Welcome to the July 2023 edition of our newsletter! We invite you to sit back, grab a cup of your favourite beverage, and dive into our latest offerings and adventures. You’ll find our newsletter teeming with alluring destinations, exciting new features, and delightful culinary experiences.
We’re thrilled to announce our latest online addition – the 7-Night Mixed Cottage Package! This all-inclusive, luxury experience joins our existing array of packages, and is perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a blend of privacy and community. Get ready to immerse yourself in an exquisite fusion of English charm, rich history, and unmatched luxury!
We are updating our prices soon! If you’re planning a dream vacation with us, now is the perfect time to secure your dates at our current rates!
For those craving an instant response to their queries, our website offers a live chat feature. Rest assured, it’s not a bot, but simply Nathan or Laura waiting to help you out in real time!
Don’t miss our stunning 2024 Calendar! Featuring our very own breath-taking photography of Dorset and beyond, it’s an all-year-round reminder of the beautiful locations you’ll explore during your English Cottage Vacation.
Last-minute bookings for an autumn escape in October are open, so come and experience the brilliant hues of gold and red that blanket the Dorset countryside. And we’ve got a treasure trove of handpicked excursions just waiting to be explored!
Stay tuned for a gastronomical delight, as Laura shares yet another mouthwatering recipe later in this edition.
We hope you’ll find these updates as exciting as we do. Enjoy our newsletter, and remember, your dream vacation is just a few clicks away!
Happy reading!
Well Cottage: A Bird’s Eye View!
Feast your eyes on these spectacular aerial photographs of our gorgeous 18th-century thatched Well Cottage and the surrounding area here in Dorset, Great Britain!
In this month’s newsletter…
- Our Single Room, Mixed Cottage Experience is Launching On Our Website! More 2024 dates to be released! Book your room online!!
- Autumn Exclusive! 2023 last minute availability. There’s still time!!
- Florida Travel Expo – Here We Come!
- Introducing Our 2024 Calendar featuring all of your favourite English sights and views!
- Featured Excursion: The ancient town of Sherborne
- Tell us about your future dream vacation!
- Laura’s Recipe: Classic Cottage/Shepherd’s Pie
- Guest Reviews and Testimonials!
- FAQ Highlight: How accessible is Well Cottage for guests with mobility issues?
- Our Final Thought
Our Mixed Cottage Experiences Will Soon Join Our Suite Of Packages Online!
We’re expanding our digital booking offerings! Joining the suite of exclusive, full cottage packages already featured on our website, is our all-inclusive luxury, single room, 7-Night Set Itinerary Mixed Cottage Experience.
Designed for solo travellers or couples, these 7 night, mixed cottage, single room packages offer a delightful combination of privacy and community. Enjoy your own private room and bathroom, while also sharing the rest of the cottage and unforgettable experiences with other guests.
Our room options for the 7-Night Mixed Cottage Experience include:
- Garden View Elegance: US King-size bed, private en-suite with shower, and a view of our exquisite garden and the countryside beyond. Single occupancy from $9,500 USD or double occupancy from $11,000 USD.
- Countryside Haven: US Queen-size bed, en-suite shower room, and scenic countryside vistas. Single occupancy from $6,500 USD or double occupancy from $9,500 USD.
- Soothing Solitude: A US Queen-size bed or 2 singles, private adjacent bathroom, and tranquil countryside views. Single occupancy from $4,500 USD or double occupancy from $6,500 USD.
2024 rooms and dates still available:
July 22nd- 29th
August 23rd – 30th
Reach out now to book your room! Your stay promises a journey through the best of England, filled with handpicked excursions and experiences to treasure!
Autumn in Dorset: Opportunities for October 2023!
Indulge in England’s charming landscapes at their fall finest, with brilliant hues of gold and red dressing the countryside. What’s more, the weather here in October is just right for exploring – a lovely blend of cool breezes and sunny spells!
Choose from our unforgettable:
Flagship Tailor-Made experience – All Inclusive
From $5,500 USD / $7,000 CAD (average price pp)
7 Night Set Itinerary experience – All Inclusive
From $4,500 USD / $5,700 CAD PP (average price pp)
7 Night Walking/Hiking experience – All Inclusive
From $3,500 USD / $4,500 CAD PP (average price pp)
… and enjoy Dorset in all its autumnal glory from the luxury of Well Cottage!
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sherborne, stand awestruck before the remains of Corfe Castle, and wander the grand streets of the Roman City of Bath. We’ve handpicked extraordinary excursions for you to delve into the heart of Thomas Hardy’s country, explore the wonders of the Jurassic Coast, and venture to iconic locations like Highclere Castle (‘Downton Abbey’) and Stonehenge – plus much, much more!
All you need to do is book your flight, and we’ll take care of the rest – wrapping you in a world of unforgettable experiences and enchanting autumnal beauty!
See our amazing package options – CLICK HERE!
Florida Here We Come! English Cottage Vacation Debuts at Travel Expo 2023
We are delighted to announce that English Cottage Vacation will be crossing the pond and exhibiting at Travel Expo 2023 in the sunny state of Florida!
We will be right at the entrance of the Wildwood Community Center, located in the charming locale of The Villages.
Friday, September 22, from 9AM to 2PM.
Our ever-welcoming representative, June, will be there to present our enticing selection of tailor-made luxury packages and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the idyllic getaway that awaits you in Dorset.
There will even be the chance to win our very English deluxe hamper packed with lots of our classic English goodies plus the opportunity to receive a generous voucher to use on your next exclusive vacation package with us.
We’re eager to meet with you, and discuss how we can make your dream vacation in England’s beautiful south a reality. So save the date, and ensure you visit our stand at the expo!
Reach out to us now – CLICK HERE!
Introducing Our 2024 Calendar: Your Year-Round Ticket to England’s Beauty!
We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our 2024 English Cottage Vacation Calendar! Featuring stunning photography from the heart of Dorset and beyond, our calendar is a celebration of the enchanting landscapes our guests experience during their stay with us.
Every month unfolds a new scene of beauty, from the lush rolling hills and tranquil coastal views, to charming villages and historic landmarks. Whether you’re reminiscing about your stay or dreaming of your upcoming vacation, these captivating images will transport you directly to our doorstep, making every day a miniature vacation.
These calendars are perfect for your own home, or as a thoughtful gift or Christmas present to a fellow travel lover. Experience the charm and beauty of south England throughout 2024.
We have 2 available sizes, both with the same photographs, to suit all requirements and available spaces…
Available sizes:
8″x 8″ Desktop Calendar – Buy It Now For $20.00 USD
8″x 8″ Desktop Calendar – Buy It Now For $26.00 CAD
*Prices inclusive of shipping!
A3 Wall Calendar – Buy It Now For $32.00 USD*
A3 Wall Calendar – Buy It Now For $42.00 CAD*
*Prices inclusive of shipping!
Featured Excursion: Journey into History at Sherborne
Gently ease into your day at Well Cottage with a delectable breakfast prepared by your resident chef, Laura. Afterwards, your dedicated chauffeur and guide, Nathan, will transport you to the charming market town of Sherborne.
The day starts with a leisurely stroll down Cheap Street, a cornucopia of local independent shops that culminates at the awe-inspiring Sherborne Abbey. You’ll then head over to the magnificent 16th-century Sherborne Castle (pictured below), where a guided tour of this stately home awaits. Follow it up with a scrumptious picnic lunch in the stunning castle gardens!
Next, cross the lake to the atmospheric ruins of the original 12th-century castle, a place so steeped in history that it was considered the “master-key of the whole kingdom” during the Anarchy.
Our day out at Sherborne Castle gives you a taste of English grandeur, transporting you through centuries – from Roger de Caen’s mediaeval stronghold to Sir Walter Raleigh’s magnificent mansion. Known today as the New Castle, it sits splendidly within parkland and gardens designed by none other than Capability Brown.
Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter where we’ll unveil our immersive guided walking tour to the fascinating Roman City of Bath!
Meanwhile, explore all of our amazing excursions!
Take Our Survey & Shape Your Future English Cottage Vacation!
In case you missed our last newsletter, we’re extending an open invitation for you to share your travel aspirations with us. Just take a very quick (2-minute) journey through our simple survey. Your insights will help us tailor our offerings to create the most enchanting experiences for you!
So go ahead, give it a whirl – your future dream vacation awaits just a few clicks away. We can’t wait to hear about your vacation plans and how we can serve you better. Let’s shape your travel dreams together!
Please do take our survey – CLICK HERE!
Recipe of the Month: Laura’s Classic Cottage/Shepherd’s Pie
Serves 4 – prep 20 mins, total time 1 hour 30 mins
Ingredients
- 400 g minced/ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 200 g frozen peas
- 1 celery stick, finely diced
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 200 ml red wine
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 500 ml beef stock or lamb stock
- 1/2 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1.25 kg floury Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 50 g butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). In a frying pan cook the mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until golden brown all over.
Transfer to a bowl then add onion, carrot, and celery, and some oil. Cook the vegetables until lightly browned and softened. Return the beef/lamb mince to the pan with the tomato puree and flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes
Add the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened and the flavour has intensified.
Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a large pan of salted boiling water until soft. Drain and leave to steam dry for 2-3 minutes. Return the potatoes to the pan over low heat, add the butter and milk and mash until smooth using a potato masher or a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the beef/lamb mixture is ready, stir through the peas and transfer to a 1.5-2 litre baking dish. Top with the mashed potato and smooth to cover with the back of a fork. Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Fun fact! Cottage pie is made from minced beef and shepherd’s pie is made from minced lamb! Otherwise they are essentially the same dish!!
Reviews and Testimonials
What fills our hearts with immense satisfaction? Reading the touching stories and cherished memories of our guests. The knowledge that we’ve contributed to forging such special holiday experiences is unparalleled joy for us!
Every review we receive is an authentic account of our guests’ experiences at English Cottage Vacation, assuring you of our unwavering commitment to providing you with an equally stellar stay.
We encourage you to spend a moment reviewing the genuine feedback from our previous visitors. It’s the most reliable way to gauge the exceptional experiences awaiting you here!
Rest assured, our secure booking process and understanding cancellation and rescheduling policy are there for your peace of mind. You can further verify our credentials – Appanage Vacations Ltd – on the UK Government Website ‘Companies House’.
We eagerly anticipate adding your glowing testimonial (no doubt it will be a 5-star one – that’s all we ever get!) after you’ve relished in the luxury of an English Cottage Vacation in the scenic beauty of Dorset!
Frequently Asked Questions: Featured FAQ
Q: How accessible is Well Cottage for guests with mobility issues?
A: At English Cottage Vacation, our focus is to provide an accessible, comfortable experience for all. Though Well Cottage’s 18th-century structure may limit wheelchair use due to some steps, we prioritise individual needs.
Assistance with wheelchairs or mobility scooters during excursions can be arranged, ensuring exploration is comfortable, accessible and dignified. We’re ready to accompany guests for any medical assistance, providing personal support throughout.
As many of our guests are seniors, we give utmost attention to their needs before, during, and after their stay. While we can’t provide complete wheelchair access within the cottage, we can ensure that our itinerary focuses on accessible locations (there are many!) for those requiring wheelchair assistance on outings. We continually strive to enhance our facilities’ inclusivity.
View our other Frequently Asked Questions!
Our Final Thought…
“To walk in England is to wander through time, with your feet on the soil but your head in the air, among the birds and the clouds, meeting people from centuries past along the way.” – Robert Macfarlane
In the quiet rustle of leaves beneath your feet, in the ancient stone walls of Sherborne Castle, in the verdant rolling hills stretching into the horizon, the magic of England whispers its secrets. Every path is a journey through time, a bridge to the past, a step towards tomorrow.
It’s this essence of England that we love sharing with our guests at Well Cottage. Every meal prepared by Laura, every excursion guided by Nathan, is a chance to immerse you in our country’s rich tapestry of history and heritage.
We offer more than just a stay – we open a doorway to an unforgettable English experience. When you’re here, you’re walking through history, making your own memories that echo the laughter and whispers of centuries past.
Every guest leaves a part of their story with us, becoming a new chapter in the ongoing story of Well Cottage. The friendships we’ve forged, the shared joy and discovery – these are the timeless connections that make every moment at Well Cottage a step through time.
We look forward to welcoming you to our historic corner of the world, where you can leave your own footprints in the sands of time!
Until then,
Much love as always,
Nathan & Laura
