The Seaside Boarding House, Restaurant & Bar

Imagine sitting in the shade on a hot summer’s day with a cool drink overlooking the bay, sunlight dancing across the water as far as the eye can see. Rolling hills shoot north towards Dorchester, while the view east follows Chesil Beach, 20 miles round to Portland Bill.

Sweet peas and roses tumble from table tops and torchères, walls of glass flood big rooms with light, and the bar offers treats to walk-weary dogs. After a day’s blast of sea air, come home to elegant paintings and Zoffany colours, books, games and snazzy cocktails, and bedrooms with far reaching sea views. As for the food, chef Seldon Curry delivers a daily-changing menu of imaginative modern classics and lovely local wines. The attention to detail is inspiring.

Small, sophisticated and serene, this so-called boarding house is the finest seaside bolthole in Dorset. You may need to book weeks in advance.