Text size A A A print 21 October 2014 HOME WHY CHOOSE COGNATUM A PERSONAL SERVICE MAINTAINING YOUR PROPERTY LOCATIONS VALUE TEST BUYING OR SELLING PROPERTIES FOR SALE ABOUT US CONTACT US Retire and Downsize to Dorset Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in the country with areas rich in heritage and many magnificent homes, gardens, museums and excellent cultural events. Sporting facilities include racing just over the border at Wincanton and Salisbury in nearby southeast Wiltshire. Golf is at Dorchester, Sherborne and Yeovil. The outstanding West Dorset coastline is never more than 30 miles away. The small town of Cerne Abbas, in reality, no more than a village, is set among some of the most beautiful Dorset countryside. Its buildings, many of them centuries old, reflect the changing fortunes of this busy community. There are some fine Tudor houses, and several stone and cobb cottages, made from chalk and mud. Long Street has a variety of shops ranging from the essentials; a post office, general store and doctor‘s surgery, to antique and speciality shops. Summer provides an opportunity to visit some of the thirty beautiful private gardens in the village, which are open to the public. Cerne Abbas is best known for its unique priapic giant, cut into the turf of the chalk hillside north east of the village and now maintained by the National Trust. There has been much speculation as to its history but it was most likely carved during the Roman occupation, as a representation of Hercules, with elements of a local deity added. An unmistakeable symbol of virility, the large naked figure has become a part of local folklore. As recently as the 19th century, it was believed that women sleeping on the hillside would become pregant. Retire and downsize to Dorset in style and choose from a stunning collection of converted barns, houses and spacious retirement apartments in one of the developments below: Barton Farm – Cerne Abbas Home Farm – Iwerne Minster Sandbourne Court – Bournemouth Walpole Court – Puddletown Back to Location Map > Quick links to retirement properties for sale: Luxury Retirement Houses in Surrey Retirement Homes for Sale in Berkshire Retirement Houses and Apartments in Wiltshire Retirement living in Gloucestershire Exclusive Retirement Properties in Oxfordshire Retirement Developments in Hampshire Retire and Downsize to Dorset More locations... More about Cognatum: Who are Cognatum? News The English Courtyard Association Employment opportunities The Beechcroft Trust Contact us What makes Cognatum developments special? Terms and Conditions Privacy Site Map