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Old Higher Lighthouse Branscombe Lodge

(Ref. 12497)

Portland Bill, Dorset Show on map

4.8

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Swimming pool
  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Washing machine
  • Seaside
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • views (25)
  • cottage (19)
  • location (19)
  • lovely (18)
  • lighthouse (14)
  • great (13)

44 Customer Reviews

  • "An absolutely stunning place, haven't stopped talking about how relaxing it is here."

    Have recommended to friends and would definitely go again

    Reviewed by Jacqui5.0Sep 2024

  • "Brilliant holiday with lovely cottage which had brilliant views all the way round from the upstairs sitting room."

    The cottage was very well maintained and Brad the owner was so helpful and friendly. He made us so welcome to his wonderful property.

    Reviewed by Stephanie5.0May 2024

  • "Had an amazing two weeks."

    Fabulous accommodation and location. The old lighthouse was lovely to just sit and watch the world go by. Owners were lovely. We will be back.

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Mar 2024

  • "What a wonderful place to spend a holiday."

    The house has an upside down layout to take advantage of the views from every window. The beds and lounge furniture are very comfortable We climbed up to the top of the lighthouse and as we had beautiful sunny weather the view was fantastic. Thank you Brad for all your help and many thanks for allowing us to stay in your lovely cottage. We'll be back. Kathy Gary Steve and Deb

    Reviewed by Gary5.0Mar 2024

  • "Very unusual accommodation in a fabulous location."

    Sea views from all sides of the upstairs lounge and great views from the lighthouse next door. Comfortable with friendly and helpful owners.

    Reviewed by Sarah5.0Nov 2023

  • "Great location , felt like a real break from the normal grind."

    Real walks in nature with the wilderness of the sea.

    Reviewed by Jayshree5.0Nov 2023

  • "Great location!"

    You can walk from the house to chesil beach! Kitchenware etc ok. We missed a teapot.

    Reviewed by Margreet3.8Nov 2023

  • "Excellent stay in the Lighthouse Lodge."

    Everything was lovely clean & tidy. Had all equipment needed to self cater also. Lovely coastal edge location with amazing views from Lodge & Lighthouse. Such a peaceful place & a great escape for a few days! Thank you to Milly & Brad for the overview & assistance, along with Cakes, Fruit & Milk! Great value stay for location & quality of accommodation. Many Thanks.

    Reviewed by Sean5.0Oct 2023

  • "Lovely property, has everything you need."

    Fantastic view from living room. Access to swimming pool, which was brilliant.

    Reviewed by Belinda5.0Aug 2023

  • "Welcoming and helpful hosts to a really lovely and well located property."

    It was a very peaceful place but still easily accessible to local attractions. The pool was a real bonus and very welcome to relax in after exploring the area. The views from the lounge/dining room were amazing both in the daytime and of the stars at night. We loved every minute of our time here and wish we could have stayed longer - a week was just not enough! Thank you so much Brad and Milly

    Reviewed by Clare4.1Aug 2023

  • "The cottage was wonderful made at total ease if anything was required ,found the ..."

    The cottage was wonderful made at total ease if anything was required ,found the shower very poor due to water pressure ,but we did not ask if anything could done about this ,it would not put us off going again

    Reviewed by Jason3.4Apr 2023

  • "Felt like home from home."

    Everything we required was there. Comfortable furnishings with lovely views from the windows. Lovely quiet and peaceful holiday. Just what the doctor ordered.

    Reviewed by Roy5.0Sep 2022

  • "The apartment with a beautiful view was well prepared and has everything you need for your stay."

    We were here during exceptionally warm days, but even the upper floor had a pleasant climate to stay in. Friendly owner. Free access to the adjacent lighthouse with a circular view of the sea.

    Reviewed by Slavomir5.0Jul 2022

  • "Lovely, unusual cottage in a great location with amazing 270 degree sea views from the living room, and every comfort."

    Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Simon5.0May 2022

  • "Great location but the property could do with a general refurbishment as quite ..."

    Great location but the property could do with a general refurbishment as quite old fashioned & the heaters didn't all work, plus the shower wasn't good either

    We are sorry you feel this way about the property , The heaters do all work and are set to come on at varies times throughout the day , how ever do not work if they have been turned off . The shower is a electric shower over the bath and this is the first complaint . Property Owner

    Reviewed by Elizabeth2.8May 2022

  • "What a delightful cottage."

    Spotlessly clean plenty of facilities.. and and splendid views from the sitting room with Windows in all sides of room. Beautiful Jurassic Coast. Being allowed to go up into lighthouse and view from there was an added bonus. We loved everything about this accomodation.

    Reviewed by Patricia5.0Apr 2022

  • "Lovely views"

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Jan 2022

  • "A lovely cottage in a beautiful location, with stunning views."

    An absolute delight. The owners were friendly and helpful and everything was spotlessly clean. It is a short walk to Portland Bill Lighthouse and being able to access the old lighthouse for even more amazing views was a unique experience. Would highly recommend this cottage.

    Reviewed by Joanna5.0Oct 2021

  • "Great location for walking and bird watching."

    Very peaceful and relaxing. All the facilities needed to cook and clean, all very clean and tidy. Only criticism is not much storage and beds not that comfortable but that is down to personal preference. Would still recommend especially with the added bonus of using the lighthouse which was amazing

    Reviewed by Nikki4.1Sep 2021

  • "Wonderful location for nature lovers."

    Immaculate and well equipped cottage.

    Reviewed by Patricia5.0May 2021

  • "The views are amazing from every window."

    If you want peace and quiet and just the sound of birds singing then this is the place to come .Sitting in the lighthouse watching the world go by is totally relaxing.The cottage has everything in it that you would need and more.Its absolutely spotless everywhere.Ive been to a lot of cottages at sykes but this place i always try to come back and visit every year if i can.

    Reviewed by Hayley5.0Apr 2021

  • "Fantastic location, really helpful hosts and a lovely pool ."

    The views from the cottage were amazing. All the advantages of having the coast on your doorstep without the crowds. Very relaxing.

    Reviewed by Katrina5.0Jul 2020

  • "Lovely place ,hosts very friendly could not fault it"

    Reviewed by Debbie5.0Jul 2020

  • "An amazing place to stay and we really enjoyed our time in the cottage ."

    Reviewed by Chris4.7Feb 2020

  • "The Lockyer family were really friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

    As previous holiday cottage owners, it was actually the first time that we had stayed in a holiday let and we would certainly do so again.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0Jan 2020

  • "What a fantastic place to stay."

    Sea views out of every window of cottage perfect. Owners very welcoming ,milk cookies,tea coffee and sugar on arrival. The use of the lighthouse was an added bonus.Will be returning to this property again.Perfect !

    Reviewed by Jane5.0Oct 2019

  • "Great holiday and cottage had the most fantastic sea views."

    Great for walking and relaxing which is what we needed.

    Reviewed by Mariette5.0Sep 2019

  • "Fabulous, quirky place to stay - charming cottage, but with all mod cons."

    Views are awesome, and location is excellent for travelling to all the attractions of the area. The host family are very friendly and obliging, even leaving us some home grown vegetables on our doorstep! Would, ( and will ), definitely recommend this cottage to anyone - it is a peaceful & relaxing retreat in a very interesting area of the country.

    Reviewed by Michelle5.0Sep 2019

  • "The lodge was in the perfect position anyone could ask for ,with breath taking views all around ."

    And if you like coastal walks this is the place to stay. The owners are very friendly and make sure that everything is ok and to your liking, they also give you the tour of the surrounding property which includes the swimming pool and lighthouse . you can not regret by booking a holiday here.

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Aug 2019

  • "Lovely holiday very clean and the owners were very pleasant and helpfull."

    Would book again.

    Reviewed by Stephen5.0Jun 2019

  • "Beautiful location with fantastic views."

    Great for listening to the skylarks.

    Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0May 2019

  • "Most enjoyable holiday for accommodation we have ever had, the views were ..."

    Most enjoyable holiday for accommodation we have ever had, the views were stunning , and the owners were on hand for everything that were needed , again another big thank you to them

    Reviewed by C5.0May 2019

  • "Lovely spot with easy access to the Jurassic coast and numerous museums and attractions."

    The cottage met our needs extremely well and enabled us to be totally independent. Wonderful panoramic sea views from the cottage and the adjoining lighthouse.

    Reviewed by Georgina5.0Apr 2019

  • "We had a very warm welcome and had everything we needed it’s was a real home from home and a pleasure to stay ."

    The walks from the back door were fabulous and the views amazing. We had a lovely well needed break with everything on hand.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Mar 2019

  • "A lovely place for getting away from it all."

    We loved the sea views and being off the beaten track. Not the kind of place if you like the hustle and bustle of people, shops and restaurants, which meant it suited us down to the ground. Whilst walking the Coastal Path we were able to visit the disused quarry, Ope Cove and take in the great sea views. We stopped off at The Lobster Pot cafe, the Eight Kings pub and the Heights hotel coffee shop for refreshments whilst out walking. A very clean and comfortable place to stay with all the facilities that we needed for a peaceful get away. The owner was very welcoming and friendly, on hand if needed but not necessary in our case.

    Reviewed by Carole5.0Mar 2019

  • "Beautiful location."

    Cottage facilities were very, very basic. Low quality bedding, plastic, rustling mattress protectors, notes everywhere re what guests should/ should not do. Cottage was incredibly hot but we weren't supposed to turn rads off, so slept with windows open in February. Very dated decor. Would not stay here again, despite beautiful view. --------------------------------- Many thanks for your valuable feedback, we are very disappointed that one of our properties has seemingly let us down and not provided you with the experienced that we had hoped for. We will be contacting the owner of this property shortly regarding the points you have raised.

    Reviewed by Klara1.9Feb 2019

  • "Amazing location."

    Plenty of walks in the area. Easy driving to Weymouth and surrounding areas

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Oct 2018

  • "The cottage is perfect for getting away from modern life."

    Great sea views, clean, and comfortable and the owners could not be friendlier and more welcoming. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by Alan5.0Sep 2018

  • "Fabulous location that is very unique and superbly peaceful."

    The pool is excellent and a real asset. The cottage is very functional if a little compact downstairs but upstairs living room is lovely with great views. Owners are very helpful. Would suit those seeking a complete escape and great walks.

    Reviewed by Elizabeth4.4Jul 2018

  • "A warm welcome from the helpful owners."

    Wonderful views from the very comfortable living room. Great walks in a fascinating and peaceful part of the country. Access to the lighthouse observatory and to the pool was a bonus.

    Reviewed by Barry5.0Jul 2018

  • "The location is fantastic and the lighthouse unique."

    Reviewed by David5.0Jul 2017

  • "The only downside was feeding meters for electricity, would rather pay more and not have to worry."

    Other than that fabulous

    Reviewed by Diane4.8Jan 2017

  • "Spotlessly clean, everything we needed, peaceful quiet location with stunning views, hardly left the island as superb walks from the cottage door."

    Reviewed by Barbara5.0Oct 2016

  • "Brilliant holiday."

    Fantastic location with lovely walks on doorstep.

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Sep 2016

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Summary

  • Two ground floor bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Ground floor bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC
  • Ground floor kitchen
  • First floor sitting room with dining area and panoramic views.
  • Electric radiators, Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washer/dryer, Dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books, games, CDs and DVDs
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Fuel & power included in rent
  • Ample off road parking for cars and boats
  • Lawned area and patio with garden furniture and ornamental fish pond
  • Shared seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool with Jacuzzi (available May - September inclusive)
  • Shared access to lighthouse observatory via steep steps
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop 2 miles, pub 5 mins walk
  • Note: No children under 5 years due to ponds and proximity of cliff edge.

The property

Situated just forty feet from the Old Higher Lighthouse, this upside down detached Grade II listed cottage makes the most of the fantastic sea and coastal views, as the whole of the first floor is given over to a light and airy sitting and dining room with windows on all four sides.

Take advantage of shared access to the lighthouse tower and observatory from where there are breathtaking views of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Alternatively, take a dip in the shared heated pool and Jacuzzi, or take a stroll along the rugged coast.

A memorable cottage whatever the weather!

Note: This cottage is next to Ref. 12494, together they sleep 8.

Old Higher Lighthouse Cottages

A unique opportunity to stay in two Grade II listed cottages, situated in what must be one of the most peaceful and stunning locations on Dorset’s rugged Jurassic Coast at Portland Bill. Situated right beside the sympathetically restored 18th century Old Higher Lighthouse, once the home of Dr Marie Stopes and visited by George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells and Thomas Hardy, these Portland Bill cottages have been comfortably furnished throughout to offer visitors a home-from-home holiday experience. Together, they can accommodate up to eight people in comfort, where you have shared use of the seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. There are superb opportunities for walking and bird watching as well as climbing and diving, or why not just simply relax in the lighthouse and take in the sensational sea views or unwind beside the swimming pool? A short stroll takes you to The Bill itself, craggy rocks jutting out into the sea dominated by the current Trinity House lighthouse. The Bill’s friendly cafe and local pub provide good food and refreshments should you wish to take time out whilst exploring the dramatic coast. The owner of these cottages can offer reflexology, spiritual and crystal healing, plus Emotional Freedom Technique on site by arrangement, making them a holiday experience you’ll never forget!

View on map

About the location

PORTLAND BILL

Easton 3 miles; Fortuneswell 4 miles; Weymouth 9 miles.

Portland Bill is a narrow promontory on the end of the rugged Isle of Portland peninsula which is joined to the mainland via Chesil Beach, a pebble spit, which stretches 18 miles towards West Bay. Situated on Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, now a World Heritage Site, Portland Bill is home to three lighthouses, the most recent built in 1906 being the 35 meter tall, white and red striped Portland Bill Lighthouse. Portland Bill is home to a pub and a restaurant/café as well as the Portland Bird Observatory. Formerly a quarrying area, the stunning coastal scenery and footpaths provide excellent walking and the surrounding countryside is well known as a birdwatcher’s paradise! The local communities of Fortuneswell and Easton boast a good variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. With great climbing opportunities and an array of watersports activities on offer locally, plus the wonderful sandy beaches and the pretty harbour at Weymouth just 9 miles away, this super holiday destination is not to be missed!

Note: No children under 5 years due to ponds and proximity of cliff edge.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute