A 'hidden gem' home on the Dorset coast is to open to the public for three days.

To celebrate Heritage Open week, the National Trust is opening Portland House at Belle Vue Road, Bincleaves, Weymouth to the public.

It will be open on September 13, 14 and 15 from 10.30am to 3pm.

The National Trust describes Portland House as 'a hidden gem on the Dorset coastline'.

It says: "Lounging elegantly at the top of a slope overlooking the harbour at Portland, this extraordinary house, surrounded by a huge garden and terraces invokes the sophistication and luxury of old-school Hollywood, with its palm-fringed drive, pacific-blue Crittal windows and the house itself dazzlingly white against the blue of the sea beyond."

In total, West Dorset National Trust will have three properties available to visit for free during the Heritage Open Week.

Hardy's House, Max Gate, in Dorchester will be open on September 7 and 8 from 10.30am to  3pm and the Hardy Monument near Portesham will be open on September 7 and 8 from 10.30am to 3pm.

All properties are free to enter on these dates and no pre-booking is required.

Max Gate and Portland House will be offering a food and beverage unit at site for the duration of the open days.

Hardy Monument and Portland House are cash only sites and will be offering for sale the collectable National Trust pin badges as well as the passport stamps.