9 bedroom detached house

A handsome Georgian seaside residence (currently run as a Boutique B&B, and awarded UK'S best B&B for 2024 by the Good Hotel Guide) situated on the doorstep of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline a short walk to the town and beach, commanding stunning views to Lyme Bay, and offering very flexible living accommodation with various options for a healthy income stream.

THE PROPERTY
Built in the 1820's of rendered elevations under a slate tiled roof and having featured in Beatrix Potters 'The Tale of Little Pig Robinson,' Dorset House is an impressive Grade II listed late Georgian property situated on the edge of the town just a short stroll to the town and beach, commanding stunning views over the town and to the sea. This wonderful house has been beautifully refurbished in recent years and has served not only as a much-loved family home, but also as a well-established award-winning boutique B&B and luxury holiday rental.
Traditionally built to be both spacious and comfortable, the house boasts over 4,100 sq. ft of flexible living accommodation arranged over three floors, with the lower ground floor having the potential to be self-contained if required (STPC.)
The main entrance at ground floor level opens into an elegant reception hall, which is a beautiful room in itself with a sweeping staircase to the first floor, leading to all principal ground floor rooms and also connecting to the rear hall.
To one side sits the drawing room and snug. This is a spectacular room for entertaining and can be open plan or divided by floor to ceiling pocket sliding doors. The drawing room with its wood burning stove (currently used as a dining room for guests seating up to 14) boasts two sets of French doors that open onto an elegant veranda, which is the perfect spot for morning coffee, or evening drinks. The snug is a cosy retreat with its own log burner and bar, once again with French doors leading out to the veranda.
The kitchen/breakfast room really is the hub of the house and is fitted with an excellent range of painted timber Shaker style units. This is a very informal and sociable space for the whole family to gather with ample room to eat, work, lounge and relax. A further door leads from here to the rear hall where there is a large utility/laundry room, and a bathroom with a mini slipper bath.
The rear hall incorporates stairs leading down to the lower ground floor accommodation, which reveals a very good-sized sitting room, currently used as a cinema room. There are currently two well-proportioned double en suite bedrooms, and two further single bedrooms at this level, all of which benefit from natural light. The two single rooms have previously been used as a kitchen, which could easily be reinstated, with an external door giving separate access to the rear lane, allowing it to be self-contained if required (STPC.)
Having functioned as an award-winning boutique B&B, it will be no surprise that the first floor is just as impressive, arriving at a galleried landing area. All five en suite bedrooms have been beautifully refurbished, showcasing many of the period features, including exposed original antique waxed floorboards throughout, with four of the five bedrooms offering unique views to the sea and town. It is difficult to choose a favourite, however, the original principal room really does have it all, with three large sash windows framing extraordinary views to the coast, a generous contemporary shower room, (also with sea views) and bespoke fitted wardrobes.
Bedroom two, currently arranged as a suite, has ample room for a sofa/desk, which could be reimagined as a dressing area. This room also has a fantastic view, reaching all the way to Portland. It too has a contemporary style shower room and bespoke fitted wardrobe.
Bedroom three is a good-sized, light filled double en suite room with views over the rooftops and further to the sea. The final two double bedrooms, also en suite, are perfectly formed, with one offering sea glimpses.
There is also access to the loft from one of the bedrooms, this is a sizable space and could have further potential should it be required (STPC.)
All in all, Dorset House would make the most amazing primary or secondary residence in this very popular coastal town.

OUTSIDE
A shared driveway to one side of the property arrives at a parking area, with allocated parking for 2/3 vehicles, which is a rare treat in the town. To the rear of the house, there is a raised paved terrace, which can be accessed from the parking area or from a pedestrian lane and the lower ground floor bedroom. The veranda, leading out from the main drawing room is a true delight, and provides a private area to enjoy alfresco dining with glimpses of the sea.

LOCATION
Lyme Regis is a most popular and picturesque coastal town noted for its attractive period buildings, the Cobb, (made famous by Jane Austin and John Fowle's French Lieutenants Woman) and the harbour. These along with the stunning surrounding countryside and coastline all justify Lyme Regis's worldwide reputation. Lyme Regis and the Bay are situated at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a major centre for fossil collecting. The town has an excellent selection of facilities, including many independent shops as well as the familiar high street brands. There are two supermarkets, a number of restaurants, notably Mark Hix's Oyster and Fish House, the boutique Alexander Hotel to name but one of the many, as well as its own Theatre. The nearby town of Axminster just five miles away has a large supermarket and a variety of independent shops and cafes, and a mainline railway station to London Waterloo. The larger city of Exeter lies some 30 miles away, with an international airport and large range of facilities and high street shopping with several department stores including a large John Lewis.