October 2024 Newsletter

As the vibrant colours of autumn sweep across the Dorset countryside, we’re excited to bring you our October 2024 newsletter!

In this issue, we’re delighted to announce the latest winner of our ‘Special’ festive Christmas hamper picnic basket, packed with luxurious and local seasonal treats sent directly to our winner!

Join Laura for a video tour of the gorgeous and productive Well Cottage gardens! We also have an inside look at our enchanting Garden Room, a cosy haven that blends the beauty of nature with comfort and style; and share the inspiring story of Well Cottage’s transformation – a labour of love that made it the warm, welcoming retreat it is today.

Looking ahead to 2025? With very limited availability remaining, time is running out to secure a spot for a luxury stay at Well Cottage before our rates increase next year! Plus, this month’s featured British TV spotlight takes us back in time with the timeless comedy Dad’s Army, while our phrase of the month – “A few sandwiches short of a picnic” – adds a touch of cheeky British humour!

So, brew a warm cuppa and select your favourite biscuit of choice, settle into your favourite chair, and enjoy a delightful read as we take you through the latest happenings and offerings from Well Cottage. We’re sure it will bring a lovely touch of English charm to your day!

In This Month’s Issue

• Act Fast! Limited 2025 availability – secure your spot today
• Watch! Laura’s latest Well Cottage garden update
• Inside View: Spotlight on the gorgeous Garden Room
• The Story of Well Cottage: A labour of love
• Lucky Reader! Festive picnic basket hamper winner named!
• Telly Talk: Dad’s Army
• Featured British Saying: “A few sandwiches short of a picnic”
• Featured Excursion: The Newt in Somerset
• A Taste of Well Cottage: Laura’s Coronation Chicken Salad
• Guest Voices: Reviews and Testimonials
• Did You Know..? Gifts galore await our lucky guests!
• Last Word: Final Thought from Nathan & Laura

Secure Your Dream 2025 Escape Before It’s Too Late!

Thinking of a luxury British countryside escape next year? Act fast – only six availability windows remain across all of our calendar availability, from exclusive whole cottage stays to shared cottage options for solo travellers and couples!

Why the Limit?

To ensure the highest standards of personal service, we’ve capped our 2025 bookings. With just six slots left, this is your final chance to secure your dream escape before they’re gone! Choose from any of the dates listed below.

Available 2025 Dates

Whole Cottage Experiences:

Exclusivity for groups of up to 6! Choose from Custom Itineraries (click here!); and Set Itineraries (click here!):

• May 2nd–12th, July 9th–19th
• August 1st–17th
• September 15th–22nd
• October 11th–31st (Minimum 7-night stay, but all dates within these windows can be booked)
• November 26th – Dec 3rd
• December 29th – Jan 5th
• November 26th – Dec 3rd
• December 29th – January 5th (Festive Winter Itinerary) New Years Special

Shared Cottage Experiences:

Private Bed and Bath for singles and duos!

• April 23rd–30th Bedroom 1 available
• July 22nd–29th Bedroom 1 available
• August 19th–26th Bedroom 1 available
• October 22nd–29th (All three rooms still available)
• November 26th – Dec 3rd (All three rooms still available)
• December 29th – Jan 5th (All three rooms still available)

Check out the 7 Night Set Itineraries below:

• Sightseeing Itinerary (Available April to October) – click here!
• Festive Winter Itinerary (Available November – January) – click here!

Secure 2024 Prices Now!

Our rates will increase from January 1st, 2025. Book by December 31st, 2024 to lock in our current prices for your future stay!

To get a personalised quote, simply give us some details of what you’re looking for.

Reach out to us right now – click here!

Alternatively, book a no-obligation chat directly with us, Nathan and Laura – click here!

We can’t wait to welcome you for an all-inclusive, countryside vacation at Well Cottage!

Garden Delights: Laura’s Latest Video Update from Well Cottage

In Laura’s latest video update, she takes you on a stroll through the beautiful and bountiful Well Cottage gardens! From the lovely ornamental beds to the thriving vegetable patches, herbs, and strawberries, it’s a glimpse into how the gardens continue to flourish!

Spotlight on The Garden Room:
Light, Comfort, and Countryside Charm

Watch this short video to get a real feel for the space!

The Garden Room at Well Cottage is where the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly, creating a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for dining, relaxation, and connection. With its large French doors made entirely of glass, this room truly brings the garden inside. During the height of summer, we open up all the doors, inviting fresh air and beautiful countryside views, allowing guests to enjoy their meals either al fresco or within the comfort of the Garden Room while still feeling close to nature.

Every evening, the table is set with a unique and charming arrangement, complemented by swivel chairs that guests often describe as supremely comfortable. Surrounded by fresh flowers and plants lovingly nurtured by Laura, even through the cooler months, the Garden Room radiates a sense of life and warmth year-round.

The room’s high, vaulted ceilings and a stunning central chandelier add a touch of opulence, while adjustable lighting allows us to create just the right ambience, from bright and airy during the day to romantic and cosy in the evenings. In autumn and winter, when the nights draw in, we close the doors and curtains, transforming the space into a snug, intimate haven, complete with gentle dinner music that sets the perfect mood.

The Garden Room also serves as a lovely point of connection between our guests and Laura. While guests spend much of the day exploring Dorset with Nathan, meal times bring the opportunity to interact with Laura as she works her magic in the kitchen. Double doors can either separate or open up the Garden Room and kitchen, giving guests the choice of privacy or a front-row seat to the culinary action.

After dinner, Nathan’s “cottage corner” in the Garden Room is where plans for the next day are discussed. It’s a comforting routine where guests can learn about the upcoming adventures, from itinerary details to tips on what to wear, while enjoying the cosy atmosphere. For those cooler or wetter days, complimentary rain jackets and fleeces are available, neatly stored in the cupboard nearby.

With the added convenience of a downstairs bathroom, guests don’t need to venture far during meals. And when the night draws to a close, the journey doesn’t end there; guests can retire to The Snug to enjoy the fire, watch a film in the living room, or play board games (we have lots to choose from!).

Whether bathed in sunlight during summer days or glowing warmly on autumn nights, the Garden Room is a space that brings people together, offering comfort, elegance, and a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside that truly captures the essence of Well Cottage!

Reach out to learn more and to book your stay – click here!

The Story of Well Cottage: A Labour of Love

We often get asked by our guests, “Did you have to do much to the cottage to get it ready?”

Well, the story of Well Cottage is one of transformation, perseverance, and a touch of improvisation!

We bought the cottage in November 2019, but it wasn’t until a year later that we could truly call it home. At that time, we were still working on luxury yachts, which kept us away for much of that first year. But when we did have the chance to come home, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on bringing Well Cottage to life.

Luckily, the cottage didn’t require much in the way of structural renovations. Most of what we needed to do was decoration, and we had a wonderful interior designer to help create the vision. However, when we returned to Dorset in May and June 2020, the pandemic had the world in lockdown. With furniture companies temporarily shut down and many unable to help, we had to get creative. Using the designer’s plans as a guide, we improvised, handpicking pieces and adding personal touches to make the cottage warm and inviting, all while racing against the clock for a photo shoot at the end of June!

One of the bigger changes we did undertake was moving the boiler outside, which allowed us to combine the old boiler room and office into our spacious office/bedroom on the ground floor. This small but impactful adjustment meant that the upstairs could remain entirely private for our guests. We also revamped the middle bedroom and bathroom, installing a modern shower room to replace the old, low-pressure system. It’s now a lovely, functional space that our guests truly enjoy.

Throughout this whirlwind process, Laura’s parents stayed at the cottage, lending their hands (and green thumbs) to make it all come together. Laura’s Mum took charge of the flower beds, transforming them into the lush, colourful garden that delights our guests today. Meanwhile, her Dad got the vegetable patch started, planting the first few crops that would lay the foundation for the garden’s continued growth.

When we finally moved in during 2020 and into 2021, Laura and Nathan took over, and the garden has flourished ever since and work continues as a truly enjoyable family affair. Today, the vegetables grown in our patch are a highlight of our kitchen, ensuring that meals at Well Cottage are fresh, local and organic!

Despite the initial challenges, the cottage has become a true reflection of our vision – a blend of comfort, warmth, and a touch of countryside charm. Every detail, from the cushions to the curtains, was chosen with care, and while the journey was not without its hurdles, the result has been worth every effort. We can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!

Check out Well Cottage today – click here!

Luxury Christmas Hamper Picnic Basket Winner – Announced Early!

We couldn’t wait until November to share the good news, so we’re thrilled to announce the latest winner of our luxurious Christmas hamper picnic basket right now!

John Habicht

Congratulations! You’ve won a beautiful, handcrafted picnic basket for two, perfect for enjoying those tranquil countryside escapes. This month’s prize is extra special, as it doubles as a festive Christmas hamper, filled with over USD$200 worth of premium English and Dorset goodies to bring some extra cheer to your celebrations!

The elegant basket, made from finely steamed willow and accented with stylish tan leather straps, transforms any picnic into a refined alfresco dining experience. Now, with added seasonal treats, it’s set to make your Christmas even more magical!

Here’s what’s included:

• 2 fine china plates
• 2 wine glasses
• A cosy tartan picnic blanket
• A bottle opener
• Soft napkins
• A cooler bag to keep treats fresh
• Stainless steel cutlery

PLUS a selection of premium Dorset and English Christmas goodies to add a festive touch!

If your name isn’t here, don’t despair! This may be the final Christmas hamper picnic basket prize for this year, but our elegant picnic baskets will still be up for grabs in future editions! Packed with all the essentials for a charming outdoor feast, they’re just as delightful for any occasion throughout the year.

And remember, the more, the merrier! Encourage your friends and family to sign up for our fabulous monthly newsletter for their chance to win, too! For the link to share with them so that they can subscribe – click here!

Featured Great British TV: Dad’s Army

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Dad’s Army, one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time. Set during World War II, this classic comedy follows the misadventures of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard – a group of unlikely heroes who, despite their best intentions, are hilariously ill-equipped to defend Britain’s shores from invasion.

First airing in 1968, Dad’s Army ran for nine series, totalling 80 episodes, and has since become a cornerstone of British television history. The show was created by the legendary writing duo David Croft and Jimmy Perry, and its enduring appeal stems from its combination of slapstick humour, sharp wit, and character-driven comedy.

The series is set in a fictional seaside town. Captain Mainwaring – a pompous yet well-meaning bank manager – leads a ragtag group of volunteers determined to protect Britain during the war.

What makes Dad’s Army so special is the cast of eccentric characters, each bringing their own quirks to the group dynamic. Captain Mainwaring’s constant squabbles with his laid-back deputy, Sergeant Wilson, create plenty of comedic tension, while the antics of bumbling Private Pike and the elderly but feisty Corporal Jones keep audiences laughing.

The series’ charm lies not just in its humour but in the camaraderie and affection between the characters, reflecting the British spirit of resilience during difficult times.

Although it’s a sitcom, Dad’s Army masterfully captures the atmosphere of wartime Britain, blending light-hearted comedy with subtle nods to the real challenges faced by the country during the 1940s. Its famous catchphrases, such as “Don’t panic!” and “You stupid boy!” have become ingrained in British culture, still quoted by fans decades later.

The show’s gentle mockery of British military discipline and the Home Guard’s amateurish antics provided much-needed humour during its original broadcast and continues to offer comfort and nostalgia today.

The success of Dad’s Army extended beyond television, spawning a radio adaptation, a feature film, stage performances, and a 2016 film reboot. Despite being over 50 years old, Dad’s Army remains a firm favourite with audiences of all generations, a testament to its timeless appeal.

So, whether you’re watching for the first time or reliving the nostalgia of this classic series, Dad’s Army offers a humorous and heartwarming look at Britain’s past. The next time you’re staying at Well Cottage, why not put your feet up, relax in The Snug, and enjoy a few episodes of this beloved British sitcom?

Watch this space for next month’s featured Great British TV spotlight on Open All Hours! In the meantime, here’s every episode of Dad’s Army in order to get you started!

Featured British Saying: “A Few Sandwiches Short of a Picnic”

This delightful British phrase is used to describe someone who might be lacking in common sense or isn’t quite thinking things through. To say someone is “a few sandwiches short of a picnic” suggests they aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed – a light-hearted, albeit slightly cheeky way to point out someone’s questionable judgement or mental capacity.

Though the phrase became widely known after being used in the Lenny Henry Christmas Special on the BBC in 1987, it has since become a staple in British humour. It also has variations, such as “a few bricks shy of a load” or “a few cards short of a full deck,” all meaning essentially the same thing.

Here’s an example of how you could use it in a sentence: “You’d have to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic not to want to be a guest at Well Cottage!”

The phrase, while cheeky, is often used in jest and is a quintessential example of British humour.

Next month we’ll take a look at another wonderfully quirky British phrase: “Let the dog see the rabbit”!

Featured Excursion: The Newt in Somerset

This month, we’re thrilled to highlight The Newt in Somerset, a truly extraordinary destination that offers more than just a beautiful setting – it’s an entire experience! Perfect for a day trip, The Newt is only a short drive from Well Cottage and offers an immersive escape into the heart of English heritage, gardens, and architecture.

Located in Bruton, Somerset, The Newt is renowned for its stunning gardens, woodlands, and carefully restored Georgian architecture. The meticulously designed landscape offers a sensory overload of blooming flowers, sculpted hedges, and orchards – a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature. The gardens are an ever-evolving tapestry of seasonal colours, making each visit unique no matter the time of year.

Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the interactive Cyclical Garden, a highlight for garden enthusiasts, which showcases how plants have historically been used throughout the year. The kitchen garden, apple orchards, and even the innovative underground Parabola Garden offer a peek into the art of English gardening. Be sure to visit the cider press, where you can sample and purchase freshly pressed cider made from the estate’s very own apples – an absolute must!

When it’s time to unwind, Nathan will set up a gourmet picnic basket prepared by Laura, allowing you to enjoy The Newt’s breathtaking surroundings with all the comforts of a five-star meal. You can also take advantage of the garden café, which offers a fantastic selection of light lunches and beverages made from locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or someone who simply enjoys a tranquil day out, The Newt in Somerset is an unforgettable destination for a day trip.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter featuring the magnificent Wells & Glastonbury, another fantastic excursion that’s always a hit with our guests!

In the meantime, explore all of our amazing excursions – click here!

Featured Recipe: Laura’s Coronation Chicken Salad

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

Chicken

• 5-7 chicken breasts
• 1 cup (250ml) white wine,
• 2 cups (500ml) water

Salad

• 1 cup (250ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (250ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (250ml) mango chutney
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• ½ cup finely chopped spring onion (green part)
• ½ cup thinly sliced celery
• 2 cups grapes, halved
• 10 dried apricots, diced
• ½ cup sliced almonds (toasted first if you prefer)
• Romaine (or other) lettuce, shredded
• Salt & pepper

Method

CHICKEN (to cook in oven)

1. In a large pyrex dish place whole chicken breasts, add wine, water, Salt & Pepper.
2. Cover with foil, slash a couple of steam holes into foil.
3. Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Discard juices.
5. Cut chicken into cubes. Discard fat.

CHICKEN (to cook on stove top)

1. In a large saucepan place whole chicken breasts, add wine, water, salt & pepper.
2. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Discard juices.
4. Cut chicken into cubes. Discard fat.

SALAD (to make)

1. In a large bowl mix mayo, cream, chutney and curry powder together.
2. Stir in green onions, celery, grapes, apricots and almonds.
3. Gently stir in chicken pieces.

Cover and refrigerate or eat right away on top of the lettuce or as a sandwich filler!

Guest Voices: Reviews & Testimonials

Don’t just take it from us – here’s what our guests have been saying!

Website Reviews
Google Reviews
Tripadvisor Reviews

Did You Know..?

When you stay with us at Well Cottage, we love to send you home with a little taste of Dorset!

Guests are welcomed with a beautiful gift hamper in their bedroom, brimming with luxurious British and locally made treats to enjoy during your stay and take back as a lovely memento. Think traditional boiled sweets in nostalgic flavours like rhubarb and custard, exquisite local chocolates, and scrumptious cookies!

You’ll also find a few practical delights like our English Cottage Vacation branded mug, pen, and notepad, as well as indulgent bathroom goodies, soothing lavender sleep spray, and thoughtful extras like tissues, hand wipes, and even earplugs.

The contents do change from time to time, but you can always expect a collection of truly delightful, complimentary surprises!

Anything else you’d like to know? A great place to start is our Frequently Asked Questions page – click here!

Our Final Thought…

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” ~ Unknown

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the rich, warm hues of autumn, there’s a quiet beauty in this time of transition. The world slows down, inviting us to pause, reflect, and embrace change. At Well Cottage, we see autumn not just as a season, but as a gentle reminder to find beauty in simplicity and grace in letting go of what no longer serves us.

There’s something truly magical about this time of year – the crisp air, the golden leaves crunching underfoot, and the quietude that wraps itself around Well Cottage. It’s the perfect backdrop for slowing down, savouring the moment, and reconnecting with what matters most. Whether it’s a mug of hot chocolate by the fireplace, a peaceful walk through the countryside, or an intimate dinner shared with loved ones, we cherish these moments of stillness and reflection.

Our hope is that during your stay with us, you find space to breathe, unwind, and let go. Let the colours of the season inspire you, the comforts of Well Cottage embrace you, and the sincerity of our hospitality warm your heart. Until we meet again, may the season’s simple joys fill your days with peace and quiet wonder.

With warm regards,

Laura & Nathan