Purbeck House Hotel

Business Details

29 Years

experience

Purbeck House Hotel - Historic Accommodation in Swanage

Established in 1997, Purbeck House Hotel combines Victorian elegance with modern comfort, offering guests a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities. Our family-run business takes pride in preserving the heritage of this 1875 landmark while providing personalised service across our Main House and Louisa Lodge annex. With 38 individually designed rooms, we cater to diverse needs from romantic getaways to family stays. Our dedicated team ensures every guest experiences the warmth of our hospitality, whether enjoying breakfast in the Elizabeth Garden Conservatory or exploring the three acres of landscaped grounds. As custodians of this architectural gem, we maintain its original features including Scottish Baronial stonework and period artefacts from London's historic landmarks.

Our commitment to excellence extends to hosting weddings and events in licensed venues like the Purbeck Room, a former convent chapel. Through sustainable practices in Clarice's Kitchen Garden and partnerships with local Dorset producers, we support regional communities. With 24 years of wedding expertise and flexible event spaces accommodating up to 100 guests, we create memorable occasions tailored to individual preferences. Our proximity to Swanage Bay and the Steam Railway station positions us as a gateway to Dorset's coastal attractions while maintaining a tranquil retreat atmosphere. This balance of heritage preservation and modern hospitality defines our approach to guest satisfaction.

Services

Accommodation Wedding Ceremonies Business Meetings Breakfast Service Event Hire Parking Spaces

Details

Year established: 1997

Highlights and features

We offer 24 years of wedding expertise in a licensed Victorian venue
Our family-run business provides personal service with local knowledge
Combination of historic Main House and modern Louisa Lodge accommodations
Licensed for civil ceremonies with capacity for 100 wedding guests
Sustainable practices through Clarice's Kitchen Garden and local suppliers

Website

Update Listing

Services

Accommodation

Our 38 individually designed rooms across Main House and Louisa Lodge offer diverse options from single rooms to superior sea-view suites. All feature en-suite bathrooms with modern amenities while preserving Victorian character in original buildings and contemporary comforts in newer lodgings.

Wedding Ceremonies

Licensed for civil ceremonies in the Purbeck Room, a former convent chapel with wood-panelled walls and arched ceilings. We accommodate up to 100 guests with exclusive use of Elizabeth Garden Conservatory for receptions, including catering from local Dorset producers and event coordination.

Breakfast Service

Continental breakfast served daily 7:30-10:00am in Elizabeth Garden Conservatory. Menu includes hot beverages, pastries, cereals, fruits, and special dietary options like vegan gluten-free bread. Available to residents and non-residents with garden views.

Event Hire

Flexible spaces for business meetings and private events include Bar 1875, Thomas Hardy Lounge, and Purbeck Room. Facilities include projectors, catering access, and exclusive hire options for up to 100 guests with parking availability.

Garden Access

Three acres of Victorian gardens featuring a 90-year-old Weeping Ash tree, Clarice's Kitchen Garden with chickens and bees, and seasonal produce. Guests interact with head gardener and enjoy terrace dining adjacent to Elizabeth Garden Conservatory.

People

John Hutchins

Owner

Family patriarch and proprietor since 1997, John maintains hands-on involvement in operations. He manages Clarice's Kitchen Garden with 30 chickens and honey bees, ensuring sustainable practices across the estate.

Chris Hutchins

Owner

Co-owner with John since acquisition in 1997, Chris contributes to strategic direction while maintaining the hotel's heritage. The couple's vision preserves historical integrity while modernising guest experiences.

Stephane Gousseau

Manager

Son-in-law to the owners, Stephane oversees daily operations with 19 years of hospitality experience. He welcomes guests personally and coordinates service standards across both hotel properties.

John

Head Gardener

Family cousin and head gardener, John maintains three acres of Victorian grounds. He provides guests with insights into the estate's horticulture, including the 90-year-old Weeping Ash tree and seasonal garden features.

Questions

What room types are available at Purbeck House Hotel?

We offer single rooms, standard doubles, twin/double convertible rooms, sea-view rooms, superior rooms, and balcony suites in Louisa Lodge.

Can I host a wedding ceremony at Purbeck House Hotel?

Yes, our Purbeck Room is licensed for civil ceremonies with capacity for 100 guests. The former convent chapel provides a romantic setting with wood-panelled walls and arched ceilings.

What breakfast options are available?

Continental breakfast served 7:30-10:00am includes hot beverages, pastries, cereals, fruits, and special dietary options like vegan gluten-free bread in our garden conservatory.

Are there event spaces for business meetings?

Yes, we provide multiple venues including Bar 1875 and Thomas Hardy Lounge with projectors, flip charts, and catering access for business meetings and conferences.

What sustainability practices do you implement?

Clarice's Kitchen Garden maintains 30 chickens, honey bees, and seasonal produce. We partner with local Dorset suppliers and preserve historical buildings to reduce environmental impact.

Is parking available for guests?

Yes, we offer parking spaces available for daily or annual hire to accommodate guests visiting our Swanage hotel.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Steve Brown

Oct 14, 2021 Report

What a stunning place to stay, friendly and helpful staff, excellent breakfast all cooked perfectly and served with a smile. The hotel is a very interesting, historic building and the grounds are very well kept. Our view over the bay was panoramic. Ample car parking to the rear of the hotel which is central to Swanage. Our thanks to the staff for a wonderful mini break.

Ian Jackson

Sep 25, 2021 Report

Love the purbeck stayed here many times to visit swanage railway...and enjoy swanage a very unspoiled place..

Mo Hall

Aug 18, 2021 Report

Choice of nice dishes .helpful staff
Nice atmosphere.we went there twice during our stay at Swanage.

Jackie Beadle

Aug 05, 2021 Report

Lovely hotel, grounds are beautiful. There is a new lady on reception who was very nice & welcoming. Breakfast really good, rooms lovely and clean.

David Ware

Jul 17, 2021 Report

Perfect location, like staying in a country house with the town and beach on your doorstep.
Located in the centre of Swanage close to numerous pubs and restaurants. An ideal centre for exploring the South West Coast Path. The hotel was everything that was described and felt just like a large family home. The grounds are a true delight with many specimen plants and places to sit. Car parking is free and plentiful which is a real bonus in a town like Swanage.
Enjoyed the whole experience and have now stayed twice.

Donna Hartley

Jun 29, 2021 Report

Great stay. We had room number 1 which was on the ground floor as it was like a wet room. the staff let us park next to our room where the staff park, so I didn't have to far too get too my car which was really nice they a reserved our table for breakfast

Vito Serafino

May 23, 2021 Report

Great room, easy parking, great breakfast. Great wifi. Quirky layout, a few upstairs downstairs to negotiate depending where your room is. No lift so you need to use the stairs which was not an issue to us. Simple 2 minute walk into Swanage center. Friendly staff. Just made the week even more relaxed. Would use again.