Portland View

: Dorset

In a secluded corner of Dorset, where the rugged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast meet the sea, a once-forgotten hillside above Portland Harbour has been transformed into Portland View — three bespoke homes designed by AR. Blending architecture with nature, the design maximises panoramic views while preserving the site’s natural topography and ensuring privacy.

Each home is carefully splayed along the slope, stepping down the hillside in a dynamic, three-storey arrangement that appears as a single-storey dwelling from the street. This approach minimises visual impact and protects neighbours’ sightlines, while unveiling the homes’ true scale from within. The upper levels house the main living areas, with bedrooms and additional reception rooms arranged below. Crafted from local Portland stone, the lower levels form a solid base, anchoring the buildings to the land. Above, timber cladding softens the aesthetic, allowing the homes to age naturally and blend into the coastal surroundings. Expansive glazing connects every room to the outdoors, drawing in natural light and framing ever-changing views of the harbour and coastline. Sliding doors blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, leading to generous terraces with structural glass balustrades. External stairs provide access to landscaped gardens and a winding path to the beach below. Built to high sustainability standards, the homes feature double insulation, air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and low-E glazing. Portland View is a celebration of coastal living — a refined and environmentally conscious response to its spectacular setting, where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony.