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The Old Barn, Harman's Cross

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Exceptional
Swanage » Harman's Cross
10
4
2

The Old Barn is a beautifully restored stone barn conversion in Dorset's Isle of Purbeck. Original features include exposed beams and thick stone walls that tell the story of its agricultural past. The barn sits in peaceful countryside with an open fire for cosy evenings.

You'll find yourself surrounded by rolling fields and ancient woodland. The South West Coast Path runs nearby. Views stretch across farmland towards the Purbeck Hills.

The barn sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms. Two doubles and a twin room share two bathrooms. The open-plan living space features the original barn structure with a well-equipped kitchen and dining area.

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At Sykes Cottages
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About The Old Barn

The Old Barn is a beautifully restored stone barn conversion in Dorset's Isle of Purbeck. Original features include exposed beams and thick stone walls that tell the story of its agricultural past. The barn sits in peaceful countryside with an open fire for cosy evenings.

You'll find yourself surrounded by rolling fields and ancient woodland. The South West Coast Path runs nearby. Views stretch across farmland towards the Purbeck Hills.

The barn sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms. Two doubles and a twin room share two bathrooms. The open-plan living space features the original barn structure with a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. Large windows flood the rooms with natural light.

Corfe Castle stands just 3 miles away (8 minutes). Swanage Beach is 5 miles (12 minutes). Lulworth Cove offers dramatic coastal walks 8 miles away (18 minutes). Durdle Door's famous limestone arch sits 10 miles distant (22 minutes).

The Old Barn suits families and groups wanting authentic barn living in Dorset's finest countryside. Book for coastal walks and castle visits from your rural retreat.

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At Sykes Cottages

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What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Old Barn

Original Stone Walls

Thick stone walls and exposed beams create an authentic barn atmosphere throughout the living spaces.

Open Fire

The traditional open fire provides warmth and creates a cosy focal point for relaxing evenings together.

Peaceful Rural Setting

Complete countryside quiet with views across farmland and easy access to woodland walks from the door.

Spacious Open-Plan Living

The converted barn interior offers generous living space perfect for families and groups to gather comfortably.

Purbeck Location

Positioned perfectly for exploring Corfe Castle, Swanage beaches and the stunning South West Coast Path.

Three Bedroom Layout

Two double bedrooms and one twin room provide flexible sleeping arrangements for up to six guests.

Getting To The Old Barn

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Barn by car, follow the A351 through the Isle of Purbeck towards Corfe Castle. The barn is located off country lanes near Church Knowle and offers convenient off-road parking on arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Wareham, approximately 7 miles from the barn. From there, a taxi will take you through the Purbeck countryside to your barn conversion retreat.

Off-road parking available
Wareham station (7 miles)
Accessible via A351 and country lanes

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Durlston Castle
Distance: 4 miles (9 min drive)
BH19 2JL
Old Harry Rocks
Distance: 5.4 miles (10 min drive)
BH19 3AN
Monkey World
Distance: 12.1 miles (20 min drive)
BH20 6HH
Purbeck Way
Distance: 1.6 miles (2 min drive)
Ballard Down
Distance: 3.5 miles (7 min drive)
BH19 1RL
Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone
Distance: 5.4 miles (10 min drive)
BH19 3AN
Wilkswood Farm Shop
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 min drive)
BH19 3DU
Co-op Food
Distance: 2.7 miles (6 min drive)
BH19 1HP
Swanage Market
Distance: 2.6 miles (6 min drive)
BH19 1PS
Wareham Station
Distance: 8.2 miles (14 min drive)
BH20 4BG
Poole Station
Distance: 17.4 miles (29 min drive)
BH15 2BQ
Bournemouth Airport
Distance: 24.5 miles (42 min drive)
BH23 6ED
Durlston Castle
Distance: 4 miles (9 min drive)
BH19 2JL
Old Harry Rocks
Distance: 5.4 miles (10 min drive)
BH19 3AN
Monkey World
Distance: 12.1 miles (20 min drive)
BH20 6HH
Purbeck Way
Distance: 1.6 miles (2 min drive)
Ballard Down
Distance: 3.5 miles (7 min drive)
BH19 1RL
Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone
Distance: 5.4 miles (10 min drive)
BH19 3AN
Wilkswood Farm Shop
Distance: 0.7 miles (1 min drive)
BH19 3DU
Co-op Food
Distance: 2.7 miles (6 min drive)
BH19 1HP
Swanage Market
Distance: 2.6 miles (6 min drive)
BH19 1PS
Wareham Station
Distance: 8.2 miles (14 min drive)
BH20 4BG
Poole Station
Distance: 17.4 miles (29 min drive)
BH15 2BQ
Bournemouth Airport
Distance: 24.5 miles (42 min drive)
BH23 6ED

Is The Old Barn Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love exploring the countryside around The Old Barn. The outdoor space provides room to play safely. Corfe Castle offers hands-on history just minutes away. Swanage Beach has traditional seaside fun with sand and rock pools. The Swanage Railway runs steam trains that kids adore. Woodland walks start from the barn door for nature adventures.
Groups Will Love...
The exposed beams and original stone walls define this barn conversion's character. Thick stones from its agricultural past create natural insulation and authentic atmosphere. The beams overhead remind you of the building's heritage. An open fire sits within the stone walls for winter warmth. Large windows balance the solid stonework with natural light flooding the open-plan space.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at The Old Barn. The countryside location provides excellent walking straight from the door. Fields and woodland surround the property for off-lead exercise. The South West Coast Path runs nearby for longer adventures. The barn's rural setting means your dog can enjoy proper countryside freedom during your stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Barn

The Bankes Arms

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH20 5PR

The New Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH20 5EQ

The Square and Compass

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BH19 3LF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Barn

Is The Old Barn pet friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at this barn conversion. The countryside setting and nearby fields provide excellent walking opportunities right from the door.
What original barn features does The Old Barn have?
The conversion retains exposed wooden beams and thick stone walls from its agricultural heritage. An open fire adds to the authentic barn character throughout the living spaces.
How many guests can The Old Barn accommodate?
The barn sleeps six people across three bedrooms. Two double rooms and one twin room share two bathrooms.
What is the kitchen like at The Old Barn?
The open-plan kitchen comes fully equipped for self-catering stays. It connects to the dining and living areas within the converted barn space.
Where exactly is The Old Barn located?
The barn sits in rural Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck near Corfe Castle. You'll find it surrounded by farmland with the Purbeck Hills visible in the distance.
What beaches are near The Old Barn?
Swanage Beach is 5 miles away and takes 12 minutes by car. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are both within 10 miles for dramatic coastal scenery.
Is there parking at The Old Barn?
Yes, off-road parking is provided at the property. The barn is easily accessible from main roads through the Purbeck countryside.
What can families do near The Old Barn?
Corfe Castle offers historical exploration just 3 miles away. Swanage Railway runs steam trains and numerous coastal walks suit all ages within 30 minutes' drive.

Popular Barn Stays Nearby

The Old Barn Reviews

Very well stocked and great to use as a base for trips out or to stay and enjoy the serenity of the countryside, only enjoyably disturbed by the steam trains about 200 meters from the house. So roomy and having a downstairs bedroom and shower was great for our party as one had restricted mobility. We have been twice and each time enjoyed the stay. This property would suit a large family of group of friends as there is room to spread out inside. Each bedroom is a large bedroom indeed.
Louise
This is a lovely property just a few minutes drive from Swanage in a quiet country location. It felt so spacious with plenty of room for our extended family and contained everything we needed. Comfy beds and the biggest sofa I had ever seen! We didn't need it this trip, but this house is fully accessible for those with limited mobility. It's a shame there's no grassed garden at this property however opposite the house just a few yards away is a great big field that was perfect for all our outdoor games with the kids and waving to the passing trains. Communication with the owner was really good before and after our stay, and she was very helpful returning some items I had left behind. Would definitely recommend this property!
Michael
Lovely comfortable property with plenty of space in all the rooms. The radiators in both bathrooms were on constantly and were very hot to touch. The upstairs bathroom has a hand held shower and we thought it would be better with a wall mounted shower and shower curtain or splash guard. When driving up the lane to join the main road turning right can be tricky as there is a blind summit obscuring your view to the left, we found it safer to turn left and turn about at the next junction.
Deborah
The Old Barn was a delightful place to stay. A converted old barn, it was roomy and comfortable. The pair of pheasants who occupied a corner of the adjoining field were a delight to watch. The seaside at Swanage was just a short car ride away. Such a beautiful corner of Dorset! One small issue was the heating. We couldnt turn it down or off and it was too hot a lot of the time!
What a great barn! Very spacious, fully equipped with everything you could ask for and the location was great. We enjoyed our stay at The Barn and would return again albeit no dogs are allowed now since our last booking. The only slight thing that let us down was the TV signal was very poor and being in Autumn we had evenings in the barn with the kids, there were plenty of DVDs to use though. All round a great place to stay.
Was ideal for the 4 generations of our family aged 1 month to 91 years. Plenty of space for everyone and a downstairs bedroom. Well equipped. Plenty to do in the area for all ages.
Patricia
This is a perfect holiday property and we had a wonderful holiday. The property is beautiful, comfortable and situated in an ideal location. Our grandchildren thought it was wonderful to be so close to the steam trains passing by. The magnificent coastal scenery, Corfe Castle, and there is so much more to explore locally. We would say it was one of the best properties we have stayed in over many years and certainly will return. A very big thank you to the owners.
We loved our stay at The Old Barn. A lovely property with plenty of space and well equipped with everything you need. A great location for exploring the local area. We didnt travel more than 2030mins to get to any of the gorgeous bays. Our boys particularly enjoyed watching the deer roaming around and the steam trains visible from the cottage. We will definitely return!
I thought we would not ask for the key safe code until we arrived as three couples were traveling separately. when we arrived there was no answer on the phones and could not contact Sykes. We had to wait 3 hrs before any contact. Please make the arrangements more specific in future for this property. We were very disappointed with the lack of outside space to relax, indeed one of the three trestle tables is unsafe to use and no easy chairs for outdoor use. First aid box was empty, one reclining chair is broken, oven not working as previously stated in the visitors book . The access road was closed two days after arrival resulting in an extra 4 miles on very narrow roads every day when we went out.
Great place. We had some trouble getting the TV to work, so some idiot proof instructions would be useful. The selection of games and toys was a real bonus. We would book again but they now don't allow dogs. They provided two stair gates but the one left for the bottom of the stairs was broken we did not need it so it was not a problem. Comfortable beds and good shower.
The Old Barn is a super place to stay with a family of multiple ages. Lots of space for all and interesting to see how it was created from a cattle shed. There is ample parking and being right in the countryside being able to see farming being carried out. Rights of way surround the home for walkers. The Steam line passed within a few metres and is lovely to see. It is a short drive to many attractions ie the Beach at Swanage to Corfe castle the other way.
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
Rachel
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.
Amanda
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
Malcolm
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.
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
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!
Steven
Very spacious accommodation in a lovely convenient location. Has everything you need very comfortable We had a great week
Amazing place to stay. Very quiet and peaceful, we had a great time .
Perfect in every way. Thank you.
Fantastic space for children, had pretty much everything we needed. We had a great holiday.
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
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.
Vivian
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!
Theresa
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.
Monica
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.
Angela
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 preChristmas 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.
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.
Maddison
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 cant recommend this enough! !
Debbie
We loved staying in this beautiful barn. Very spacious and comfortable. Wonderful location. Waving at the steam trains every day was an added bonus!
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.
Good evening Thank you for your email, 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 things 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
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.
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
Easily best property we have ever been in Definitely had the Wow factor
Cheryl
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 walkin shower were invaluable. Cakes on arrival quickly demolished and a visit to Manor Farm for a cream tea highly recommended. Miss staying there already.
Amanda
Beyond perfect accommodation. Only one thing missing..... a bbq would be great.
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
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