A Relaxing Seaside Home with a Touch of Glamour
Dorset House, originally named Gibraltar Lodge, was built in the early 19th century by a former mayor of Lyme Regis, and has served Lyme Regis in many capacities over the years: A local MP's headquarters, a private home, a school, the luxurious "Dorset Hotel" in the 1930s, a billet for American soldiers during WWII, a guesthouse, and a private home once again, before becoming a boutique B&B.
Dorset House was restored to its present form in 2014, with care taken to repair and reuse rather than replace. Throughout its evolution, many of the original Georgian Regency details remain, blended now with handcrafted and bespoke contemporary touches.
For two hundred years, Dorset House has welcomed people through its doors and watched over Lyme Regis. Mary Anning collected her ichthyosaur just down the coast. Jane Austen, Tolkien, and Thomas Hardy, and Beatrix Potter walked the town’s paths. The Jurassic Coast was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 — the only site in England listed on geological grounds — 185 million years of the Earth's history, exposed in the ever-changing cliffs. We look forward to welcoming you and yours.
Your hosts
We are scientist Brandy Bennett and musician Piers Oak-Rhind. We bought Dorset House in late 2025 and have spent the time since learning the house and making it our own, as every custodian of this stalwart structure has done over the years.
Inspired by being hosted by some of our favorite people all over the world, and Brandy's Grandmas, we aspire for Dorset House to be a relaxing, considered place where you feel at home. Whether it's a quiet evening by the fire, playing a game with family or friends, a home base for exploration, we hope that Dorset House is place for you to relax, enjoy, and create memories that will last for years to come.
Our philosophy is to keep it simple. We believe in flat-rate pricing year round, on principle, and direct booking only, so that we can help make your experience the best it can be. The old Dorset Hotel advert from the 1930s reads "No irritating restrictions". We are happy to continue that tradition, and to welcome you to our home.
The team
Hailing from a small farm town in Indiana, followed by two decades in New York, Brandy is thoroughly enjoying the friendly seaside village life in beautiful Lyme Regis. After earning a PhD in Microbiology and spending years scaling R&D at a growing biotech company, she is happy now experimenting in the kitchen and making every day joyful for Dorset House guests. Brandy has a passion for food provenance, soil health, and sustainable food systems, and is always up for a chat, a collaboration, or a good book recommendation.
A Dorset & Devon native with Spanish heritage, Chef Harriet has enjoyed cooking for people throughout her life, from the Virgin Records HQ Cafe, to catering, and private dining. At Dorset House, Harriet and Brandy team up to provide our delicious breakfast and treats. We are happy to work with you on a special occasion - from a custom celebration cake, a group dinner, an afternoon spread, or private dinner experience, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus, just ask us.
The Dorset House Gallery
Award-Winning B&B
