Situated approximately one mile from Portland Bill on the Isle of Portland, Elf's House
offers warm spacious self catering accommadation to those wishing to partake in the various activities the area
has to offer, or simply wishing to relax.
Sleeping 6 in four bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin, 2 singles), the house is conveniently located
with local amenities nearby. Gas central heating with timeswitches and thermostat mean that any
desired level of comfort can be found whatever the season.
The house is well equipped with an electric cooker, microwave, washing machine, televison and radio.
Behind the house is an enclosed garden with patio, furniture and barbecue, and there is a single
garage available with access through a quiet residential area at the rear of the property
The sea view from the front of Elf's House covers the notorious Shambles Bank and the Purbeck
coast from St Aldhelm's Head in the east to Chaldon Down in the west.
Please note that we are unable to accept pets, and that guests are asked not to smoke indoors. Owing to the steep incline of the stairs, those with mobility problems may encounter difficulty.
- continue M5 to Taunton (Jcn 25), then follow A358, A303, A3088 to Yeovil, then A37 to
Dorchester, then A354 to Weymouth and Portland
or:
- Take M4 then M32 into Bristol Centre, then follow A37 to Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Dorchester.
Then A354 to Weymouth and Portland.
from the West: From Exeter follow A30 to Honiton, then A35 to Dorchester: At Bridport there is a
scenic alternative along the coast road (B3157) from which Portland is well signed when you reach
the outskirts of Weymouth. If going via Dorchester, proceed by the A354 to Weymouth and Portland.
Travel times vary tremendously, but as a (very!!!!) rough guide you should allow: Two and a half hours from the M25, One and a half hours from Bristol, and one and a half hours from Exeter.
Portland is an area steeped in history back to the Roman times, and there are remains from all periods to be found throughout the island. Its recent history has revolved around the stone industry and Naval activity, and the island's economy is now recovering strongly after the closure of the Navy base in 1996 and the Air station in 1999.
Leisure opportunities abound on the island, with fishing, sailing, walking, bird watching, scuba
diving, rock climbing, wind surfing and horse riding all within easy reach. The rugged terrain has also
made mountain biking a popular activity.
FISHING
There is rich fishing around the island from several places, or charter
boats are available from Weymouth (7 miles)
SAILING & WINDSURFING
Portland Harbour is fast becoming a national location for
all types of sailing, and it is hoped that in the near future a National Centre for sailing will be
developed on some of the redundant Naval premises.
WALKING
The varied terrain and exposed nature being covered with a well marked
network of footpaths makes the variety of interesting walks on offer attractive to all levels of
enthusiasm and energy.
BIRD WATCHING
Being on the coastal migration path, the variety of species to be
seen on Portland is very wide. There are frequent rare visitors which bring enthusiasts from far
and wide. There are also a RSPB Reserves at Lodmoor and Radipole in Weymouth, and a shore observatory at the Chesil
Beach Visitor centre at Ferrybridge as you cross onto Portland.
SCUBA DIVING
As the island is protected somewhere at all states of the weather,
opportunities for diving are numerous: There are several wrecks close to shore, and there are many
more testing dive sites offshore for the braver. Care must be taken to check tidal currents at all times
however. There are three dive shops on the Island who will all be able to cater for the diver's needs.
ROCK CLIMBING
The numerous cliffs on the east and west of the island offer a range of
climbs, and these are supported by a climbing shop at Fortuneswell (2 miles)
HORSE RIDING
Several stables on the island offer all levels of riders the chance to
explore the island on horseback.
