What is an English Cottage Vacation?
This isn’t just another holiday rental.
This is the experience that changes the way you vacation forever.
Watch now →
“Your perfect holiday is our personal responsibility—and our absolute commitment.”
What our guests say
Dan Satriana and Cristal Swain
Laura and Nathan are wonderful hosts and wonderful people. We’ll…
John Bryan
I was so impressed with literally everything about my visit…
Donna Dyer
Every expectation from cottage to excursions exceeded my expectations.
Katrina Holdorf
It was a dream come true!! There are few times…
Adam P. Behnen
This was the best vacation of our lives, and this…
Beth Mobley
It was truly an amazing experience that won’t be forgotten….
“Specialists in Hospitality and Authentic Communications – Exceeding Expectations is what we do!”
Our Trip Advisor Reviews
Recent Awards
Our Google Reviews
The biggest surprise for me was the food. I expected good, homey meals, but what we got was restaurant-quality cuisine every single night—and we got to enjoy it in our comfy clothes! Laura is a professional chef, and her talent shows in every dish. From our elegant anniversary dinner (filet mignon, scallops, fancy cake and all!) to the cozy canapés by the fire, every bite was memorable. Even the picnic lunches were next-level. These weren’t sandwiches on a park bench. We had linen tablecloths, real china, and gourmet food—even in the back of the van during a rainy day!
Nathan, our host and guide, has an amazing knack for avoiding the crowds. We visited popular destinations like Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum, yet it never felt hectic or rushed. Every day’s itinerary was thoughtfully planned, balancing big sights with quiet corners. A highlight for me was the Castletown D-Day Centre—an interactive, hands-on WWII museum where I got to sit in a jeep, hold a rifle (heavy), and even operate an anti-aircraft gun. It was both moving and fun.
Back at the cottage, the evenings were a true treat—cocktails in the garden, sitting by the fireplace with a dram of whisky, and great conversation. Laura and Nathan made everything feel so personal. From surprising us with a beautifully decorated dining room for our anniversary to sharing stories from their garden and kitchen, they went above and beyond to make us feel at home.
If you're looking for a luxurious, personalized, and utterly unique English countryside experience—without needing to dress up or drive yourself around—this is it. We felt pampered, relaxed, and completely taken care of. Already dreaming of our next visit!
I was the inaugural visitor for their Winter Holiday stay. I am so happy I had the chance to experience this! With Laura as the chef every meal was a culinary delight. She and Nathan helped celebrate my December birthday in style along with a proper British Christmas Lunch. It was the first time I had ever experienced Christmas Crackers! They were so much fun I ordered some for my grandchildren for Christmas dinner ( you cannot transport these home on the plane. They have to be ordered stateside). A special treat was the "spa day" where I had a chance to relax and be pampered (all apart of the AIF).
I loved this stay so much I have already planned a ladies trip for 2025. I can't wait to share my experience with my friends!
Laura’s skills in the kitchen are as good, if not better, than any award winning restaurant in major cities. We had a few special requests including a Beef Wellington night and my daughter’s 11th birthday party and she knocked them both of the park!
Nathan is your tour guide extraordinaire! We let him plan our entire stay and there wouldn’t be one thing we would change. As I said before he kept both the adults and kids entertained each day.
Your accommodations will be welcoming, charming, comfortable and clean. We had the largest group they could accommodate and everyone had their own private space to relax and unwind each evening. The grounds are beautifully kept and we loved spending most dinners on their patio soaking in the fresh air and scent of their beautiful garden.
We never repeat vacations as we always feel there’s more to see and experience, but I can say with confidence we will be back to spend more time with Nathan and Laura! Thank you two for such an amazingly unforgettable family vacation. ????
As Featured In
A few of our frequently asked questions…
Q. What makes English Cottage Vacation different from other luxury vacation rentals in England?
A. English Cottage Vacation isn’t a vacation rental—it’s a fully hosted, all-inclusive luxury experience that combines the intimacy of staying in a private home with the impeccable service of a five-star resort.
Key Differences:
Personal Hosts, Not Staff: Nathan and Laura aren’t employees—they’re the owners who live at Well Cottage and personally host every guest. You’re not one of hundreds; you’re welcomed into their home with genuine care and attention.
Truly All-Inclusive: Unlike vacation rentals where you handle everything yourself, or hotels where extras add up, everything is included—chef-prepared meals, chauffeur service, excursions, entrance fees, spa treatments. One price, no surprises.
No Planning Required: You don’t research, book, or coordinate anything. Nathan plans and executes your entire itinerary based on your interests. You simply show up and enjoy.
Local Expertise: Nathan and Laura’s intimate knowledge of Dorset and surrounding areas provides access to hidden gems, insider experiences, and authentic local culture that guidebooks and rental properties can’t offer.
Exceptional Exclusivity: With only 16 weeks of guests per year, this isn’t a high-volume operation. Every detail receives personal attention, and every guest receives an experience crafted specifically for them.
Complete Flexibility: Unlike group tours or rigid itineraries, your schedule adapts to your pace, preferences, and mood—while still being entirely
organized for you.
This is hospitality reimagined: the freedom of a private home, the luxury of a resort, and the personal touch of staying with knowledgeable friends.
What does All-Inclusive really mean?
English Cottage Vacation isn’t a vacation rental—it’s a fully hosted, all-inclusive luxury experience that combines the intimacy of staying in a private home with the impeccable service of a five-star resort.
Key Differences:
Personal Hosts, Not Staff: Nathan and Laura aren’t employees—they’re the owners who live at Well Cottage and personally host every guest. You’re not one of hundreds; you’re welcomed into their home with genuine care and attention.
Truly All-Inclusive: Unlike vacation rentals where you handle everything yourself, or hotels where extras add up, everything is included—chef-prepared meals, chauffeur service, excursions, entrance fees, spa treatments. One price, no surprises.
No Planning Required: You don’t research, book, or coordinate anything. Nathan plans and executes your entire itinerary based on your interests. You simply show up and enjoy.
Local Expertise: Nathan and Laura’s intimate knowledge of Dorset and surrounding areas provides access to hidden gems, insider experiences, and authentic local culture that guidebooks and rental properties can’t offer.
Exceptional Exclusivity: With only 16 weeks of guests per year, this isn’t a high-volume operation. Every detail receives personal attention, and every guest receives an experience crafted specifically for them.
Complete Flexibility: Unlike group tours or rigid itineraries, your schedule adapts to your pace, preferences, and mood—while still being entirely
organized for you.
This is hospitality reimagined: the freedom of a private home, the luxury of a resort, and the personal touch of staying with knowledgeable friends.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not customary in England, and there is no expectation for gratuities during your stay. Of course, should you wish to offer a tip to your massage therapist, tour guides, or your hosts, it would be graciously appreciated – but please know this is entirely at your discretion. We want you to feel comfortable with English customs, where excellent service is provided as standard without the expectation of additional compensation.
How many guests do you host per year / How exclusive is this experience?
English Cottage Vacation is an exceptionally exclusive experience. We host approximately only 16 weeks of guests per year, as we only accept bookings when Nathan and Laura can personally provide the full experience.
Our Exclusivity:
With only three bedrooms available and Nathan and Laura serving as your dedicated hosts throughout your entire stay, our intimate scale ensures every guest receives the personalized attention, bespoke service, and exceptional care that defines English Cottage Vacation.
Why We Stay Small:
We intentionally limit our bookings to maintain the quality and personal touch that makes this experience so special. Nathan and Laura are with you throughout your vacation—not managing multiple properties or delegating to staff. This hands-on approach means every detail receives their direct attention.
This limited schedule also allows Laura and Nathan to work on cleaning and maintaining the cottage and gardens, researching and planning itineraries, seasonal decoration, and all the behind-the-scenes work that ensures every guest experience is flawless.
Booking in Advance:
Due to our extremely limited availability, we recommend booking 12-18 months in advance, particularly for peak seasons. Many guests—especially our returning guests who make up 40% of our bookings—book a year or more ahead to secure their preferred dates.
This exclusivity isn’t about scarcity—it’s about ensuring every guest receives an unforgettable, deeply personalized English countryside experience.