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Find your next home in Dorset and South Somerset

Your local estate agents – with a world of experience

With an office dedicated to Dorset and South Somerset, we provide trusted property advice across the region, covering sought-after market towns, rural villages, and coastal retreats. Our team combines in-depth local knowledge with Knight Frank’s global reach, helping clients buy and sell property with confidence and calm.

From characterful cottages and period farmhouses to contemporary homes and country estates, we deal with best-in-class residential property for sale in Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Bridport, Beaminster and beyond. Based out of our office in the heart of Sherborne – but accessing a wider pool of expert services – we offer tailored property consultancy including valuations, mortgages and finance, farms and estates, and rural consultancy.

Accessibility information

If you, or anyone with you requires special accommodations due to a disability – including wheelchair access – please let us know and we'll be happy to help.

Buying property in Dorset & South Somersettoggle-icon

The Dorset and South Somerset property market offers an exceptional range of homes, catering to diverse lifestyles. Whether you are seeking a period townhouse in Sherborne, a coastal retreat along the Jurassic Coast, or a country estate in the Blackmore Vale, the region has something for everyone.

Dorset’s picturesque villages, such as Milton Abbas and Abbotsbury, are highly desirable for their historic charm and rural tranquillity, while towns like Bridport and Dorchester offer a balance of local culture and amenities. South Somerset’s historic market towns, including Crewkerne and Castle Cary, provide excellent transport links to London, making them ideal for commuters looking for a countryside lifestyle.

Our expert team will guide you through every step of the buying process, helping you find the perfect property while offering insights into local amenities, schools and market trends.

Selling property in Dorset & South Somersettoggle-icon

There are many reasons why choosing us as your agents will give you the edge when you sell. With our ‘cottages to castles’ motto and over 125 years of experience, our team has expert knowledge of rural property markets. We can tap into a wide pool of willing buyers – from across the UK and overseas – so drop us a line at our Sherborne office, and we’ll get to work securing top offers for your home.

Our service includes professional photography, bespoke marketing campaigns and negotiations – all ensuring your sale proceeds with clarity, efficiency and speed.

Dorset & South Somerset in 60 secondstoggle-icon

Blessed with characterful towns and villages, vibrant coastal communities, chic hotels, garden estates and restaurants, and buffeted with iconic landscapes – including England's first natural World Heritage Site, the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast – this is country living at its finest.

Dorset offers breathtaking scenery, from the rugged cliffs of Lulworth Cove to the sweeping sandy beaches of Studland Bay. The county’s rolling countryside is dotted with charming villages, thatched cottages, and traditional pubs, making it a quintessentially English retreat.

South Somerset, known for its gentler hills and rich agricultural heritage, is home to market towns including Yeovil and Ilminster. Sherborne, in particular, is renowned for its historic abbey, prestigious schools, and beautiful medieval architecture. The region is also well-connected, with mainline rail services to London Waterloo from Gillingham, Castle Cary, and Sherborne.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of activities available, from walking and cycling in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to sailing and watersports along the stunning coastline. Cultural highlights include the annual Dorset County Show, literary festivals, and historic attractions such as Montacute House and Corfe Castle.

With a strong sense of community, outstanding schools, and an excellent quality of life, Dorset and South Somerset remain among the most coveted locations for families, retirees, and second-home buyers alike.

Areas we cover

From Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast to the picturesque villages of South Somerset, we've got you covered.

Recently added properties in Dorset and South Somerset

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Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10
Residential, 6350-7554 sqft
Bedrooms7-9
Bathrooms7-9
Receptions4-7

Guide price

£2,850,000

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Former Bishopstrow College, Warminster, BA12 9HU
Residential

Guide price

£2,250,000

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Nash Lane, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10
Residential
Bedrooms4-5
Bathrooms3
Receptions3

Guide price

£1,600,000

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Bishopstrow Road, Bishopstrow, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12
Residential

Guide price

£1,000,000

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Corscombe Road, Halstock, Yeovil BA22
Residential, 2891-4280 sqft
Bedrooms4-5
Bathrooms2-3
Receptions3

Guide price

£1,600,000

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Lulworth Cove, Wareham, BH20
Residential
Bedrooms5
Bathrooms4
Receptions2

Guide price

£3,850,000

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Higher Wraxall, Dorchester DT2
Residential, 1880 sqft
Bedrooms4
Bathrooms2
Receptions2

Guide price

£765,000

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New Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7
Residential, 2970-4401 sqft
Bedrooms4-5
Bathrooms2-3
Receptions3-4

Guide price

£995,000

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Silton, Gillingham, Dorset SP8
Residential, 3317-5370 sqft
Bedrooms4-5
Bathrooms3
Receptions3-4

Guide price

£1,250,000

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Sydling St. Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset DT2
Residential, 5175-5975 sqft
Bedrooms6
Bathrooms3
Receptions6

Guide price

£1,695,000

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Combe St. Nicholas, Chard, Somerset TA20
Residential, 8202 sqft
Bedrooms5-10
Bathrooms3
Receptions4

Guide price

£1,650,000

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The Knapp, Charlton Horethorne, Sherborne, Somerset, DT9
Residential, 2411-2894 sqft
Bedrooms3
Bathrooms2
Receptions3

Guide price

£795,000

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Langton Herring, Dorset DT3
Residential, 1065 sqft
Bedrooms2
Bathrooms1
Receptions3

Guide price

£5,950,000

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Langton Herring, Dorset, DT3
Residential, 1065-3046 sqft
Bedrooms2-6
Bathrooms1-5
Receptions3-4

Guide price

£10,600,000

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Wyke, Axminster, Devon EX13
Residential, 8845 sqft
Bedrooms10
Bathrooms8
Receptions7

Offers in excess of

£1,950,000

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Corscombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2
Residential, 3541-5326 sqft
Bedrooms5
Bathrooms4
Receptions3

Guide price

£1,800,000

Your questions, answered

What are the best areas to buy property in Dorset and South Somerset?toggle-icon

Dorset’s coastal locations, such as Sandbanks – featuring some of the most expensive real estate in the UK outside London – Canford Cliffs, and Lyme Regis attract buyers seeking waterfront properties and stunning views. In South Somerset, sought-after areas include Bruton, known for its culture, and Sherborne, with its outstanding schools. The surrounding countryside, including the Blackmore Vale, also offers idyllic rural settings.

How much does a house cost in Dorset and South Somerset?toggle-icon

Average property prices in Dorset and South Somerset rose by 2.3% in the year to September 2024, and have climbed 38.7% over the last five years, according to Knight Frank data. Prices vary significantly by location, with premium homes in Sandbanks and Sherborne commanding some of the highest values.

Is Dorset and South Somerset a good place for property investment?toggle-icon

Yes, both Dorset and South Somerset continue to attract investors in force due to sustained demand for second homes, holiday lets, and family residences. With their timeless views, coastal and countryside properties remain particularly popular, with ongoing infrastructure improvements enhancing the region's long-term appeal.

What are the most desirable areas for family homes in Dorset and South Somerset?toggle-icon

For families, towns like Poundbury, Wimborne, and Sherborne offer excellent schools, communities, and amenities. In South Somerset, villages like Castle Cary and Somerton provide a pleasant balance of rural charm and accessibility to urban centres.

How long does it take to sell a house in Dorset and South Somerset?toggle-icon

On average, selling a property in Dorset and South Somerset takes between 8 and 14 weeks, but this varies widely from place to place. Speak to a knowledgeable local estate agent to get a clearer picture.

How can I get a house valuation in Dorset and South Somerset?toggle-icon

Knight Frank offers expert property valuations based on transaction trends and the latest market data. Contact our Dorset and South Somerset team for a tailored valuation of your home.