Freshwater Bay View

Portland's southern edge sits where the Dorset coast opens onto Freshwater Bay, and this single-storey cottage occupies that vantage point with views across the water. The village itself is compact—shops a mile or so away, but a pub and restaurant just a five-minute walk—and the real draw is what surrounds it. Weymouth's Georgian seafront lies to the west, beyond that West Bay's cliffs and the villages of Bridport and Lyme Regis, while eastward are Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. The beach is a mile away. A mile in the other direction stands Portland Bill Lighthouse.

The cottage is on one level throughout. The living room has patio doors onto a patio and garden, and the kitchen is set up for self-catering with an electric cooker, microwave, washing machine and fridge. One kingsize bedroom and a shower room complete the layout. Everything you need is covered—electricity, wi-fi, bed linen and towels are all included. There's private parking for one car and an enclosed garden shared with the owners. No smoking inside.

This is a straightforward base for exploring the Dorset coast. Walkers will find the coastal path immediately accessible; water sports, fishing and sailing operate from Weymouth Bay. Portland itself has museums and Henry VIII's castle if weather turns bad.