Thanet House - Bournemouth, Dorset, England

Situated at the top of the stunning woodland chine with footpaths offering a picturesque walk to the award winning nine-mile-long sandy beaches of Bournemouth and Poole it is the perfect setting for the festive season.  Westbourne village with its boutique shops and many restaurants is also just 10 minutes walk and Bournemouth pier and town centre can be reached within half an hour’s gentle walk along the beach front.

Built in 1885 the house boasts many original features and the rooms are very well proportioned. The lounge offers three luxurious sofas and additional seating, the large marble fireplace has a real-flame gas fire giving all the warmth and atmosphere that the festive season deserves. Plus a large flat screen freeview television and DVD player with extensive DVD library. The large dinning room allows plenty of space for everyone to dine together, and has a door out onto the front patio garden. The kitchen is very well equipped with two double ovens, large fridge freeze, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer.

On the first floor are three en-suite doubles and one twin bedroom, the largest of which has an impressive French walnut bed. Also on this floor is a single bedroom with separate large shower room. The second floor offers a further two bedrooms; a twin en-suite, and a family suite consisting of a double bedded room, with internally adjoining children's room with one full sized single bed and one junior bed, ideal for children aged 2yrs to 6 yrs. Both rooms also have space for a travel cot which can be provided.

Every bedroom comes equipped with a large flat screen Freeview television, hairdryer and hot water bottles! Bed linen and fluffy Egyptian cotton towels are provided for all guests. Free wireless internet is available throughout the house and books and DVDs can be borrowed from our collection.

Please visit http://www.thanethouse.co.uk to find out more about the holiday cottage, amenities, surrounding area and places to visit in Dorset.

Enjoy the scenic stroll along the promenade to Bournemouth Pier and beyond, or the other direction to Poole Harbour and Sandbanks; and treat yourself to coffee and cake at one of the many cafes, restaurants or hotels along the way. You could even hire a beach hut. Get in the water! Europe's first artificial surf reef is now launched in Boscombe and surfers from around the Globe are coming to try it out. The winter is the best time for surf, so book a surf lessons or bring your body board. Visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, an eclectic mix of treasures from around the world including famous paintings and gems collected by the Russell-Cotes family. The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Pavilion Theatre offer live entertainment across the genres of classical music, rock and pop, musicals, children's shows, comedy, ballet, ice shows and ice skating.

Travel: Bournemouth Satation and Bournemouth Airport

Good places to visit: There are many magnificent day trips to be had here are just a few ideas. Swanage Steam Railway Enjoy the “Santa Special” where every child receives a present from Santa during the hour-long train journey and adults receive a hot mince pie and seasonal drink. Brownsea Island Peaceful island of woodland, wetland and heath with a rich diversity of wildlife The New Forest Walk, cycle or horse ride along miles of traffic free tracks leading you right into the heart of the forest. Corfe Castle One of Britain's most majestic ruins, a 1000 year-old castle, rising above the Isle of Purbeck. The Jurassic Coast England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site Stonehenge The iconic stone monument, erected around 2500 BC

Annual Events: European Christmas Market in Bournemouth: to add to the festive feel of the town with genuine wooden huts in the town centre, selling goodies for Christmas and gifts for the family. Swange Steam Railway Santa Specials: will run on 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December 2010 A Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes 16th December 2010. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra 19th December 2010.

Good places to eat: There is a fantastic choice of great places to eat all within 10 minutes walk of Thanet House. Vesuviuo – Beach Front Italian Restaurant 01202 759100 The Inn in the Park – Traditional Pub Restaurant 01202 761318 The Edge – English Fine Dining 01202 757007 Romanzo – Greek Taverna 01202 761070 The Westbourne –Modern Pub Restaurant 08721 077077 Chez Fred – Fish and Chips 01202 761023 Zoukini’s – Vegetarian Restaurant 01202 766797 Westbourne Tandoori – Traditional Indian Restaurant 01202 767142 Café Rouge – French Café Restaurant 01202 757472 Pizza Express – Pizzeria 01202 761765

Local Sports: Surfing, Sailing, Kite Surfing, Horse Riding.

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