Listing Text

DURLSTON HEAD
1.
5190
Durlston Head Castle
SZ 08 NW 2/48
II GV

2.
Dated 1887 ihi a sundial fixed to the wall. Built by George Burt as the restaurant
for a holiday complex, the rest of which was never completed. Built of Purbeck
Stone in a castle form. Rectangular central block. Above the ground floor is a
moulded cornice with 4 ball finials, 4 pilasters with reeded capitals. Three
light casements and a round-headed doorcase now with glazed porch. Above the
ground floor is a large glazed belvedere and at its angles are 4 octagonal stone
turrets masking chimneys with pseudo-machicolation. To the south the building has
a steep battered plinth and has a resticated basement. There is a sundial and 2 tablets
on this elevation. A curtain wall extends to the east having 2 towers with battered
walls and bartizans. Against this wall is a stone lean-to, probably originally a
coach house supported on 2 cast iron Persian columns and 5 slender columns with
plumed capitals. The interior has a circular iron staircase. The forecourt wall
incorporates 3 tapering cylindrical gate piers each one having one word of 'Durlston
Head Castle' inscribed. The building has interests as an early example of a planned
holiday complex and local historical interest.

Listing NGR: SZ0339677264