Last year we hopped in the car and drove to Portland in Dorset for the weekend, to stay with a wonderful friend of ours (and it just so happens that Jayne was also my pre-school teacher!). Portland is an Isle just south of Weymouth and is central to the World Heritage site of the Jurassic Coast.
One of its claims to fame is Portland Stone which is used in world architecture, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the UN headquarters in NYC and part of Buckingham Palace. 6 million tonnes of the stuff was used to rebuild parts of London after the Great Fire of 1666.
It is a really unusual but beautiful place. The imposing Ministry of Defence building stands atop the Isle. It is a large brutalist building that seems to stand guard. Portland has a number of lighthouses – the Old Higher Lighthouse (pictured above) was built in 1716 and was used until 1906 but is now in private ownership. I believe the top level of the one in the picture may be someone’s study now! Portland also has beautiful beach huts in all shapes, sizes and colours. There are some for hire here and here.
It may be over 3 hours drive from London but it’s well worth a visit!
If you fancy bringing Portland into your place, try a few of the items above.
Lucy x
1. Maison Benga Hogla Sea Grass Platter, Heal’s | 2. Mourne stripe linen cushion, Margaret Howell | 3. Tranquil Midnight wallpaper, Harlequin | 4. Drum table, Ashley Hicks Furniture | 5. Air-M table light, Ray Power for LZF
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