Unusual Holiday Let: The Transmitter Bunker

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Dorset sits a unusual holiday let, The Transmitter Bunker. The property owner has been a Dream Cottages owner for over 20 years with his highly successful Pitt Cottage property.

Having acquired the bunker a few years ago, 2023 was the year of launch for this unusual holiday let. Furthermore, The Transmitter Bunk is fully booked over the summer season with only a few dates left for autumn and winter.

Read on for more about this fascinating holiday let and how to book.

Converting an unusual holiday let

The bunker itself sits on a plot of land which has been owned by the owner’s family for over 400 years. Used during the Second World War as an early detection system, it was then later used during the Cold War to source Soviet activity on the South Coast.

Having been decommission since 1965, the property has sat unused for all this time which led Mr Russell to pursue other avenues for the historic building.

The first step was to obtain planning permission for the bunker and set the intention for holiday letting. As a Grade II listed building, it was a longer process however the owner describes the bunker being a “labour of love.”

With the help of Architect Jonathan Plant, the brief was to celebrate the bunker’s service and history.

Property features

The Transmitter Bunker sleeps up to 4 people across two bedrooms. It has an open plan lounge, diner and kitchen area which features double glass doors, overlooking Ringstead Bay.

Guests can enjoy meals on the patio which overlooks the sea, listen to owls and spot wildlife from hedgehogs to bats come the evening.

The peaceful retreat is perfectly positioned between Weymouth and Bovington, home to both The Nothe Fort and The Tank Museum. For guests looking to have a fully immersive stay, at Dream Cottages, we highly recommend these attractions along with Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil.

The bunker itself still has the original concreate features which have been modernised and encapsulated to showcase its unique history.

Marketing a unique property

Dream Cottages have over 400 properties in their portfolio. With Dream being part of the Sykes Holiday Cottages family, owners can benefit from dual marketing exposure with their property being listed on both websites.

Along with partnership listings such as Airbnb and Booking.com, owners of unique properties are likely to have additional PR exposure and coverage.

The Transmitter Bunker has a unique history, one that encompasses every individual who stays at the property. Having been picked up by both national and international press, the property’s history lends itself to PR-ability.

Farm diversification

The bunker sits on the owner’s dairy farm along with other outbuildings and Pitt Cottage, of which he has holiday let with Dream Cottages for over 20 years.

By private owning land and outbuildings, farm diversification is an excellent way to earn additional income.

Are you looking to generate income by converting an outbuilding or unusual property into a holiday home? Talk to Dream Cottages about the steps you will need to take on your holiday let journey.

About the Transmitter Bunker

The Transmitter Bunker is available to book year-round for history enthusiasts. To find out more about the full property features, view the unique property here.

Get your free owner pack

Dream Cottages have over 35 years’ experience of holiday letting across Dorset and Somerset. Talk to the New Property Team today for your free pricing appraisal.

Download your owner pack here or call 01305 789000 (option 2).