Guests say
The Shambles is a well-received cottage in Portland, Dorset, praised for its cleanliness, stunning sea views, and proximity to the coast. Guests appreciate the cosy atmosphere, well-equipped kitchen, and friendly neighbours. While parking is noted as challenging, the location's convenience for public transport and local amenities is highlighted. The cottage's comfort and cleanliness contribute to a relaxing stay, despite some minor maintenance issues.
The cottage is consistently described as clean and well-presented, with several guests noting its spotless condition. However, a few reviews mention specific cleanliness issues such as a dirty oven and toilet fittings, slightly lowering the score.
The location is highly praised for its sea views and proximity to the beach and local attractions. Public transport accessibility is a plus. The challenging parking situation is a recurring concern, but it does not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the location.
Guests find the beds comfortable and the cottage cosy, but several mention that the living room seating is insufficient for the number of guests the cottage can accommodate. This impacts the comfort score, as it is a concern for relaxation space.
The cottage is well-equipped, especially the kitchen, and guests are generally satisfied with the facilities. However, maintenance issues such as a greasy oven, rusting toilet seat fittings, and a loose kitchen tap are noted, which affects the score.
There is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Perched on the outskirts of Fortuneswell in Dorset, is this delightful cottage, The Shambles. Set over two floors and sleeping up to four guests, The Shambles makes for a fantastic family seaside getaway, with the closest beach just under a mile away and the surrounding locations of Weymouth and Abbotsbury easily accessible. Be welcomed into the light and airy living/dining room with splashes of blue throughout the décor which hark to the property’s coastal location, here you can look forward to cosying up with loved ones on the sofa and enjoying a family film night in front of the electric fire. Make your way into the sleek kitchen, where you can treat your guests to creative home-cooked meals, as they open a bottle of wine ready to enjoy with dinner. Settle down around the dining table to savour a delicious feast as you toast to a wonderful holiday. Indulge in a blissful soak in the bath, before popping on your pyjamas and catching a refreshing night’s embrace in one of two well-presented bedrooms, a double with panoramic sea views and a twin. Wake-up with a revitalising shower, followed by morning coffee out on the decking with your guests as you soak up the sea views. Fortuneswell is ideally set on the Isle of Portland where there is a variety of activity right on your doorstep, with the impressive 16th-century Portland Castle just a short walk away and the Castletown D-Day Centre and Museum nearby, your inner historian will be spoilt for choice as to where to visit first! Spend a sunny day at the famous Chesil Beach where you can take leisurely strolls that afford breath-taking views across the sea, and delight in the shingle and pebbles that line the shore. Take the children to enjoy an afternoon at Fancy’s Farm, where you can meet and feed the sweet farm animals, followed by a slice of cake and a cup of tea in the on-site café. Head to nearby Wakeham, where you will find the Portland Museum which is set in historic cottages that offer detailed cultural exhibits, as well as the scenic George’s Point and the pretty Durdle Pier. Take the short drive to the vibrant seaside town of Weymouth, where you can meet the local marine life at the Sea Life Centre, delve into the town’s history at the Weymouth Museum, or wander the glorious sands of Weymouth’s beautiful beach. However, you choose to spend your time in Dorset, be sure to choose The Shambles as your base.
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!
Accommodation
Two bedrooms; 1 x double with panoramic sea views and 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining room with electric fire.
Gas central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.
TV, WiFi.
Fuel included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
On-street parking available on a first come first serve basis.
Small garden with decking and seating.
Sorry no pets and no smoking.
Shop and pub 0.2 miles, beach 0.6 miles.
Reviews (15)
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Sarah
Parking availability varied, but other streets nearby had space. It's an old seaside town with old cottages, so narrow steep roads, not for you if you don't know your cars' dimensions or can't walk hills. I have a large saloon and coped fine, but you won't always be right outside the row of cottages. Access down a set of steps to the road parallel to the sea means ease of access to food places and pubs and the beach. Pubs worth booking in advance as they aren't big and very popular. Cove Inn especially but also recommend the Blue fish cafe and Quiddels. Loads to walk to locally like Portland Castle, DDay & WW2 museum owned by locals and an outdoor activity centre. No flyers in the cottage and the park had limited info re local enterprises so hopefully info above helpful.
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Geoffrey
Vehicle access with a large car might be a challenge for unloading & loading luggage on arrival & departure but there are car parks close by to save the hassle daily.
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Catherine
The location is perfect and the Isle of Portland is a lovely, friendly, and interesting 'jewel' of Dorset. After just two days back home we are already missing the stunning sea views and sunsets from the cottage's sitting room and bedroom windows (as well as the sound of the sea!). My husband and I look forward to our next visit! Thankyou!