Chesil Gallery, Portland, Dorset

This beautifully renovated three-bedroom, three-storey house occupies a sublime location on the Jurassic Coast's Chesil Beach. Under current ownership, a series of sensitive yet brilliant interventions have been added, including external shutters made by a local craftsman and a serene colour palette that enhances the coastal light that ripples throughout. A generous internal plan of over 2,200 sq ft is added to by the brilliantly conceived tiered garden, where flowering beach plants such as sea kale and thrift wave in the breeze. Chesil Gallery is a perfect foothold from which to explore Dorset's historic towns, unspoilt stretches of coast and expansive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Setting the Scene

One of three major shingle beach structures in the UK, Chesil Beach runs for 18 miles from West Bay to the Isle of Portland. Fittingly, the word 'Chesil' derives from 'chessil', the Old English word for gravel or shingle. Notorious for being a major shipwreck site in bygone times, the coastline today is known and loved for its big skies and varied wildlife.

Chesil Gallery lies just behind the beach, its stony shores extending immediately from the house's perimeter. The site was once two cottages, likely used by fishermen and their families during the 17th and 18th centuries and was later transformed into a coaching house and stables at the turn of the 20th century. In 1973, after falling into disrepair, it was bought by a government scientist who specialised in researching the strengths of structures under the strength of sea water. Under his ownership, the downstairs gallery was carved out, and the house was rebuilt to modern standards. The end walls of the original building were preserved, however, with the rest reconstructed using Portland stone. The main supporting beam came from The Swan Inn in Weymouth; a single baulk of 39-ft long timber, it stands as an architectural feature in its own right.

The Grand Tour

Approached via a quiet lane, the house is bordered by tall stone walls and a gated entrance, which provides excellent privacy. The Gallery's private parking area, with space for three vehicles, lies adjacent to the north garden. There is also parking available on the lane.

The house has been the subject of several significant interventions under its current ownership; windows have been replaced, soft carpet and blackout/sun-filtering blinds have been added, and lighting fixtures have been upgraded. A water softener has been integrated, as has a new energy-conserving boiler.

Chesil Gallery has several entrance points: from the lower level via the courtyard garden, or from the upper storey, which directly abuts the pebble bank of the beach. From the main upper-level entrance, a generously wide, galleried mezzanine opens out across the first floor. Room-length bookshelves have recently been added, making it a wonderfully atmospheric spot to curl up with a book. The space is currently used as a dining room, though its flexibility would lend well to various uses. A bright, carpeted attic (accessed by a a pull-down ladder) above the mezzanine provides a large storage capacity. Dark brown timber floorboards run underfoot on the mezzanine and across much of the home, pairing elegantly with white-painted walls.

An original timber staircase from here leads down to the ground floor. Arranged in a predominantly open plan, the primary living space has an easy flow from one room to the next, with large skylights overhead inviting an excellent quality of natural light to flood in during the course of the day. The living room sits centrally, arranged around an open stone fireplace that provides a wonderful focal point during the colder months.

The kitchen and a relaxed dining area are positioned at the far end of the ground floor, with bespoke Welsh slate worktops and appliances built into hand-crafted joinery. The current owner has modified the kitchen, adding a full-sized dishwasher as well as a deep sink. French doors lead into the north courtyard.

At the other end of the ground floor is a large utility space or studio with newly built-in cupboards and hanging space. Once a garage, this area could be returned to its former use if required.

Occupying the top floor, the house's main bedroom suite is wonderfully atmospheric. Dual-aspect windows provide breathtaking views over the coastline, creating a soothing, restful backdrop. A neat en suite lies adjacent, with a bath and a similarly delicate scheme. Two additional bedrooms lie at either end of the first floor, both with en suite shower rooms and built-in storage.

The Great Outdoors 

The terraced courtyard gardens have been beautifully maintained over several years, with beds of Mediterranean plants, trees and shrubs. Seating areas have been strategically placed to enjoy the morning, midday and evening sun and outdoor dining beneath the big Dorset skies. Additionally, a parcel of land of around 13 by 10 metres lies immediately adjacent to the north garden; a substantial plot with a log store constructed at one side, currently used for parking but could suit a variety of uses.

Uniquely, the beachfront is easily accessed via a low boundary wall on one side of the house, where long coastline and cliff-edge walks are directly accessible from the home.

Out and About

The isle of Portland, the sea wall and the traditional fishing village of Chiswell are rich in maritime history. Natant and ornithological wildlife is abundant on Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, and the area has a rich picking of surfing, kayaking, diving and kite surfing activities. The National Sailing Academy and Portland Marina are quickly reached on foot. There are active scuba diving clubs based nearby that dive the wrecks off Chesil Cove, a short walk from the house. Both Portland and Weymouth are centres for bird enthusiasts, with Portland Bird Observatory and RSPB Radipole both within easy reach.

A good selection of independent shops and supermarkets are within easy reach, including Crab House café, a particular favourite among local residents. The well-known Cove House Inn is just a short walk from the house and dates to some time before the 1840s. The outstanding Catch at the Old Fishmarket restaurant is to be found in Weymouth, about 15 minutes' drive away. The county town of Dorchester, where the excellent Dorset Museum, among many attractions, is located, is about 30 minutes' drive.

The long stretches of sandy beaches at Weymouth are within easy reach, as are charming villages and towns on the coast such as Abbotsbury, Bridport and Lyme Regis. The area has plenty of public footpaths, and the South Coast Path, which circles Portland, runs along the side of Chesil Gallery's gardens.

Portland has both a state-run primary school and a state-run secondary school, with further options in Weymouth.

Mainline rail connections to London Waterloo run from Weymouth, with journey times of around two hours and forty minutes, while trains run to Bristol Temple Meads in approximately 90 minutes.

Council Tax Band: B