Sustonica, the first global sustainability standard for holiday lets.
Our aim is to create lasting holiday memories and we intend to do so both responsibly and sustainably.
To deliver on this we've set out a number of environmental and social pledges which help to focus our efforts;
you can read more about them in our Impact Report.
This is why we've partnered with Sustonica, the first global certification for holiday lets,
to support our owners to be more sustainable.
The Sustonica certification focuses on four key areas: energy conservation, water conservation,
waste reduction and promoting inclusiveness. They are on a mission to become the most widely
recognised sustainability standard for holiday rentals and a catalyst to reduce emissions of holiday
lets and influence guests to reduce their own household consumption too.
Properties that display the Sustonica badge have successfully passed the criteria,
which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards,
and their owner has made a commitment to look after our planet as well as you.
"A Great week most things fantastic,
However second time we have stayed ..."
A Great week most things fantastic,
However second time we have stayed here
Bottom oven still not working a year on no replacement or repair,
Foot extensions on sofas still not repaired or replaced a year on, and generally some dirty cutlery in draws
Otherwise all good
Thank you for your feedback. The oven is working, if there was a problem during your stay I wish you had contacted me, I would have been more than happy to come up and show you how the oven works.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Steve3.4★Feb 2025
"A lovely property in the Purbeck Hills, just right for relaxing long weekend stay with plenty of room for our extended family (and cars)."
The weather didn't spoil the stay as wood was provided for the wood burner, so was warm and cosy. Interaction with host, via text was prompt and positive. Would recommend this property to friends. Good value for money for our weekend stay.
Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Nov 2024
"I wanted to get my dog away from fireworks."
I took a gamble doing a last minute (less than 24hrs) before arriving. My gamble paid off. Wow The Old Barn was absolutely amazing. Did not disappoint. Big, comfortable, downstairs bedroom and wet room very big bonus, clean, everything you needed in a house. It was only my daughter, dog and myself. We only used downstairs for the week stay. The thick walls and where we where situated was bliss and a very safe haven for my dog. So many things to see and do ie... Corfe Castle, Durlston Castle, Anvil Point Lighthouse, Poole and so much more. The Italian Bakery
Reviewed by Amanda5.0★Nov 2024
"Very comfortable accommodation, plenty of room for everyone."
Ideal location for touring the area.
Very clean and tidy inside.
Probably even better in the summer if you like walking.
Would highly recommend to friends and family.
Reviewed by Malcolm5.0★Sep 2024
"Out stay at the Old Barn was fantastic."
It is a wonderful property and was fully equipped for all our needs. It was clean, tidy and so spacious. Hope to stay again soon
Reviewed by Keith5.0★Jul 2024
"Really lovely barn, spacious, very clean and tidy, plenty of large bedrooms and really great kitchen and dining areas."
Great location and can see the steam train from the window. Will be coming again!
Reviewed by David5.0★Jun 2024
"Very spacious accommodation in a lovely convenient location."
Has everything you need very comfortable
We had a great week ☺️
Reviewed by Steven5.0★Jun 2024
"Amazing place to stay."
Very quiet and peaceful, we had a great time .
Reviewed by Marlena5.0★May 2024
"Perfect in every way."
Thank you.
Reviewed by Carol5.0★Mar 2024
"Fantastic space for children, had pretty much everything we needed."
We had a great holiday.
Reviewed by Nick4.7★Feb 2024
"Such an amazing conversion of the barn."
A great place to have a family stay with all the facilities you could need and more than 3 car parking. We had 5 and an 18 minth staying. Its sutuation meant easy driving to all locations. Its a warm house even being open plan . The beds were all very comfortable.
Highly recommend
Reviewed by Susan4.7★Sep 2023
"A lovely spacious property which was ideal for celebrating my 70th birthday with family and friends."
Everything you needed was provided. Ample parking.
It is also situated in an ideal location being half way between Swanage and Corfe Castle.
Reviewed by Alan5.0★Mar 2023
"We absolutely loved our stay here and have already recommended it to our friends."
The comfort and ease of access was great. Also the neighbours (your family) were lovely and didn't mind our noise. We will definitely be returning! Thank you for hosting us so well!
Reviewed by Vivian5.0★Mar 2023
"This is a fabulous cottage in beautiful surroundings."
It is almost perfect. The one thing that lets it down are the towels. The description says towels are provided and yes, they are but they are so small. It would be better to not provide them or get new larger ones. Looking back through the visitors books it is the one thing that crops up time after time. Such a shame it is not rectified one way or another. This should definitely not prevent you from booking, it is a gorgeous property.
Reviewed by Theresa4.7★Jan 2023
"The Old Barn is a lovely, spacious, well designed and well equipped house which the owners have furnished beautifully and thoughtfully."
It was decorated for Christmas, which the children loved, and we were supplied with welcome food and drink gifts, which made the adults happy too. The space accommodated three families and two dogs with ease, and allowed constant supervision of both children and pets. We had a lovely time, enjoyed the location and will definitely find an opportunity to return.
Reviewed by Monica5.0★Dec 2022
"Beautiful converted barn in a lovely area of Dorset."
Spotlessly clean and so spacious and perfect for our girlie weekend away and even managed to cook a pre-Christmas lunch.
Lovely and peaceful and if your lucky you may see a steam train pass the property.
A good base to get to anywhere in the area.
Reviewed by Angela5.0★Nov 2022
"Absolutely lovely owner who helped us so much and definitely went the extra mile."
Friendly and warm and a pleasure to meet . The property is very well maintained , sensibly decorated and excellent bedding etc. nothing to complain about whatsoever! We felt very much at home.
Pleasure to meet this lovely couple and welcome back anytime. Thank you for the fabulous feedback. Very much appreciated. x
Property Owner
Reviewed by Linda5.0★Nov 2022
"An amazing holiday, we all had a great time in this house as there was more than enough space for 8 19 year olds to be having fun :) can’t recommend this enough!"
!
Reviewed by Maddison5.0★Jun 2022
"We loved staying in this beautiful barn."
Very spacious and comfortable. Wonderful location. Waving at the steam trains every day was an added bonus!
Thank you so much for the lovely drawing with very cool dinosaur’s on. It was a lovely thank you. Thanks for the great feedback.
Property Owner
Reviewed by Debbie5.0★Apr 2022
"We had a fabulous stay in this converted barn cottage."
The facilities were great for our combined 4 famillies with young children, with the addition of the passing steam train and local tractors.
Numerous visitor attractions were within easy reach, including Studland and Swanage beaches, the Blue Pool and Monkey World.
There was ample parking for 4 cars, although the description had said space for 3 cars.
Reviewed by Jane4.7★Feb 2022
"Good evening
Thank you for your e-mail, we had a wonderful time staying in the Old Barn, Swanage."
It is an amazing house and was definitely ideal for us all to be together, for our family break away.
Just a few thing’s that we noticed when we arrived. The carpet edge to the lounge was all frayed, both flush buttons on the toilets were a little loose and the cupboard door to the wash machine did not close.
None of this affected our stay, we just wanted to let you know.
Kind regards
Reviewed by Karen5.0★Jan 2022
"Had a lovely couple of days at The Old Barn, plenty of space inside and plenty of room for parking."
Nice and quiet location. Close to Swanage and Corfe Castle. Will definitely be booking again.
Reviewed by Carys5.0★Jan 2022
"We all really enjoyed our stay at the Old barn,
the descriptions are accurate, very relaxing place with all amenities and room to have a great break!"
Thank you we will be back!
Daisy
Thank you for great feedback,
Property Owner
Reviewed by Daisy5.0★Jan 2022
"The provision of a wet-room infers the property is suitable for the disabled (which both my Wife & I are)."
But:- 1. It has no 'grab rails'; in the wet-room,
2 The WC is much too low (at least 5 inches compared to ours at home)
3 No 'grab rails' by the WC, you have to pull yourself up by using the Sink &
4 No removeable plastic seat in the wet-room
Also, the double bed downstairs is rathe hard!
The upstairs Bath/Shower could benefit from having a 'grab rail' fitted.
Other than these suggestions the property benefitted from having a large well equipped kitchen. Tasteful decor & lovely very quiet situation.
Reviewed by Gerald4.4★Sep 2021
"Easily best property we have ever been in Definitely had the Wow factor"
Reviewed by Joyce5.0★Aug 2021
"The Old Barn took our breath away the moment we entered."
A fabulous place. We were there to celebrate my 70th and there were 7 of us including grandsons 5 and 3. They loved the space and waving to the steam trains. Location very peaceful and close to beautiful Swanage and other places to visit. Waiting hip replacement so downstairs bedroom and walk-in shower were invaluable. Cakes on arrival quickly demolished and a visit to Manor Farm for a cream tea highly recommended. Miss staying there already.
Reviewed by Cheryl5.0★Aug 2021
"Beyond perfect accommodation."
Only one thing missing..... a bbq would be great.
Reviewed by Amanda5.0★Jul 2021
"Beautiful Barn enjoyed our stay."
Having level ground floor area with bedroom, shower room & toilet on this level was perfect for our needs.
The Barn is perfectly situated for visits to Corfe Castle, beautiful beaches such as Knoll Beach,
Shell beach and Lulworth Cove.
It was a joy to watch & see the Steam Train from the Barn.
Would definitely recommend this property as a holiday stay in Beautiful Dorset
Beautiful barn in a lovely area just down the road from Swanage and Corfe which was an ideal base. Everything was clean and there was attention paid to detail . Had everything we needed down to the extras such as loo rolls and fairy liquid! Even had a wonderful cake waiting for us, which was gorgeous. Will definitely be going back.
Reviewed by Vicki5.0★Oct 2020
"Lovely property, very spacious and excellent location."
Reviewed by Mark5.0★Jul 2020
"The accommodation was excellent and we felt at home as soon as we walked in the door."
It had been beautifully decorated for Christmas. It was very well equipped with everything we could have needed and we were even left a bottle of Prosecco and a box of chocolates. The Swanage steam railway line was very close and it was lovely to see the engines steaming past.
Reviewed by Janet5.0★Dec 2019
"This was a truly magnificent barn which exceeded our expectations."
It’s bigger than the pictures make out and the open plan was perfect for our Xmas break. Would love to return, but sadly it’s already booked for next year. We will keep trying again.
Reviewed by Lucy5.0★Dec 2019
"Fantastic cottage with plenty of room."
Very clean and well equipped. Would not hesitate to stay here again. Really enjoyable. Thank You.
Reviewed by John5.0★Nov 2019
"A wonderful barn, very spacious."
Has the wow factor when you walk in.
Plenty of room for a family weekend getaway.
Everything we needed was there .
Great base for exploring the area.
Only slight downsides were the mattress in the ground floor room was lumpy and the games in the cupboard were half missing. We left 2 new complete ones for the next visitors.
Reviewed by Emma4.4★Nov 2019
"Great accommodation and location."
Plenty of space for our party of seven adults and one dog. All that we needed for a friends get together. We had a lovely time.
Reviewed by Glynis5.0★Oct 2019
"We had a marvellous stay at the old barn so much space totally loved it plus ..."
We had a marvellous stay at the old barn so much space totally loved it plus only 5 mins from swanage and 10 mins from corfe castle with an added bonus of the steam trains visible from the kitchen window ,i would recommend the old barn and cant wait for next year
Reviewed by Ian5.0★Sep 2019
"An ideal holiday base for exploring this lovely part of Dorset."
The Old Barn is charming, clean, comfortable, convenient, and very spacious. Plenty of car-parking space too. We look forward to a return visit.
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Aug 2019
"Another excellent holiday at The Barn."
Exceptionally clean and family friendly.
The owners have kept the place up to its standard and we would like to thank them very much.
Our family will certainly return again for another year.
Reviewed by Brian5.0★Aug 2019
"Fantastic accommodation, very spacious, has got everything what family need ..."
Fantastic accommodation, very spacious, has got everything what family need
Is located 6 minutes from the Swanage beach via car Perfect for kids
We will be definitely back - Thank you
Reviewed by Mirka5.0★Aug 2019
"The general waste bin was almost full on arrival and had trouble putting in our waste as we cooked at barn."
Had no hand towels just bath. Fridge a little small for cooking at home with large family. The property was spacious and will maintained would come again .
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Jul 2019
"We had a lovely week t the Old Barn."
It is so spacious especially as there were only two of us plus Willow the spaniel. A nice touch was the dog water bowl which Willow made use of immediate ly on arrival. And the cake of course which was delicious. We met Julie the owner at Manor Farm tea rooms for tea and more cake. We also bought some goose eggs from birds over the road from the barn. The only suggestion I would have would be to have an enclosed garden with a lawn as there is plenty of space. As it is I had to take Willow out on the lead every morning and night especially as there were chickens roaming free which she would have chased. The Barn is ideally located halfway between Swanage and Corfe Castle.
Reviewed by Virginia4.7★Jun 2019
"The property was great spacious and very quiet loved it would go back"
Reviewed by Anthony4.7★May 2019
"This was our second visit to The Old Barn and a few niggles from last year has been fixed such as damaged sofa and leaking sink."
The kitchen seemed less well equipped than last year and we needed to purchase items such as a dishwasher salt, grater, baking dish, sharp knives so we could prepare family meals. The other niggle was the dustbins were full/overflowing when we arrived. The recycling bin was emptied during our stay but the general rubbish was still full of the previous guests rubbish when we left and it was lucky we didn’t create much rubbish when we stayed. Overall the barn is a great property, well maintained and in a fabulous location. We enjoyed our stay enormously.
Reviewed by Nicholas5.0★Apr 2019
"It’s a lovely barn in a beautiful setting, it’s peaceful and near to Swanage and beach."
There is everything you want at the barn such thought put into it. It’s our second time there and hope to go again. Mollie Mike and family.
Reviewed by Mollie5.0★Mar 2019
"Great to see a new sofa as some of the previous comments indicated it was tired and broken."
Reviewed by Iain5.0★Mar 2019
"Comfortable converted Barn, lovely and spacious."
Very central to many places of interest.
Just a couple of things could do with updating at the accommodation:
Very leaky kettle when pouring and very furred up, could do with a new one.
Lounge corner settee is very damaged and coming away at the corners, a new one is probably needed.
Fridge freezer is very small.
Overall a lovely place to stay, lovely wood burning stove, beautifully warm.
Reviewed by Brian3.8★Oct 2018
"This is a very spacious barn conversion not far from Swanage and ideal for families."
The location of the property to the Swanage railway with the steam trains were a real delight and grandpa and grandson especially enjoyed watching them pass close to the property. A car is essential for getting out and about - Studland, Corfe etc. tho walkers would enjoy exploring the footpath opposite.
Reviewed by J4.4★Aug 2018
"The barn was lovely so spacious everyone enjoyed it,there where a few things ..."
The barn was lovely so spacious everyone enjoyed it,there where a few things missing though
Like barbecue and washing line
Also it wasn’t really pet friendly we had to buy some mesh for the gate at the back so our small dog could go out but not get on the road
There was a field were you could walk your dog (take wellies )
Other than that it was very nice
Reviewed by Susan4.7★Aug 2018
"On the whole we had an enjoyable stay at the Old Barn much helped by sunshine all week."
There are a few issues which you should take up with the owners:
a) It is not clear from your photographs that the balustrade (fencing) along the front entrance and terrace of the property is NOT actually fitted with glass panels as we expected. It was very difficult to stop our five year grandson from running through the front door every time a train came along and worrying that he would continue straight off the terrace.
b) The stonework on the steps to the front door is crumbling away in several places presenting quite a trip hazard with suitcases etc.
c) The floor level window in bedroom two needs looking at. Our grandson was stationed in here and it too easy for him to open, leading to a potential 1st floor drop to concrete below. We had to improvise a gate to prevent this. I understand that there may be a fire exit issue with this window but there are models available on the market that can satisfy both criteria, that is say can be a fire exit with child access prevention.
d) The corner sofa in the living area has obviously been savaged by a dog and blanket throws are being used to cover this up. A new sofa should have been sourced immediately. Every day we needed to vacuum the carpet to remove tiny pieces leather from the carpet that our twin granddaughters kept trying to eat. (NB. The vacuum cleaner needs replacement bags on site, I had to manually empty it as it would not suck up anything, ugh)
Reviewed by John3.8★Jul 2018
"A fabulous home from home venue."
The owners have thought of everything at The Old Barn. However I would warn families with very young children that it was a challenge without a proper cot. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it as a super base for a Dorset holiday.
Reviewed by Jacqueline3.8★Jun 2018
"Lovely comfy spacious converted barn."
Everything we needed on hand. Owner on the end of the phone for any queries, answered immediately. Gorgeous area of Dorset, central to the Purbeck Hills, perfect for dog walks, sight seeing and eating out. Highly recommend this holiday home.
Reviewed by Patricia4.7★May 2018
"We had an excellent week with Sykes Cottages."
The added benefit of the cottage that was not on the details was its central location next to all the major walking trails on the Isle of Purbeck whether you wanted a short or long walk.
Reviewed by Nicholas5.0★Mar 2018
"Hot water was sometimes cold in kitchen !"
The property and facilities were faultless
Reviewed by Mark5.0★Jan 2018
"The photos and description of The Old Barn do not do it justice!"
It was a WOW place to stay...and perfect for our multi generational family with lots of room and farm animals and steam trains on our doorstep!
Reviewed by Carol5.0★Sep 2017
"Fantastic holiday cottage and very well placed."
Very impressed with the size of the converted barn and an ideal place for a family.
Reviewed by Brian5.0★Aug 2017
"This was our second stay at the property which says it all."
It's a fantastic place to stay with lovely countryside right on your door step.
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Jul 2017
"We had a very good week and all our adventures were close by."
One of the great things, if you like steam trains, the Swanage Steam railway ran past our cottage, 200 yards away. Fantastic!!!
Reviewed by Christine4.8★Jul 2017
"Large well equipped cottage in a great location."
Ideal for walkers or sightseeing in Dorset.
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Mar 2017
"The Old Barn far exceeded our expectations."
It was so spacious and comfortable. The owner had left everything we could have needed, including a delicious home made cake! The location is fantastic for a base for walking or a short drive to the beach. We enjoyed every minute our stay and felt so relaxed. The owners have a lovely tearoom in Studland where we enjoyed a delicious ploughmans lunch during one of our walks. I would, and have, recommended The Old Barn to friends and family. We also found Sykes very helpful from day one of our booking - keeping us uptodate with regular emails and always being there on the phone if I had a query. Thank you!
Four bedrooms: 1 x ground floor double, 2 x family room with 1 double and 1 single
1 double room
Ground floor wet room with shower, basin and WC
Bathroom with bath, basin and WC
Kitchen with dining area
Sitting room with wood burner.
Oil central heating with underfloor heating on ground floor and woodburner
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, selection of books and games
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot, highchair and stairgate on request
Bike storage available on request
Off road parking for 3 cars
Front gravelled area with furniture
One well-behaved dog welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 10 mins walk, pub 1.5 miles
Note: Swanage Railway line is approx
200 yards away
Note: There is an agricultural workshop at the rear
Note: There are some external steps to access the property, but level access is also available
There are no internal steps on the ground floor.
The property
Swanage 2.5 miles.
Nestling at the foot of Nine Barrow Down on Dorsets picturesque Isle of Purbeck, and only a short drive from Swanage, is this outstanding, detached stone barn conversion.
Set on the owners working farm and skilfully converted to an exceptionally high standard, this spacious cottage makes an ideal holiday base for family or friends wishing to explore Dorsets Jurassic Coast.
The front door opens into the large, light entrance hall with stairs leading up to an impressive mezzanine landing, which overlooks the superb fitted kitchen and spacious dining area.
The excellent sitting room boasts a warming woodburner, which together with the underfloor heating, helps to create a cosy, sociable space to unwind in after an adventurous day out.
There are three spacious bedrooms, all offering different sleeping configurations to suit a wide range of needs, including a ground floor bedroom with adjacent wet room, which may suit less mobile visitors.
Outside is a front gravelled area, to catch the last of the sun's rays when you return home from a busy day.
Vintage railway enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that the restored Swanage Railway line is set to the front of this Dorset holiday cottage, with little steam engines puffing past each hour.
Why not hop on one from nearby Harmans Cross, Swanage or Corfe Castle to enjoy a nostalgic trip?
The Purbeck Hills offer some of the most scenic walks in Dorset, and there are marked footpaths direct from the doorstep.
No trip would be complete without a day at the Victorian seaside town of Swanage, with its beautiful bay and beach offering watersports, as well as a wealth of restaurants, shops and inns.
Alternatively, roam along the striking South West Coast Path to discover unforgettable sights.
Theres so much to see and do within a short distance of this Swanage cottage, that a week wont be long enough!
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150.
View on map
Where you’ll be staying
SWANAGE
Wareham 9.7 miles; Poole 20 miles.
The small, family-friendly seaside resort of Swanage is situated at the eastern end of Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, on the celebrated Isle of Purbeck and is probably best known for its wonderful, gently shelving golden sands. The little town offers visitors plenty of shops, good pubs and restaurants, some of which specialise in locally caught seafood, and is also well known for its annual jazz festival, which takes place each July. The attractive, Victorian wooden pier offers a great place for a stroll or try fishing, and often used a departure point for divers, it’s a wonderful place to watch the world pass by. The historic Swanage Railway has its terminus in the town and regular nostalgic steam engine trips take tourists for a picturesque 6-mile journey, chugging through lovely countryside to stop just beyond the romantic ruin of Corfe Castle. Nearby Durlston Country Park offers a lovely day out with spectacular coastal walks, dolphin spotting and wildlife watching, together with comfortable viewing points and a well-stocked cafe for a treat after all the fresh air. Take the short drive to Studland, which has one of the finest beaches in the country, surrounded by heathland, together with the regular chain ferry, which crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour to Sandbanks. This truly is a delightful holiday destination at any time of the year.
