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Hardown House, Bridport

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★★
Exceptional
Dorset » Bridport
8
1
4
3

Hardown House is a spacious four-bedroom property in Morcombelake, West Dorset. This elevated house sleeps eight people and offers panoramic views across Lyme Bay. The property features colourful interiors and half an acre of south-facing landscaped grounds. Perfect for group gatherings with its open-plan kitchen and dining area seating eight guests.

The village sits four miles west of Bridport. Morcombelake is home to the Original Moores Biscuit Bakery. The area provides easy access to beaches and local farm shops.

The house includes a king-size bedroom with ensuite shower room, a twin bedroom with Lyme Bay views, a double bedroom with ensuite and a second king-size bedroom. Three bathrooms plus a separate WC serve the property.

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About Hardown House

Hardown House is a spacious four-bedroom property in Morcombelake, West Dorset. This elevated house sleeps eight people and offers panoramic views across Lyme Bay. The property features colourful interiors and half an acre of south-facing landscaped grounds. Perfect for group gatherings with its open-plan kitchen and dining area seating eight guests.

The village sits four miles west of Bridport. Morcombelake is home to the Original Moores Biscuit Bakery. The area provides easy access to beaches and local farm shops.

The house includes a king-size bedroom with ensuite shower room, a twin bedroom with Lyme Bay views, a double bedroom with ensuite and a second king-size bedroom. Three bathrooms plus a separate WC serve the property. Downstairs offers an open-plan kitchen with Rangemaster cooker, a bright living room with open fire and Smart TV, plus a quiet snug room. The glass-fronted garden room extends onto a paved terrace with seating for eight.

Bridport (4 miles, 10 minutes) hosts regular events and exhibitions. Golden Cap (3 miles, 8 minutes) provides coastal walks. Lyme Regis (7 miles, 15 minutes) offers fossil hunting beaches. Abbotsbury Swannery (15 miles, 25 minutes) makes an excellent family day out.

Hardown House suits families and friend groups wanting coastal breaks with space to spread out and stunning sea views throughout.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

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Local Insights: Hardown House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bridport, Dorset

Weather & Local Conditions

18°C

Overcast

Updated: 13 Sep 2026, 3:06am

🌡️
17.70°C
Temperature
💨
17 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
94%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Hardown House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

73m

(240 feet above sea level)

Hardown House sits in a peaceful Dorset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
73m
Elevation
📍
Bridport
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Bridport are typical Dorset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.7110000° N | Longitude: 2.441° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bridport (Sunday, 13 September 2026):

5:40am

Sunrise

5:30pm

Golden Hour

6:30pm

Sunset

🌅
5:40am
Sunrise
🌇
6:30pm
Sunset
📸
5:30pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:30pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Bridport, you have approximately 12.83 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Hardown House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Dorset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 13 Sep 2026 | Location: 50.7110000, -2.4410000

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Hardown House

Panoramic Lyme Bay Views

Elevated position provides stunning views across Lyme Bay from multiple rooms and the south-facing terrace throughout your stay.

Spacious Group Dining

Open-plan kitchen with Rangemaster cooker and dining table seating eight guests makes group meals easy and sociable.

Half Acre Gardens

Beautifully landscaped south-facing grounds with large lawn and paved terrace offer plenty of outdoor space for groups.

Four Ensuite Bedrooms

Well-appointed bedrooms including two with private ensuite shower rooms provide comfortable accommodation for eight guests.

Coastal Village Location

Morcombelake village offers the famous Moores Biscuit Bakery and farm shop with beaches just minutes away.

Multiple Living Spaces

Bright living room with open fire, quiet snug and glass-fronted garden room give groups different spaces to relax.

Getting To Hardown House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Hardown House by car, take the A35 towards Bridport and follow signs to Morcombelake. The property is elevated above the village with onsite parking available upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Axminster, approximately 11 miles away. From there, a taxi or local bus service will take you through the West Dorset countryside to Morcombelake.

Onsite parking available
Axminster station (11 miles)
Accessible from the A35

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Golden Cap
Distance: 3 miles
DT6 6DT
Lyme Regis Beach
Distance: 7 miles
DT7 3JF
Abbotsbury Swannery
Distance: 15 miles
DT3 4JG
South West Coast Path
Distance: 2 miles
DT6 6DT
Eype Beach Walk
Distance: 3 miles
DT6 6AL
Charmouth Heritage Coast
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 6LL
Bridport Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3NQ
Moores Biscuit Bakery
Distance: 0.5 miles
DT6 6DY
Morrisons Bridport
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3SX
Bridport Market
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3QE
West Bay Harbour
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 4EN
Charmouth Fossil Beach
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 6LL
Golden Cap
Distance: 3 miles
DT6 6DT
Lyme Regis Beach
Distance: 7 miles
DT7 3JF
Abbotsbury Swannery
Distance: 15 miles
DT3 4JG
South West Coast Path
Distance: 2 miles
DT6 6DT
Eype Beach Walk
Distance: 3 miles
DT6 6AL
Charmouth Heritage Coast
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 6LL
Bridport Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3NQ
Moores Biscuit Bakery
Distance: 0.5 miles
DT6 6DY
Morrisons Bridport
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3SX
Bridport Market
Distance: 4 miles
DT6 3QE
West Bay Harbour
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 4EN
Charmouth Fossil Beach
Distance: 5 miles
DT6 6LL

Is Hardown House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love the half-acre garden with large lawn for games and outdoor play. The property sits near beaches perfect for fossil hunting and rock pooling. Lyme Regis offers traditional seaside fun seven miles away. Abbotsbury Swannery provides close encounters with wildlife. The glass-fronted garden room and multiple living spaces give families flexibility throughout their stay.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan kitchen and dining area forms the social heart of Hardown House. A Rangemaster cooker with gas hob and double electric oven handles group catering easily. The dining table seats eight guests comfortably. Wooden worktops provide ample preparation space. The layout flows naturally into the bright living room, creating perfect spaces for groups to cook and socialise together.
Pet Friendly
One dog is welcome at Hardown House. The half-acre grounds provide excellent outdoor space for exercising pets. A partially enclosed lawn offers secure areas for dogs to explore. The entrance hall and boot room give practical spaces for muddy paws after coastal walks. The South West Coast Path and numerous dog-friendly beaches sit within easy reach of the property.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Hardown House

The Shave Cross Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT6 6HW

The Bull Hotel Bridport

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT6 3LF

Hive Beach Cafe

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DT6 4RF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Hardown House

How many people does Hardown House sleep?
The property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms with three bathrooms and an additional WC. Two bedrooms have king-size beds, one has a double bed and one offers twin beds.
Is Hardown House pet friendly?
Yes, one dog is welcome at this property. The half-acre grounds are partially enclosed with a large lawn accessed via steps from the terrace.
What cooking facilities are available?
The open-plan kitchen features a Rangemaster cooker with gas hob and double electric oven. Additional appliances include a dishwasher, fridge/freezer in the utility room and dining space for eight.
How far is Hardown House from the beach?
Beaches are within easy reach of the property. The Jurassic Coast lies nearby with multiple beach access points just a short drive away.
What parking is available at the property?
Onsite parking is provided at Hardown House. The property is easily accessible from main roads serving the West Dorset area.
Are there shops near Hardown House?
Morcombelake village has the Original Moores Biscuit Bakery and a local farm shop nearby. Bridport town centre sits four miles away with supermarkets and independent shops.
What entertainment is provided indoors?
The living room has a Smart TV and open fire for cosy evenings. A separate snug room with two chairs provides a quiet reading space away from the main living area.
What outdoor space does the property have?
Half an acre of south-facing landscaped grounds includes a paved terrace with table and chairs for eight. A long flight of steps leads down to a large partially enclosed lawn with panoramic views.

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