Formerly the home of scientist, environmentalist and futurist James Lovelock, best known for proposing the Gaia hypothesis, this former coastguard cottage is in an outstanding coastal location close to the village of Abbotsbury. Dating from around the early 1830s, Matthew Cottage forms one end of this row of four cottages - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – with Chesil Beach on the southern boundary and open farmland to the north, east and west. The front hall leads out to the quarterdeck, a south facing terrace overlooking the gardens with spectacular sea views. On the ground floor is a large kitchen with wonderful views along Chesil Beach to Portland, there’s also a sitting room and dining room, both with stripped wood floors, and a single bedroom and bathroom. On the first floor is the main bedroom, with en-suite toilet and sink, and a further double bedroom, both with stunning sea views.

Chesil Beach views from the kitchen. Chesil Beach views from the kitchen. (Image: Darren Woolridge)

The garden is sheltered to the east and west by mature tamarisk trees, and beyond the stone boundary wall is the South West Coast Path. the 17 miles of Chesil Beach and access to a daily dip in the sea. The stretch close to the property is one of the best fishing beaches in the country.

Price: £725,000

Agent: Savills Wimborne 01202 856 873

Main bedroom with seaviews on two side. Main bedroom with seaviews on two side. (Image: Darren Woolridge) Sitting room with stair leading to first floor. Sitting room with stair leading to first floor. (Image: Darren Woolridge) Sitting room with stair leading to first floor. Sitting room with stair leading to first floor. (Image: Darren Woolridge) What a location! Matthew Cottage on Chesil Beach. What a location! Matthew Cottage on Chesil Beach. (Image: Darren Woolridge)

 

TRY A LOCAL WALK

The great shingle bank of Chesil Beach extends north-west for 18 miles between Chiswell on Portland to West Bay. The Fleet tidal lagoon between the mainland and the beach starts at Small Mouth entrance from Portland Harbour and runs 8 miles to Abbotsbury Swannery where, now joined to the mainland, Chesil Beach continues to West Bay. 

This fine, varied ramble starts by walking the length of West Street before turning down to Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens. On reaching Chesil Beach, the route joins the South West Coast Path around Chapel Hill on which stands St Catherine’s Chapel. From the Swannery, a footpath leads up Linton Hill, which is less frequented than Chapel Hill but affords even better views, before descending to the Portesham road, and returning to Abbotsbury.

View details of our Abbottsbury, Chesil Beach and Linton Hill walk