Housing

Portland has two large council owned housing estates at Verne Common and Pound Piece.
Many of the Verne Common houses have gone over to private ownership. These houses, perched on the high ground enjoy fantastic views across the harbour and Weymouth Bay.

Low rise council flats exist in Weston, alongside private housing and housing association dwellings. The latter were married quarters for the Royal Navy until the closure of the Naval Base and HMS Osprey.
The largest private residential estate is situated in Southwell. Started in the 1960s, it has continued to grow right up to the present and consists mainly of detached bungalows.
Other new builds have taken place in Chesil, and close to Pennsylvania Castle where some very attractive housing have been constructed using reconstituted Portland Stone.
The original areas of habitation in the villages retain their �Olde world� charm and are lovingly maintained by their owners.

Kerry Walbridge of Estate Agents �Real Directions�writes:

ISLAND PROPERTIES.
The Island of Portland has a wide variety of property types and styles, from brand new to some that are hundreds of years old with hidden courtyard gardens. Several areas of the Island consist of character cottages, a number of which retain many of their traditional features such as stone fireplaces and beams made from ships timbers. Some of these buildings have been identified by the local authority who have awarded them Grade II, Grade II* and even Grade I listed status. Rufus Castle above Church Ope Cove comes into this last category, it is also in a serious state of disrepair.
The Borough Council, and English Heritage are aware of the state of this edifice and have plans to stabilise the structure, return it to public ownership and grant limited public access. These plans are currently in abeyance pending provision of funding and successful negotiation of the right of access.
There are a number of new housing developments on the Island which include both good sized four bed-roomed detached properties will all mod. cons, and two bed-roomed town houses aimed at the first time buyers market. In addition there is very good local authority and housing association housing ranging from flats, to bungalows and family homes as well as sheltered housing for older people, and residential homes.
For those considering relocating to the Island there are three Estate Agents and one letting agency, (see The Directory). Details of Housing Association and Local Authority accommodation may be obtained from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.