirts of Dorchester and also within walking distance of the town. Clouds Hill, the former home of T.E.Lawrence is an isolated cottage near Wareham and is also run by the National Trust. Blagdon Lower Barn is close to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, with the famous Chesil Beach, iconic Durdle Door and popular Lulworth Cove. The Jurassic Coastline is home to over 300 coastal country walks, offering some breathtaking views over Dorset’s 200-million-year-old coastline. Abbotsbury is a short pleasant drive away where you will find a beautiful Swannery and its outstanding Sub Tropical Gardens. Further along the coast road with its stunning views you will find Burton Bradstock, Bridport, West Bay, Charmouth and Lyme Regis, all perfect for a day out. The nearby seaside town of Weymouth has a Georgian seafront and 17th century harbour, and an award-winning sandy beach. If you’re bringing the little ones, Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park gives them the chance to be a pirate or a mermaid for the day, while they learn about the magical creatures off the...