Belle Tout at 70: Celebrating Seven Decades of an Extraordinary Lighthouse
On 20th September 2026, owner David Shaw and architect Dominic Cullinan joined Sarah Gorrell on BBC Radio Sussex to talk about the 70th anniversary celebrations.
After the second world war, there were suggestions that the ruined Lighthouse should simply be demolished and its granite sold. Instead, its historic importance was recognised, and Belle Tout was given a chance of a new life.
70 years later, we celebrate this important milestone with a VIP event at the lighthouse on 20th October, hosted by the Shaws. Following the VIP reception, when three rooms will be officially renamed by the Mayor, the High Sheriff and David Shaw (‘South Downs, ‘Beachy Head’, and ‘Seven Sisters), 96 members of the public will enjoy tours of the building during the afternoon (ticket only, and sold out).
Guests will include the Mayor of Eastbourne, and the High Sherrif of East Sussex, along with three members of the Cullinan family.
1956: A new chapter begins
Dr Edward Revill Cullinan, who leased Belle Tout 70 years ago, transformed it from a historic lighthouse into a more comfortable and viable building, installing mains electricity, running water and a septic tank. The architect was his son, Ted Cullinan. (Kate and Emma, Ted’s daughters, will be attending the open day).
“Eastbourne has it on their hands for about 10 years after the war. There were always accidents and kids climbing over it. They were on the brink of demolishing it.” Joy Cullinan, speaking in 1999.
From lighthouse to landmark
By 1956, Belle Tout had already had several lives. Built in 1832, it had been decommissioned in 1902 and subsequently used in various ways, including as a home.
The lighthouse survives the war
During the Second World War, Belle Tout found itself caught up in the military activity taking place across Beachy Head.
The lighthouse had been left empty after the Purves-Stewart family were evacuated, while the surrounding downland became a military training area. Canadian troops stationed nearby used the area for artillery practice, firing at moving wooden silhouettes designed to resemble tanks.
Belle Tout was not the intended target. But with the lighthouse standing close to the firing range, it was hit repeatedly by artillery fire and suffered considerable damage. The impact was so severe that parts of the building were left in ruins. Historic England records that the adjoining house was reduced to ruins, while the lighthouse tower itself survived.
Lights, camera, Belle Tout
The BBC bought the lease and used the lighthouse as a film set; for its appearance in The Life and Loves of a She-Devil.
The lighthouse’s distinctive appearance and spectacular location bring it to a much wider audience. For generations of viewers, Belle Tout becomes instantly recognisable as one of the most dramatic landmarks on the Sussex coast.
1999 The Great Move
Mark and Louise Roberts – the then owners – had the task of moving the lighthouse. With the cliff edge getting ever closer, in an extraordinary feat of engineering, the entire lighthouse was moved 57 feet (17 metres) inland. It remains one of the most remarkable chapters in its history. The architect was Dominic Cullinan, Ted’s nephew. (Dominic joins us on the 20th October, and took part in the radio interview on 20th September.)
“The magnificent views we had are event better now.” Louise Roberts, 1999.
Dominic Cullinan’s memory of ‘Granny Lighthouse’ abseiling down the cliff to block up rabbit holes was shared with Sarah Gorrell and her listeners, and Dominic also reflected on the fact that the lighthouse will need to be moved again one day:
“It (the 1999 move) was an unprecedented opportunity to extend a historic building downwards as opposed to upwards…By having to design the floor onto which the lighthouse would eventually rest.
There’s talk of having to perhaps consider moving it again, that’s possible because of the way it has been designed and moved in the first place. It’s important to move it horizontally so that its relationship with the higher bit of the cliff remains so that might require yet another floor to be built underneath it…
So, each time it moves it gets taller.”
2008 A New Life Begins
David and Barbara Shaw bought the freehold in 2008 and set about an ambitious two-year renovation. Belle Tout opened its doors as a unique bed and breakfast in 2010. The lighthouse is no longer simply a historic landmark; it became somewhere people can actually stay, sleep and experience the views for themselves.
“I feel very privileged to be part of Belle Tout’s amazing history. It is nice to do something different in life.” David Shaw, speaking in 2010.
2025 A New Journey Along the Coast
The launch of the King Charles III England Coast Path in March 2025 brings a new generation of walkers past Belle Tout. Our position above Beachy Head makes us a natural stopping point on one of England’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.
70 years on
Belle Tout is “Britain’s Most Dramatic Stay” with more than 800 five-star Tripadvisor reviews and a 2026 Travellers’ Choice award. With just six unique bedrooms – all en-suite – she is a unique and memorable place to stay.
www.BelleTout.co.uk