Brackenbury House is a Victorian manse by the sea set at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Coastline on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. It makes an ideal base for exploring Dorset, the Jurassic Coast and Hardy Country. Outside, there’s a garden terrace, then roads that that lead down to the iconic Chesil Beach. Inside are big rooms filled with seaside light. There’s a guest lounge for drinks and afternoon tea and the house is wonderfully relaxed and unstuffy. It’s a comfortable old-school home with eclectic art and hundreds of books. We are a totally non-smoking homestay accommodating adults only. There is no breakfast and we don't serve any cooked meals, but don't let that kill your appetite for travel. The house is a short walk to a smorgasbord of lovely little local eateries with plenty more culinary delights slightly further afield in Weymouth Town Centre and historic harbourside.

Vienna & Joe welcome you their home by the sea in the village of Fortuneswell, Portland on Dorset's Jurassic Coast. As a local couple with both families having lived on Portland for generations, we are your port of call for local expertise (there's no in-room guide, so make yourself sociable), and we’re generally very good with first-hand knowledge – you may spot us down the beach when we’re not working, or wandering through town.

Step out to Chiswell's restaurants and Chesil Beach, hike the coastal path, whizz over waves on a windsurfer, and stroll to the park for tennis. For sport lovers we have the National Sailing Academy on our doorstep - there is wind and kite surfing, sailing lessons, dinghy and yacht hire. Just a few minutes walk away is an indoor swimming and diving pool, badminton and tennis courts and gym. The sky’s the limit for outdoor pursuits on the island, with fishing, birdwatching, walking alpacas, horse riding, paddle boarding and paddle board yoga, kayaking, cycling, rock-pooling, fossil-hunting, sea bathing and coastal walks. The famous Portland Bill lighthouse is less than 10 minutes away and it’s an easy drive to Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Lulworth for Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Head to bustling Bridport for a bargain at the bric-a-brac and antiques market. There is culture too - with National Trust houses, Portland Castle, Thomas Hardye's Cottage and Cloud's Hill all nearby. The Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve is just up the hill, where you can see Sir Antony Gormley’s Falling Man sculpture and many more. Since we don't serve any food we can direct you to good cafes, restaurants and pubs just a walk away: our favourites include The Crab House Cafe and the Cove House Inn for awesome sunsets. Or walk to Billy Winters along the beach for soul food and cocktails and watch the windsurfers/paddle boarders.