“This superb private lighthouse with adjoining cottage is a hidden gem. Unbeatable Views!!”
I must say the only existing review on Tripadvisor nearly put me off visiting Stopes Cottage.
What a mistake that would have been!! That location, in a Lighthouse.. we had to give it a go.
We are delighted that we did. This is simply a fantastic location. If you want 360 degree stunning views of the Dorset Coast and Portland Bill this is unbeatable.
The cottage has lovely large rooms and everything you could need. It was impeccably clean and had everything you could want; really good heating (just hit the Advance button in the kitchen if you want a boost); large TV with Blu-ray; separate kitchen TV, Wi-Fi, large bath with shower; 2nd WC, washing machine, iron and as with the Lighthouse stunning views out to sea from most rooms. The beds were very comfortable.
There is a decent sized garden with bbq, seating and even an outdoor pool which looked great for when the British summer arrives.
Our hosts Les and Fran were very welcoming; available nearby if needed (they weren’t) after our initial welcome. Many of Fran’s paintings hung around the cottage (available to buy).
A 2nd rental property on the grounds (Branscombe Lodge) also has access to the Lighthouse (via separate entrance), but there is more than enough room at the top of the Lighthouse for all; however we were the only ones up there when we stayed.
The top of the lighthouse is the perfect location to enjoy a drink whilst taking in the views during the day; at sunset (we didn't make sunrise!) or even star gazing. There is a door so you can step outside for even better views (possibly best on a calm day; you are atop a lighthouse after all!)
Portland Bill is far less developed that other local Dorset towns (in a good way), but there are still enough restaurants, pubs, and amenities in the area to cater for most needs. Weymouth is a 10 minute drive. A large new Tesco 4 minutes away (and they deliver).
If you want a home from home with what have to be the best views in the area then I highly recommend Stopes Cottage. We will be back!!
Little pointers to note- Stairs for the final climb to the Lighthouse are very steep; but very solid with excellent hand holds. Electricity is by £1 coin meter; but don’t be put off; you will get change out of £1 per day. Lastly the select number of local eateries do get busy; so book a table!!
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!
The property
Named after Old Higher Lighthouse's former owner, Dr Marie Stopes, this cottage offers comfortable single-storey holiday accommodation linked to the lighthouse itself by a long corridor, and boasts sea views from the south-facing sitting room, kitchen and twin bedroom.
Enjoy access to the round observatory at the top of the lighthouse from where there are stunning seascapes, or relax beside the shared outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
The charming gardens with their ornamental fishponds are a delight, a great place to relax on a balmy Dorset evening after your day's exploring.
A memorable cottage offering a sensational and unique holiday home.
Note: This cottage is next to ref 12497, together they sleep 8.
Summary
- All ground floor
- Two bedrooms: 1 x double with basin, 1 x twin with basin
- Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC
- Basin and WC
- Kitchen with dining area
- Sitting room with electric fire.
- Calor gas central heating with electric fire
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, 2 x TVs with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books, games, CDs and DVDs
- Fuel & power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. 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.
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!
Region Information
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas