Standby Generator Bunker

• Sleeps: 6
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Standby Generator Bunker is the proud winner of a 2025 Gold Award for Best Quirky Property, secluded in the Dorset village of Ringstead on the Jurassic Coast.

In its former life, the bunker formed an important part of the Royal Air Force’s Chain Home network: a powerful ring of coastal early-warning radar stations used to detect and track aircraft during the Second World War.

Today, up to six guests (plus their well-behaved dogs) can stay in a living piece of history, styled and furnished with modern luxury in mind. Grade II-listed, the original concrete walls remain intact, with clever artistic elements that nod to the bunker’s characterful past.

You’ll be completely surrounded by idyllic Dorset countryside, savoured through enormous windows or from the sociable dining patio, where tranquil views lead all the way out to sea. It’s the perfect setting for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, and lazy mealtimes that extend into the star-studded night.

Inside, the high-ceilinged open-plan living space boasts comfy seating and a warming wood-burning stove with unlimited logs, while the sleek urban kitchen comes with a preparation island and gleaming appliances to delight the designated chef! Keep them company at the breakfast bar, glass of wine in hand.

When it’s time for slumber, you’ll have three elegant ground-floor bedrooms to choose from: a double with an en-suite walk-in shower, plus a second twin and a fun bunk-room that’s perfect for the littlest members of your group. There’s a generous bathroom, too, ideal for languorous bubble-soaks and refreshing showers alike.

Spend daytime downtime out in the enclosed wraparound garden – a perfect spot for dogs and children to let off some steam! – or take a stroll through the enchanting woodland right at its end. Walk on to the village and the sea (just over a mile away), where you can enjoy a hearty picnic or a spot of beachcombing… or indeed, both.

At a glance

• A former World War Two bunker, Grade II-listed and now a stylish and award-winning Dorset retreat for up to six guests.
• The retreat is family and dog-friendly, with a large enclosed garden.
• Facilities include a sleek urban kitchen and a generous bathroom.
• Three bedrooms include a double with en-suite shower, plus a twin and bunk-room that’s ideal for children.
• On summer evenings, dine on the sea-view patio to feel blissfully relaxed!
• Walk through the woodland to the village of Ringstead, on to the Jurassic Coast beach.
• Weymouth is just over 7 miles away, and there is plenty of opportunity to explore the wider delights of Dorset.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

If you prefer others to take care of the holiday catering, the famed Smugglers Inn is known for its delicious menu, or grab a light snack at The Reef Café. For a change of scenery, bustling Weymouth is just a few miles away, waiting to entrance you with its pretty harbour and historic charm.

Slightly further afield, a day trip to Dorchester can include the National Trust property Max Gate, which is the former home of Dorset’s most celebrated writer, Thomas Hardy. Explore the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery for more creative inspiration, before returning to your cosy bunker for another magical evening all together.

Things to note

Up to two well-behaved dogs are permitted to stay. Check in on Fridays only.