LILAC COTTAGE is a delightful Victorian terraced cottage with modern amenities but retaining many of its original features. The English Tourism Council rates the cottage three stars but that tells you little about the charm and warm atmosphere that our guests return to year after year.

The cottage, situated in historic Wakeham, sleeps four in two bedrooms and enjoys full central heating, making breaks on Portland a truly enjoyable experience at any time of year.

A variety of shops and several pubs in Easton are only an easy 10 minute walk away, while the Mermaid Inn is just 100 metres down the road.

A few minutes further on and you're at the top of the steps ready to descend to Church Ope Cove - one of the cleanest bathing beaches in the UK.

Lounge - Comfortable seating surrounds an original Victorian fireplace. There is a colour TV and HiFi with CD player.

Dining room - Complete with a gate-leg table and seating for four and a writing bureau. An under stairs cupboard has games for kids, books and things to do if it rains - like hoovering!

The fully-fitted kitchen has a gas cooker, fridge, microwave, comprehensive cutlery and cooking utensils. There are also Cafetière and Expresso coffee makers and a water filter.

Garden - Leading out from the kitchen, there is an outside toilet and beyond that a small secluded garden with patio. Through a little gate you will find a much larger garden with a summerhouse and decking with a selection of good quality chairs and sun loungers.

The main bedroom with its original fireplace has two comfortable single beds with duvets and pillows provided. However, guests must bring their own sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases and towels (overseas visitors may hire linen). There is ample cupboard and hanging space and a dressing table with hairdryer.

The smaller bedroom has two comfortable full-size beds, one of which can be stowed out of the way if only needed by one person. A cupboard provides reasonable storage.

A well-appointed bathroom has a bath with a really good shower unit, washbasin, toilet, heated towel rail and shaver socket.