The Lookout Tower

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Staying at The Lookout Tower poses an immediate dilemma: exactly where will you look first?

Dramatically elevated on the cliffs at Beer Head, you could savour mesmerising big-sky coastal views to the south, or soothing scenes of lush green farmland to the north. Oh, and you’ll also find a telescope that you can place in prime position on the first-floor terrace, for stargazing at its most spectacular.

Originally an early-warning signal station built for the Napoleonic wars of the late 18th century, the building has since been transformed by a talented team of local architects and craftspeople, and has even appeared on George Clarke’s ‘Remarkable Renovations’ on Channel 4! While many historic features – including the original structure – remain faithfully intact, this is a unique and luxurious retreat in which no modern attention to detail has been spared.

Sleeping up to four guests, you’ll find two elegant bedrooms on the ground floor (one kingsize and one with zip-and-link twin beds) complete with toasty underfloor heating and Egyptian cotton bedding to aid a sumptuous night’s sleep.

A well-equipped kitchen awaits on the first floor, with delights that include sleek Neff appliances, a Quooker instant boiling water tap, and a Smeg bean-to-cup coffee maker to charge your mornings to perfection. Once your coffee is made, chat with your loved ones at the breakfast bar, or head out to the terrace to enjoy the most beautiful morning views.

(If you can bear it, set an early alarm, press open on the electric blinds remote control and be rewarded with a truly spectacular sunrise!)

Spend lazy sunny days out in the private landscaped garden, which features a barbecue and plenty of lawn-space for the children to play in. Just a few steps away is a relaxing private sauna… an ideal way to wind down after walking the South West Coast Path.

At a glance

• A former 18th century lookout tower, expertly transformed into a luxury three-storey clifftop retreat with breath-taking coastal views.
• Secluded on Beer Head, the retreat enjoys direct access to the South West Coast Path and several local beaches, including Branscombe.
• There are two ground-floor bedrooms, to sleep four guests in total.
• Watch awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets from the first-floor terrace, the landscaped garden… or the spectacular second-floor lounge.
• Showstopping features include a vacuum pneumatic lift to all floors, a stargazing telescope, and a private sauna just a few steps away.

Features

• Disability Accessible
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Though once you’ve taken the stairs – or the vacuum pneumatic lift, your choice! – to the second-floor lounge, you might find yourselves wishing for bad weather. Not only are the panoramic windows perfect for storm-watching, but there’s also snuggly wrap-around seating to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate from, as the log burner glows softly in the background.

There’s a wine cooler for the summer months, too, and a TV to keep you entertained once night falls – though of course, then you’ve got the option of that stargazing telescope!

If you can bear to leave The Lookout Tower, you’ll find plenty to see and do. A 10-minute stroll will take you to the secluded Hooken Beach, or walk a little further to the beaches at Branscombe and Beer. There you’ll also find quaint independent shops, friendly cafés, and traditional country pubs to help while away some time. Lyme Regis, around 25 minutes drive away, is perfect for a spot of fossil-hunting.

Don’t stray too far, however. You’ll definitely want to be back in time to watch the sun begin its blazing descent over the horizon, from the loveliest viewing-spot imaginable.

Things to note

3, 4, and 7-night stays are available throughout 2024 (Friday-Monday, Monday-Friday or Friday-Friday). Check in from 3pm, check out by 10am. Pets are not permitted. There is a pull-out bed in the lounge for an additional guest if needed.

Special thanks to Metrix Productions and the Stephen Swatton.