A HOUSE inspired by the golden age of Hollywood has been given a new lease of life.
Portland House in Bincleaves, Weymouth, is described as one of very few surviving examples of the “Hollywood Spanish” style of building left in the UK.
It is now open for anybody to try out, as part of the National Trust’s portfolio of holiday cottages.
The house looks out over Portland Harbour and will have a fine view of the Olympic sailing events taking place in Weymouth Bay in the summer, when it is expected to be in high demand.
“It is in a spectacular location with the lawn leading down to the shore and fine views out of the harbour and bay,” said Helen Mann, the NT’s west Dorset property manager.
“We want people to be able to relive the 1930s holiday experience, discovering the house’s original purpose as a holiday home, “The house has been occupied by tenants for a number of years but we felt this was a great opportunity not only to do some restoration work but to allow people to see inside and really experience what the house is like.
“There are many delightful details inside and the fantastic location overlooking the harbour all of which can be best appreciated by spending a few days living in the house.”
The Twentieth Century Society described Portland House as: “An excellent, complete example of the Hollywood Spanish style in Britain.
“There are very few remaining examples of this style in Britain, certainly none with such a range of original fixtures and fittings.
“Portland House brilliantly reflects popular imagery of the day: a combination of the glamour of cinema with the exoticism of the sunshine holiday.”
In the interior restored features include surviving 1930s bathrooms, kitchen, light fittings, cut glass door knobs and electric heaters. The house has been furnished in 1930s style.
The building was the height of luxury and the time and the National Trust has installed various upgrades for the comfort of modern visitors.
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