Preston

Just half an hour’s stroll east along the beachfront promenade (or five minutes’ drive) from South Dorset’s busy seaside town is Preston; Weymouth without the hustle and bustle. This largely residential suburb of Weymouth is still referred to by many as a village and is a consistently highly sought-after place to live. Despite being within such easy reach of both Weymouth and the county town of Dorchester (approximately seven miles north), the area possesses a unique sense of serenity reflected in the stunning sea views enjoyed by so many of Preston’s homes.

Perhaps the most exclusive address in Preston (with the best views), Bowleaze Coveway follows the South West Coast Path uphill from the much-loved, beachfront Cafe Oasis at the end of the promenade and back down to the Grade II listed Riviera Hotel, built in 1937. Tucked away among the palatial properties on the brow of the hill – but open to the public – is Jordan Hill Roman Temple, the square foundations of a Romano-British temple discovered in 1843. Numerous Roman artefacts have also been found scattered throughout Preston, most notably two large hoards of coins, one dated to the mid 3rd Century and the other to the late 4th.

Today’s Preston is home to those who enjoy a peaceful home life with the conveniences and opportunities of modern life on the doorstep. Dotted along the area’s main road is a range of amenities from two convenience stores/post offices, a deli and a chemist to a florist, village hall and public house. Coastal and countryside walking opportunities abound nearby, and the waters off Overcombe Beach are a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering ideal conditions for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking on calm days, and windsurfing and kitesurfing on gusty days.