About Curated Cottages
Curated Cottages emerged from our own experiences. Having owned holiday properties ourselves, we’ve noticed how the personal touch can sometimes be lost.
Owners often feel overlooked within a large portfolio or are unsure who to contact at a call centre when they need help. While guests often never speak to someone who knows the home they’ve booked or the area they’ve come to explore. We aimed to do things differently.
Our inspiration was also influenced by our travels along the East Coast of North America, where we admired the meticulous attention to detail in exceptional holiday homes. Bikes and kayaks awaited us upon arrival, private chefs were available for special evenings, and experiences could be booked to turn a memorable holiday into an extraordinary one.
Beautiful Holiday Homes, Brilliant Local Secrets
Curated Cottages was established to bring the same level of care and thoughtfulness to Dorset, offering a personalised service where guests and owners know exactly who they’re dealing with. We handpick beautiful homes and share our favourite beaches, walks, restaurants, and hidden corners of Dorset so guests can experience the county like locals.
We also add a touch of staycation magic by inspiring guests to explore Dorset through curated experiences that also support the local businesses that provide them.
The People Behind Curated Cottages
Curated Cottages is run by Shona and Ian, a husband-and-wife team based in Dorset who share a passion for beautiful homes, excellent hospitality, and the Dorset coast.
Shona is a qualified interior designer who has worked on projects across London, Dorset, and the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. She also spent several years working in the holiday letting and tourism industry for national companies, gaining valuable experience in both guest services and owner relations. With an exceptional eye for detail, Shona personally curates each property in her collection, selecting only homes she and her own family would stay in.
When she’s not working with owners or styling homes, Shona is usually walking along the Dorset coast paths, sea swimming (weather permitting), or exploring beaches with her beloved dog, Smarty.
Local Know-How with a Personal Touch
Ian has a background in business ownership, PR, social and digital marketing, and events. He concentrates on guest experience, concierge services, and partnerships with local businesses, ensuring every stay feels smooth and memorable.
His favourite moments in Dorset are often the simplest: discovering new stretches of coastline, venturing out on the water, or watching the sunset over the sea with a chilled glass of wine.
Supporting Children Across Dorset
Every booking made through Curated Cottages also helps support an important local cause.
We proudly support the Dorset Children’s Foundation, a charity that transforms the lives of families with disabled children across the county. A portion of our profits goes towards the charity’s Windmill Wellness Hub, a crucial space offering support, therapy, and respite for families who need it most.
The foundation receives no government funding, and every donation is directly used to support children and families across Dorset.
Stay With Us
Our collection of self-catering holiday cottages in Dorset is centred around Weymouth and Dorchester two of the best locations for exploring the coast and countryside.
From dog-friendly cottages and larger homes for gatherings to luxury stays with hot tubs, each property has been carefully picked for its comfort, character, and prime location. These are homes we’ve personally chosen and would gladly stay in ourselves.
