Walking into Haddon House feels like stepping into your eccentric great-aunt’s parlor—if your great-aunt had impeccable taste in wallpaper. The building itself is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, painted a soft cream that somehow survives the coastal salt spray. It’s basically the architectural equivalent of a well-preserved grandparent: sturdy, charming, and full of stories.
The lobby hits you with that old-school seaside hotel smell—a mix of floor polish, sea air, and a faint hint of fried breakfast from the dining room. You know the one. There’s a real fireplace, some kind of antique rug that probably cost more than my car, and a receptionist who smiles like she’s seen it all. Which she has, trust me. (She’s definitely dealt with a guest who tried to check in still wearing a wetsuit.)
The Room: A Hug in a Hurry
My room was called “The Lookout,” and I was half-expecting a telescope and a pirate flag. Instead, I got a cozy box of joy with a view directly over the harbor. The window was a bit rattly, sure, but it gave that authentic “I’m in a British seaside town” vibe. If you squint, you can see the Broadchurch cliffs in the distance—yes, that show.
The bed was a cloud. I mean sink-in-and-forget-your-morning meeting kind of cloud. The pillows were plump, the duvet was dangerously fluffy, and I seriously considered canceling dinner just to stay horizontal. (Don’t worry, I didn’t. I have my priorities.)
Bathroom? Small but mighty. Good water pressure, white towels that smell like lemon, and a mirror that makes you look slightly less like a rain-drenched otter. Perfect for selfies.