Dorset, my county, my home.

Absolutely beautiful HC! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the compliment, I am pleased that you have enjoyed seeing where I live. Just a bye-the-way. Our home is a converted bungalow, originally a single story two bedroomed property. The previous owner was a football player, the soccer type of football, he was a professional player, playing for Southampton. The reason for telling you that is because with his kind of income he had an architect draw up a project, the bungalow became a five bedroom house with two of the bedrooms having an en-suite bathroom and the master bathroom is more of a small swimming pool.

We have lived here for just over twenty-five years, now old age has made it hard work and that's despite having a weekly gardener and a lovely ironing fairy. I don't show it on the internet simply because of security. But now we have decided to sell up and buy a more manageable bungalow, before we do that we are preparing the place for sale. We intend to stay within the area, it's almost twenty-six years since our last move. From memory house move is just one down from a drilling and filling at the dentist. I will keep you updated.
 

Thank you for the compliment, I am pleased that you have enjoyed seeing where I live. Just a bye-the-way. Our home is a converted bungalow, originally a single story two bedroomed property. The previous owner was a football player, the soccer type of football, he was a professional player, playing for Southampton. The reason for telling you that is because with his kind of income he had an architect draw up a project, the bungalow became a five bedroom house with two of the bedrooms having an en-suite bathroom and the master bathroom is more of a small swimming pool.

We have lived here for just over twenty-five years, now old age has made it hard work and that's despite having a weekly gardener and a lovely ironing fairy. I don't show it on the internet simply because of security. But now we have decided to sell up and buy a more manageable bungalow, before we do that we are preparing the place for sale. We intend to stay within the area, it's almost twenty-six years since our last move. From memory house move is just one down from a drilling and filling at the dentist. I will keep you updated.
Don't forget to pack Mrs HC's sewing cabin or, will she have a new space to enjoy? :)
 
Don't forget to pack Mrs HC's sewing cabin or, will she have a new space to enjoy? :)
She really wanted the carpenter to dismantle it to take to the new address. Thankfully he explained that he can build a new one for far less, and we can use the existing cabin as an additional sales feature.
 
She really wanted the carpenter to dismantle it to take to the new address. Thankfully he explained that he can build a new one for far less, and we can use the existing cabin as an additional sales feature.
That's a good idea. Having had the first cabin, Mrs HC will know what she wants with the second one. I think I would be more excited about the new cabin than the house! Happy househunting :)
 
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How right you are. The carpenter readily admits that he is no artist but he does have a good program on his laptop that can translate the customers ideas into the sort of cabin/studio they are looking for.
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The first two photos are her existing cabin, the last one is what she could have at the new address.
I think that she is warming to the idea.
 
Thank you for the compliment, I am pleased that you have enjoyed seeing where I live. Just a bye-the-way. Our home is a converted bungalow, originally a single story two bedroomed property. The previous owner was a football player, the soccer type of football, he was a professional player, playing for Southampton. The reason for telling you that is because with his kind of income he had an architect draw up a project, the bungalow became a five bedroom house with two of the bedrooms having an en-suite bathroom and the master bathroom is more of a small swimming pool.

We have lived here for just over twenty-five years, now old age has made it hard work and that's despite having a weekly gardener and a lovely ironing fairy. I don't show it on the internet simply because of security. But now we have decided to sell up and buy a more manageable bungalow, before we do that we are preparing the place for sale. We intend to stay within the area, it's almost twenty-six years since our last move. From memory house move is just one down from a drilling and filling at the dentist. I will keep you updated.
Thank you for the description. It sounds like a lovely home I'd see on the million dollar home buying shows! I don't envy what you'll be going through preparing to move. I've lived in our modest apartment for going on 56 years and I'd hate to have to pack up and move at this point. But once you make the move, it will be better for you and your wife. I hope you will be able to stay in that lovely area. I'll be looking forward to the updates. :)
 
Thank you Diva, I will indeed keep you updated.

Now come with me to the west side of Dorset, there is much to see and for famous (or infamous,) meet the character who has no need of, ahem, chemical assistance.
Cerne Abbas
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that you don’t know what the small village of Cerne Abbas is famous for, but then you’ll see that instantly recognisable image of the nude man carved into the chalk hillside. The ancient and iconic Cerne Abbas Giant stands at an impressive 180 ft tall and is just a short walk from the village itself.
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The Cerne Abbas Giant is a hill figure near the village of Cerne Abbas, owned by the National Trust, and listed as a scheduled monument of England. Measuring 180 ft. in length, the hill figure depicts a bald, nude male with a prominent erection, holding his left hand out to the side and wielding a large club in his right hand. Like many other hill figures, the Cerne Giant is formed by shallow trenches cut into the turf and backfilled with chalk rubble. Check out Wikipedia: The Cerne Abbas Giant.
Aside from its hillside giant, Cerne Abbas is well worth your time to explore. The Benedictine Cerne Abbey is a wonderful sight to explore and the nearby Cerne Abbas Brewery means you won’t be short of great pubs serving freshly-brewed beers, as well as local ciders, wines and spirits.

Soak up the sun and hunt for fossils in "The Pearl of Dorset." And when the sun goes down how picturesque is Lyme Regis.
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Lyme Regis is a breathtaking seaside town, hugging the famous Jurassic Coast. With its bunting-lined streets, sweeping golden beach, calm turquoise sea, and, of course, its world-renowned Cobb, it’s easy to see why this is such a hotspot for holidaymakers. But, there’s more to this postcard-perfect town than just its beautiful beach.

Famous for it's abundance of prehistoric fossils, you can venture off on guided fossil hunting walks, run by the Lyme Regis Museum. Fans of the arts can find places offering Jane Austin walking tours and even Broadchurch tours, too. Plus, no trip to Lyme Regis would be complete without a visit to the traditional Marine Aquarium.

The suffix "Regis," is, Latin that translates: "of the king." Regis occurs in numerous English place names. The name usually recalls the historical ownership of lands or manors by the Crown. In other places it honours royal associations rather than ownership.

Weymouth:
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The picturesque coastal town of Weymouth has all the ingredients for a traditional British summer holiday. Its vibrant seafront is home to a sandy beach lined with multi-coloured beach huts and equally colourful houses. Talk about Instagrammable content!

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family holiday, this could be just the place for you. When you’re not building sandcastles, visit the impressive Sculpture Park and be wowed by the work of the experts? Take in the fabulous sights at the award-winning Nothe Fort, traverse the causeway to the Isle of Portland and soak up the atmosphere of the town’s bustling harbour. Do click on that Sculpture Park link, you will be blown away.

Sherborne.
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The charming market town of Sherborne is rich in history, with fascinating ancient landmarks to explore. Film and TV enthusiasts with a sharp eye may well recognise places such as Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne School from the likes of Far From The Madding Crowd and the 2014 blockbuster The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Located on the banks of the River Yeo and packed with independent galleries, bookshops and eateries, Sherborne is a beautiful town to discover. A look inside the aforementioned abbey is a must, as is a visit to the Sherborne Castle & Gardens. Numerous events and festivals take place in the town throughout the year, so be sure to check what’s on before you go.

Being allowed just five photos I can't give you all the interesting sites of Sherborne so on my next post we will stay in this beautiful market town and I will show you around. Only having one space left for a photo on this post I chose a picture of the high altar at Sherborne Abbey. Magnificent, isn't it?
 
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Originally a bishop’s palace, Sherborne Castle became the home of Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and great favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. The castle was later a powerful Royalist base and saw fierce fighting during the Civil War. Oliver Cromwell set out to capture the castle, which he described as 'malicious and mischievous'. It fell in 1645 after a fierce eleven-day siege.

Today, the castle grounds are a haven for wildlife and birds, with picturesque views across the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for 'Lady Betty's Pinks' flowering during July and August, locally named after Sir Walter Ralegh's wife, Elizabeth.

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Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, Sherborne Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to the worshipping heart of a monastic community and, finally, to one England’s most beautiful parish churches. For many, it is still the ā€˜cathedral of Dorset’ and our Benedictine heritage lives on in the daily offering of prayer and praise.
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The covid lockdown had one advantage. Clear images of what is always a busy place.
Here's one of my favourite market traders, a hat stall.
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My great grandfather was Sexton of the Church in Melplash, Dorset from 1865 to 1901. He is Mentioned in the Church Yearbook with the following entries:-
ā€œ2) Resignation of the Parish Clerk Mr Thomas George Rawls after 28 years of faithful service in that office. His father Henry Rawls preceded him as Parish Clerk of Melplash for 36 years:- thus father and son served in this office over a period of 64 yearsā€

His son, my grandfather, became a dockyard policeman in Pembroke Dock, Wales and later in Portsmouth, Hampshire and I fondly remember my time as a youth playing in the creek across the road from their house at Alverstoke Creek, Gosport.

Your pictures of that part of England bring back so many memories of those places that I visited before I left and made my life here in Ontario, Canada.

Thank you for the pictorial reminders......
 
Your pictures of that part of England bring back so many memories of those places that I visited before I left and made my life here in Ontario, Canada.

Thank you for the pictorial reminders......
You are most welcome, so glad that you have enjoyed your reminisce. I will give Dorset a rest for a while. Perhaps later I might show you some of the communities nestled in the New Forest.
 
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The Dorset Coast World Heritage Site is England’s first (and only) natural World Heritage Site.
This photo depicts the rock formation at Studland, it's known affectionately as Old Harry Rocks.

Zig Zag Hill in Dorset has the reputation of being our country's bendiest road. This mile long stretch feels like a rollercoaster with its twists and turns. Drivers be warned! Click on the link and become the pillion passenger on a motorbike as it negotiates Zig-Zag Hills' hairpin beds.
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Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel at Poole, Dorset.
Sandbanks Beach is arguably the best beach in the UK for it's soft golden sand, crystal clear water, breath-taking views and commitment to the enviroment. It has enjoyed coveted Blue Flag status for 31 years in a row, having first received the award in 1987.
Sandbanks in Dorset is known as a millionaire's enclave and boasts some of the most expensive property prices in the UK. Despite it's eye watering property prices, Sandbanks remains a highly sought after location for affluent buyers.


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Looking for an amazing English seaside destination for your summer staycation this year? Bournemouth has it all Beautiful beaches, the whole of the stunning Jurassic Coast within easy reach and loads of different and amazing entertainment, including a brilliant nightlife scene.
Dorset’s largest town offers a great blend of traditional seaside charm and big-town buzz, so it’s the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the county. In town, there are so many things to do in Bournemouth that the only problem is knowing where to start!

Are you into Frankenstein? St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, is the church cemetery where you will find the last resting place of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of the 1818 novel Frankenstein.

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Weymouth, in west Dorset, was a famous holiday spot of King George III. The royal suffered from a ā€œmadnessā€ which historians now suspect may have been Bipolar Disorder. His doctors recommended sea swimming, which was believed to be extremely curative, so King George began holidaying in Weymouth. His trips popularised the town as a seaside resort.

A chalk hill figure of King George on his horse overlooks the town from the hillside above Osmington.

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That's my five photo limit. There's more to come of Dorset, I do hope you love my home county.
 
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The Dorset Coast World Heritage Site is England’s first (and only) natural World Heritage Site.
This photo depicts the rock formation at Studland, it's known affectionately as Old Harry Rocks.

Zig Zag Hill[/url[ in Dorset has the reputation of being our country's bendiest road. This mile long stretch feels like a rollercoaster with its twists and turns. Drivers be warned! Click on the link and become the pillion passenger on a motorbike as it negotiates Zig-Zag Hills' hairpin beds.
View attachment 427086
Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour on the English Channel at Poole, Dorset.
Sandbanks Beach is arguably the best beach in the UK for its soft golden sand, crystal clear water, breath-taking views and commitment to the environment. It has enjoyed coveted Blue Flag status for 31 years in a row, having first received the award in 1987.
Sandbanks in Dorset is known as a millionaire's enclave and boasts some of the most expensive property prices in the UK. Despite it's eye watering property prices, Sandbanks remains a highly sought-after location for affluent buyers.
View attachment 427088
Looking for an amazing English seaside destination for your summer staycation this year? Bournemouth has it all! Beautiful beaches, the whole of the stunning Jurassic Coast within easy reach, and loads of different and amazing entertainment, including a brilliant nightlife scene.
[URL='https://dorsettravelguide.com/dorset-towns/']Dorset’s largest town offers a great blend of traditional seaside charm and big-town buzz, so it’s the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the county. In town, there are so many things to do in Bournemouth that the only problem is knowing where to start!

Are you into Frankenstein? St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, is the church cemetery where you will find the last resting place of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of the 1818 novel Frankenstein.

View attachment 427091

Weymouth, in west Dorset, was a famous holiday spot of King George III. The royal suffered from a ā€œmadnessā€ which historians now suspect may have been Bipolar Disorder. His doctors recommended sea swimming, which was believed to be extremely curative, so King George began holidaying in Weymouth. His trips popularised the town as a seaside resort.

A chalk hill figure of King George on his horse overlooks the town from the hillside above Osmington.

View attachment 427097

That's my five photo limit. There's more to come of Dorset, I do hope you love my home county.
yes parts of it are very beautiful... (y)
 
Dorset has many celebrities, some are world-wide famous. Here are a few figures from history with an interesting Dorset connection.

Mary Anning:
Fossil collector who put Lyme Regis on the map as one of the best places in the country to find fossils. Born in 1799, she became a highly respected fossil hunter and was the inspiration behind the tongue twister ā€œShe sells sea shells on the seashoreā€.

Enid Blyton:
Spent many holidays in the Purbeck area as she and her husband owned a local golf course; many of her novels include locations directly inspired by places in the Dorset. Whispering Island is based on Brownsea Island for instance.

John Constable:
A friend of the rector of Osmington, Constable spent his honeymoon and other holidays in the village. His best known painting of the area is Weymouth Bay that now hangs in the National Gallery.
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Montague Druitt:
Born in Wimborne Minster, he was one of the prime suspects in the Jack the Ripper murder cases; the murders stopped after he drowned in the Thames.
The public's fascination with the Ripper murders and the various suspects, including Druitt, grew significantly over the years, particularly with the release of books like "Autumn of Terror" by Tom Cullen and "Jack the Ripper" by Michael Farson.

Edward the Martyr:
Killed at in mysterious circumstances at Corfe Castle in 978; his bones were interred in Shaftesbury Abbey, which then became an important place of pilgrimage.

Thomas Hardy:
The county’s most famous author; spent most of his life in Dorset; his cottage and home of Max Gate are now owned by the National Trust and his heart buried at Stinsford Cemetary.
Thomas Hardy's most famous work is widely considered to be Tess of the d'Urbervilles. This novel, published in 1891, is admired for its tragic plot, realistic portrayal of rural life, and exploration of social issues. Hardy's other notable works include Far from the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge, and Jude the Obscure, all of which are set in his fictional Wessex region.

Thomas Masterton-Hardy:
Nelson’s captain on board HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar; he is commemorated by the monument at Portesham.

T.E.Lawrence:
Lived at Clouds Hill near Bovington and is laid to rest in the village of Moreton. "Lawrence of Arabia," was both a book and a film. The book, titled: Seven Pillars of Wisdom, was written by T.E. Lawrence and published in 1926. A 1962 film adaptation, directed by David Lean, was also titled "Lawrence of Arabia."
Sir Christopher Wren:
Architect of St Paul’s and one of Britain’s most acclaimed architects, he was elected MP for Melcombe Regis in 1702 and was born in East Knoyle in Dorset. But he was more than that. A founder of the Royal Society, he mapped the moon and the stars, investigated the problem of longitude and the rings of Saturn, and carried out ground breaking experiments into the circulation of the blood.

Ian Fleming:
The author of the James Bond novels, Ian Fleming, attended Durnford School, a preparatory school on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Fleming's education at Durnford began in 1914.
 
Great thread HC (y)

I've only been there once in 1965 - a caravan holiday with my boyfriend, his mum, dad and sister.
T'was Lovely Jubbly - I remember Lulworth Cove, the Tank Museum and Corfe Castle.

I seem to remember too, that it was there somewhere on a deserted beach that my BF let me drive his Ford Cortina and my feet were bare.

His father, tall, thin, lovely SOH, but his breathing was really bad. He never came out with us, and every day he'd settle down with his small pack of travellers playing cards and play patience.
I suspect the holiday was primarily for his health.

Funny how threads bring back long forgotten memories!
 


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