Old Higher Lighthouse Branscombe Lodge | Portland Bill | Southwell | Dorset And Somerset

4.8★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets No
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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

* Based on a combined average customer score

62 Customer Review(s)

Mark
October 2024

“Amazing place, cottage was very comfortable and views were stunning”

- Mark, October 2024
Jacqui September 2024

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

Have recommended to friends and would definitely go again

- Jacqui, September 2024
Stephanie May 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.

- Stephanie, May 2024
Andrew March 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.

- Andrew, March 2024
Gary March 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

- Gary, March 2024
Sarah November 2023

“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.

- Sarah, November 2023
Jayshree November 2023

“Great location , felt like a real break from the normal grind.”

Real walks in nature with the wilderness of the sea.

- Jayshree, November 2023
Margreet November 2023

“Great location!”

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

- Margreet, November 2023
Sean October 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.

- Sean, October 2023
Belinda August 2023

“Lovely property, has everything you need.”

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

- Belinda, August 2023
Clare August 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

- Clare, August 2023
Jason April 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

- Jason, April 2023
Roy September 2022

“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.

- Roy, September 2022
Slavomir July 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.

- Slavomir, July 2022
Simon May 2022

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

Highly recommended.

- Simon, May 2022
Elizabeth May 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

- Elizabeth, May 2022

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
Patricia April 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.

- Patricia, April 2022
Helen January 2022

“Lovely views”

- Helen, January 2022
Joanna October 2021

“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.

- Joanna, October 2021
Nikki September 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

- Nikki, September 2021
Patricia May 2021

“Wonderful location for nature lovers.”

Immaculate and well equipped cottage.

- Patricia, May 2021
Hayley April 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.

- Hayley, April 2021
Katrina July 2020

“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.

- Katrina, July 2020
Debbie July 2020

“Lovely place ,hosts very friendly could not fault it”

- Debbie, July 2020
Chris February 2020

“An amazing place to stay and we really enjoyed our time in the cottage .”

- Chris, February 2020
Sue January 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.

- Sue, January 2020
Jane October 2019

“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 !

- Jane, October 2019
Mariette September 2019

“Great holiday and cottage had the most fantastic sea views.”

Great for walking and relaxing which is what we needed.

- Mariette, September 2019
Michelle September 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.

- Michelle, September 2019
Mark August 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.

- Mark, August 2019
Stephen June 2019

“Lovely holiday very clean and the owners were very pleasant and helpfull.”

Would book again.

- Stephen, June 2019
Elizabeth May 2019

“Beautiful location with fantastic views.”

Great for listening to the skylarks.

- Elizabeth, May 2019
C May 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

- C, May 2019
Georgina April 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.

- Georgina, April 2019
Susan March 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.

- Susan, March 2019
Carole March 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.

- Carole, March 2019
Klara February 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.

- Klara, February 2019
Julie October 2018

“Amazing location.”

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

- Julie, October 2018
Alan September 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.

- Alan, September 2018
Elizabeth July 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.

- Elizabeth, July 2018
Barry July 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.

- Barry, July 2018
David July 2017

“The location is fantastic and the lighthouse unique.”

- David, July 2017
Diane January 2017

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

Other than that fabulous

- Diane, January 2017
Barbara October 2016

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

- Barbara, October 2016
Julie September 2016

“Brilliant holiday.”

Fantastic location with lovely walks on doorstep.

- Julie, September 2016
Debbie July 2016

“It was beautiful, breathtaking and the hosts were wonderful.”

Will be going back.

- Debbie, July 2016
Jean October 2015

“Unbeatable views and wonderful location, as well as comfortable accommodation.”

- Jean, October 2015
Alison July 2015

“The views were brilliant from the cottage.”

Best holiday we have ever had and would recommend it, if you love walking even a bit of cliff climbing can be done.

- Alison, July 2015
Andrew March 2015

“Particularity liked the solitude at a time to reflect and reboot.”

The sunset out of the lounge window was amazing. Settling back and sitting on the sofa watching the calm sea as the sun went down was amazing.

- Andrew, March 2015
Ritchie October 2014

“An amazing setting with views you could take in forever, it is an extremely relaxing place to go.”

- Ritchie, October 2014
Colin October 2014

“A very nice cottage with wonderful views, a lovely week enjoyed by all.”

- Colin, October 2014
Beverley September 2014

“Liked the location & situation of the cottage and the views from the upstairs sitting room.”

Access to the cliff paths and bird watching, would recommend this cottage to people with this interest.

- Beverley, September 2014
Ann May 2014

“It was an absolutely stunning property and the views were spectacular.”

The owners had a pair of binoculars in the property and lots of info' about the flora and fauna, so that all you wanted to do was watch what was going on outside when you were at the property. As the sitting room is upstairs with windows on all sides there was plenty to look at. It was so relaxing a holiday as all you can hear is the occasional boat and the birds. The fact that you step a few feet out of the property and you are on to the coastal path was brilliant, ideal for walkers. The owners made you feel very welcome.

- Ann, May 2014
Tricia April 2014

“Good having access to the lighthouse building.”

We spent many happy hours up there admiring the view, reading and watching the sunset. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The location was amazing - remote but with very easy access to the Purbeck coast, Weymouth and lots of National Trust properties and other attractions.

- Tricia, April 2014
Dawn August 2013

“The accommodation was brilliant, clean and functional.”

The ambience of the location and building, and the enthusiasm and friendliness of the hosts and their neighbours made this place exceptional. Fabulous base for so many activities or just sitting and enjoying the sun and sea. Looking forward to a return trip.

- Dawn, August 2013
Pamela June 2013

“We loved it all.”

It was a great bonus to be able to go into the lighthouse as the views were wonderful.

- Pamela, June 2013
Sally November 2012

“The wonderful views.”

- Sally, November 2012
Mark November 2012

“Everything, its unique setting with the views from the living room, landing, kitchen, bedroom 1 and bedroom 2.”

The Lighthouse, having sea views makes this a fantastic place to stay.

- Mark, November 2012
Ian June 2012

“We enjoyed everything - Portland Bill, the accommodation and our hosts.”

A super holiday.

- Ian, June 2012
Kevin May 2012

“Location and the hosts were fantastic.”

- Kevin, May 2012
Richard April 2012

“Fantastic views from the first floor sitting room.”

Use of the old lighthouse was an unexpected bonus. A very special location. Helpful owners.

- Richard, April 2012
Anne April 2012

“Our welcome was lovely - warm, friendly and very informative.”

The location of the property is stunning and the views just incredible - with the added bonus of being allowed access to their lighthouse. We had a wonderful holiday.

- Anne, April 2012

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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

Brancombe Lodge is a detached cottage next to a lighthouse on the tip of Portland Bill near to Weymouth in Dorset.

The cottage sleeps four people in one double bedroom, one twin room and a family bathroom.

Also in the cottage are a fitted kitchen and a sitting room with a dining area.

Outside the cottage is off road parking for two cars, a lawned area and patio with furniture and ornamental fish pond and shared use of a heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Set in stunning surroundings, Brancombe Lodge is a fabulous holiday cottage right on the Dorset cliffs.

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!

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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:

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Amazing place, cottage was very comfortable and views were stunning”

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

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

“Had an amazing two weeks.”

“What a wonderful place to spend a holiday.”

“Very unusual accommodation in a fabulous location.”

“Great location , felt like a real break from the normal grind.”

“Great location!”

“Excellent stay in the Lighthouse Lodge.”

“Lovely property, has everything you need.”

“Welcoming and helpful hosts to a really lovely and well located property.”

“The cottage was wonderful made at total ease if anything was required ,found the ...”

“Felt like home from home.”

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

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

“Great location but the property could do with a general refurbishment as quite ...”

“What a delightful cottage.”

“Lovely views”

“A lovely cottage in a beautiful location, with stunning views.”

“Great location for walking and bird watching.”

“Wonderful location for nature lovers.”

“The views are amazing from every window.”

“Fantastic location, really helpful hosts and a lovely pool .”

“Lovely place ,hosts very friendly could not fault it”

“An amazing place to stay and we really enjoyed our time in the cottage .”

“The Lockyer family were really friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.”

“What a fantastic place to stay.”

“Great holiday and cottage had the most fantastic sea views.”

“Fabulous, quirky place to stay - charming cottage, but with all mod cons.”

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

“Lovely holiday very clean and the owners were very pleasant and helpfull.”

“Beautiful location with fantastic views.”

“Most enjoyable holiday for accommodation we have ever had, the views were ...”

“Lovely spot with easy access to the Jurassic coast and numerous museums and attractions.”

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

“A lovely place for getting away from it all.”

“Beautiful location.”

“Amazing location.”

“The cottage is perfect for getting away from modern life.”

“Fabulous location that is very unique and superbly peaceful.”

“A warm welcome from the helpful owners.”

“The location is fantastic and the lighthouse unique.”

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

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

“Brilliant holiday.”

“It was beautiful, breathtaking and the hosts were wonderful.”

“Unbeatable views and wonderful location, as well as comfortable accommodation.”

“The views were brilliant from the cottage.”

“Particularity liked the solitude at a time to reflect and reboot.”

“An amazing setting with views you could take in forever, it is an extremely relaxing place to go.”

“A very nice cottage with wonderful views, a lovely week enjoyed by all.”

“Liked the location & situation of the cottage and the views from the upstairs sitting room.”

“It was an absolutely stunning property and the views were spectacular.”

“Good having access to the lighthouse building.”

“The accommodation was brilliant, clean and functional.”

“We loved it all.”

“The wonderful views.”

“Everything, its unique setting with the views from the living room, landing, kitchen, bedroom 1 and bedroom 2.”

“We enjoyed everything - Portland Bill, the accommodation and our hosts.”

“Location and the hosts were fantastic.”