A charming little cottage for 2 on the SW Coastal path, just minutes from a secluded beach
Space & setting.
The beach at Eype is an insider’s secret; a golden pebbled stretch flanked by dramatic cliffs, and totally deserted when we visited in April. Even in high season it remains relatively uncrowded; the tourists flock to West Bay and Lyme Regis, while the locals simply stroll through the fields to reach the incredible secluded bay.
Stays in this cosy 18thC cottage allow you to be in on the the action, too. Another secret of the area, it’s tucked away on a countryside footpath, so it’s blissfully quiet inside and out. Ancient window seats and characterful old beams have been twinned with a melange of vintage furniture and modern detail to create a romantic cocoon, which its model owner has enhanced with thoughtful touches. Sunshine floods the living spaces and the little south-facing garden looks onto the coastal path — it’s a beautiful walk to the Golden Cap, as well as West Bay, Chesil Beach and various pubs and eateries. Bring picnic food for beach days and a pair of walking boots; Dorset’s wild coast beckons.
Getting here: best to drive
“I had been looking for a seaside bolthole for years to create a lovely, quiet retreat from the world, but the houses were always on a road or within the hustle and bustle of a town. When this came up for sale, I went to peer over the hedge before they were even taking viewings and absolutely fell in love with the location – down a little footpath, just minutes to the beach, it felt so secret. The cottage was an odd series of tiny rooms downstairs and so my amazing builders completely renovated it and transformed it into the beautiful space it is now. If you arrive with most of your food for the week then there’s really no reason to get into your car again as the coastal path is so easily accessed from the cottage – you can walk to so many incredible places.” Owner, Ruth
She loves
“I love returning after a long walk for hot chocolate in front of the fire in the winter, or a cool glass of lemonade outside in the summer. It’s so quiet and perfectly placed to do everything under your own steam and not be reliant on your car to sightsee. Snuggling up in the evenings is just lovely here, too; maybe a pint at the local pub while you have dinner in the oven, then a cosy movie night in.”
We love
The bed – beautifully dressed and super comfy. That, the peace and the sea air gave us the best sleep.
You may not love
A 3- or 4-night min stay (see Specifics). Only accessible via a footpath from a private carpark, and the path can get muddy in winter. The bathroom is downstairs. Sorry, no pets allowed.
Surrounds.
- Eype beach is just minutes away on foot. A quiet, shingle bay that escapes the tourist crowds; the dream.
- Walk the coastal path in either direction – the Golden Cap and round to Lyme Regis one way, and West Bay, Chesil Beach, Burton Bradstock the other. The scenery and sea panoramas are incredible.
- Hive on Burton Bradstock beach dishes up amazing brunches. You nearly always have to wait for a table but the location is outstanding and the Full English worth the anticipation!
- Try the undercliff walk between Lyme and Axminster; utterly unique, wild and memorable.
- There’s a brilliant antiques centre in Bridport called ‘The Alleyways’; lots of vendors and little shops and workshops.
- We also love Lyme Regis, with its gorgeous seafront and winding backstreets filled with quaint shops. Have coffee/drinks/food at Swim, with its lovely sea views.
- The Electric Palace in Bridport is an Art Deco gem with some really interesting shows, if you fancy a cultured evening.
- In the summer months, when the days are long, Ruth recommends dinner at The Anchor Inn followed by a beautiful stroll back to the cottage along the cliffs (if you’ve not had too many ales!)
Specifics.
- Standalone cottage by a countryside footpath with sea views
- Kingsize bedroom
- Downstairs bathroom with shower/tub
- Full kitchen with basic supplies
- Dining table
- Reading nook
- Lounge with sofa, board games, books, magazines, a Smart TV and a woodburner
- Great WiFi though phone reception is poor
- Garden with deckchairs
- Sorry, no pets allowed
- Private car park up the footpath
- Local caretaker
- Walk to pubs, shops and restaurants (1-3 miles)
- Booking conditions: stays are strictly Mon-Fri (4 nights) or Fri-Mon (3 nights)
- Remember to pack: wellies in winter, and a head torch for walking back from the pub after dark!
Book your stay.
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