Belmont, Lyme Regis

Belmont is a late Georgian country house in Lyme Regis featuring decorative stonework on its pediment and front facade. An observatory tower was added during the 19th century and sits prominently above the main structure.

The house was built in 1784 by Eleanor Coade, a successful businesswoman who manufactured artificial stone and incorporated her innovative material throughout the building. The property reflects both her technical achievements and the commercial success of that era.

The property was home to novelist John Fowles for many years, and his connection to the place remains part of local literary history. Visitors can sense the intellectual life that unfolded within these rooms.

The house operates as self-catering holiday accommodation with scheduled open days for public visits to explore the historical interiors and exhibition areas. Visitors should plan ahead since access is limited to these designated times.

The 19th-century observatory tower contains original astronomical equipment and mechanisms for tracking celestial bodies through its rotating roof. This rare combination of residential architecture with functional scientific features sets it apart.