3 July 2006

For downsizers who want a stress-free home away from the madding crowd, award-winning architect of Poundbury, Morgan Carey, has created a collection of new country cottages in Moreton, Dorset, in the heart of Hardy country and in the village where Lawrence of Arabia lived.

At Heathlands, joint developers Kenmore Homes and CLS Developments are building 29 terraced, semi-detached and detached homes in the centre of the village. Moreton has all the ingredients of a quintessential English country village, with a fine country pub, an historic church and picturesque tea rooms. Moreton station has regular services to Dorchester, Bournemouth and Weymouth, plus a direct connection to London Waterloo.

Its most famous resident was Lawrence of Arabia. After achieving fame in Arabia, T E Lawrence sought solitude in a cottage in the village and is buried in the churchyard following a tragic motorcycle incident.

Morgan Carey has designed an attractive mix of brick and render two and three-bedroom cottages with all the advantages of new homes: stylish kitchens with a range of stainless steel appliances and en-suite shower rooms to some properties.

Charles Wilkinson, director of Kenmore Homes, said: "Heathlands offers a fabulous rural location but with the advantage of buying a new home - no restoration or maintenance to worry about. These homes have an excellent design by Morgan Carey, with a good specification, and will suit people downsizing, those who seek a home in the country as well as buyers who work in the nearby towns."

The historic county town of Dorchester is six miles away, with a good selection of independent shops and supermarkets, a twice weekly market and a number of museums and places of interest. The coastal attractions of Weymouth and Poole are nearby, for sailing and a range of watersports.

Prices in Moreton are excellent value, compared with prices in the coastal towns. A two-bedroom terraced cottage is priced from £175,000, a three bedroom semi-detached cottage from £195,000 and three-bedroom detached cottage from £215,000.

For more details, contact selling agents Connells on 01305 266755.