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The Old Portland Courthouse

Portland, Dorset (Ref. 994487)

Customer rating

4.6

How reviews work

A property's star rating is the average of the star ratings received from guests that wish for their review to be published

Dream Cottages rating

  • 8 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 4 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

  • Show on map

Features

  • Four poster bed
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Seaside
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

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35 Customer Review(s)

  • Kathryn Lee

    “Huge place with great character.”

    Lots of space for the 8 of us and a bathroom per couple was a real bonus. The accommodation was quirky but comfortable. It was lovely to have all the original features of the courthouse. The kitchen was well equipped and the 3 fridges ( one in the basement) meant we had plenty of space for the week's shopping. Great outside space with views along the coast and the causeway. Some more comfortable outdoor furniture would have been nice. The upstairs lounge was a great place to watch the ...

    Lots of space for the 8 of us and a bathroom per couple was a real bonus. The accommodation was quirky but comfortable. It was lovely to have all the original features of the courthouse. The kitchen was well equipped and the 3 fridges ( one in the basement) meant we had plenty of space for the week's shopping. Great outside space with views along the coast and the causeway. Some more comfortable outdoor furniture would have been nice. The upstairs lounge was a great place to watch the world go by and take in the incredible views and sunsets. Bus runs from just outside the door. Easy walk to the castle, Dday museum, sailing academy andThe Beehive Cafe. Parking outside was first come first served but we always found a space. Being a historical property, the main bedroom was suffering a bit from damp and plaster was causing dust to fall. However, this did not detract from our stay. The house stayed cool in warm weather but we were glad not to have had to stay there in the heat wave since most of the windows were permanently shut. Key box was a bit fiddly. We had a lovely stay. Thank you.

    - Kathryn Lee, August 2026

Summary

  • Over three floors
  • Four bedrooms: 1 x ground floor king-size four poster double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x ground floor twin single with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x double
  • Shower room, basin and WC
  • Ground floor cloakroom with basin and WC
  • Open plan living area with kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area, sitting area, first floor sitting area
  • Ground floor utility room accessed via twin single bedroom.
  • Gas central heating, electric oven and hob, microwave, fridges, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV, Sky TV, DVD, music system, phone for incoming calls only, WiFi, selection of books, games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Roadside parking on a first-come-first-served basis
  • Landscaped garden with furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Sorry, property not suitable for children under 14
  • Shop and pub 10 min
  • Beach 5 min.

The property

The Old Portland Courthouse overlooks a wonderful expanse of Chesil Beach out to Lyme Bay and is within easy walking distance of the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy where sailing events for the 2012 Olympics were held.

This Grade II Listed Building dates to around 1904, is the original gabled Portland Courthouse.

It has been lovingly converted into an elegant residence full of unique character which would suit for a family gathering or a celebration, or just holiday for a large group by the sea. The interior now combines original features such as the old courthouse balustrading, wood panelling and the original 'Dock', now converted to a 'bar'.

You can sit and read the newspaper at the original 'Magistrates Bench' now cleverly located on the walkway to the upstairs lounge which overlooks Lyme Bay.

There is luxurious feature such as contemporary kitchen styling with granite work surfaces, unsuited bathrooms to nearly all the bedrooms and high-quality antique furnishings throughout, including a magnificent large oak four poster bed in the main bedroom that used to be the magistrates’ chambers!

The large open plan living area is perfect for enjoying a sociable holiday; preparing food, entertaining at the antique dining table which seats twelve or relaxing in the comfortable lounge area.

Outside the property, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine whilst experiencing the magnificent ocean views on a sunny day, or sundowners on a balmy summer's evening.

Whilst staying at The Court House you may wish to ramble along the South West Coastal path, exploring the rugged countryside, or visit the Chesil coast, to beachcomb both activities are just a short walk away.

A groceries shop, various pubs, The Blue Fish restaurant and the famous Cove House Inn located at 'Dead Man's Cove' are only a short stroll away.

Adjacent to the property is an open public area with a bowling green, tennis courts and attractive gardens.

You may like to take a country drive along the magnificent Jurassic coastline exploring hamlets and villages as you go, possibly stopping at a choice pub for a fresh fish lunch or at a traditional cottage cafe for a Dorset cream tea.

Weymouth, with its long award-winning sandy beach, restaurants and various entertainments is just a short drive away.

The Old Portland Courthouse would be appreciated by a discerning guest looking for a touch of luxury and a unique property.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

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About the location

FORTUNESWELL

Weymouth 5 miles.

Situated on Dorset's spectacular Jurassic Coast, now a World Heritage Site, the village of Fortuneswell can be found on the rugged Isle of Portland peninsula, joined to the mainland via Chesil Beach, a pebble spit, which stretches 18 miles towards West Bay. Formerly a quarrying area, Fortuneswell boasts a good variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, along with an intriguing maze of streets that wind their way up a steep hill to offer stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and the rolling hills of Dorset beyond. The surrounding countryside is well known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, plus with great walking and climbing opportunities, an array of watersport activities, wonderful sandy beaches, and Weymouth just 5 miles away, this super holiday destination is not to be missed!

Note: max 8 people.
Note: This property does not accept bookings with children under 14 as it is not suitable.
Note: the property requires a £250 Good Housekeeping Bond.
Note: Step up to dining area, step up to kitchen, stairs down to super king-size bedroom.
Note: rear steps up to the garden from twin single bedroom.
Please note: The property has velux windows but these are not to be used or operated by guests.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas

How we calculate the "Was" price

Our 'Was' price shows the average price for this property over the last 90 days, so you can see how today's price compares.