As the crisp chill of winter begins to embrace the Dorset countryside, we’re thrilled to welcome you to our November 2024 newsletter!
In this issue, take a closer look at The Beehive, our enchanting Bedroom Two, with its unique charm and historical features; and join us on a journey to Wells and Glastonbury, two captivating destinations filled with legend, beauty, and rich history.
Looking ahead, we remind you to book soon as availability for 2025 still has some availability and 2026 awaits the forward planners – and it’s the perfect time to lock in this year’s rates before they rise in January! Meanwhile, warm up your kitchen with Laura’s delightful recipe for Spectacular Stuffed Peppers, a vibrant and flavourful dish perfect for winter evenings.
Our featured British TV spotlight brings nostalgic joy with Open All Hours, and our quirky British saying, “Let the dog see the rabbit,” will have you channelling your inner Brit in no time!
So, settle in with a steaming cup of tea and enjoy this month’s read as we share the latest happenings and delightful offerings from Well Cottage!
In This Month’s Issue:
- Last Chance! Get booked for 2025 and beyond at today’s prices!
- Interior Talk! Our Historic & Beautiful Middle Room!
- Important Update! US Bank Details Have Changed
- Telly Talk: Open All Hours
- Featured British Saying: “Let the dog see the rabbit”
- Featured Excursion: Wells & Glastonbury
- A Taste of Well Cottage: Laura’s Spectacular Stuffed Peppers
- Guest Voices: Reviews and Testimonials
- Did You Know? The Story Behind Well Cottage’s Name
- Last Word: Final Thought from Nathan & Laura
Book Now to Lock in 2024 Prices!
Planning your next escape to the idyllic English countryside? There’s no better time to secure your dream vacation at Well Cottage! As the new year approaches, we want to remind you that our prices will be increasing in January to reflect rising costs and ensure we continue to deliver the exceptional luxury and personal service that define every English Cottage Vacation.
By booking now, you can lock in this year’s prices and enjoy your future stay at the best possible value! With just a modest deposit, you’ll not only secure your preferred dates but also guarantee a tailor-made experience crafted entirely around your desires – at today’s rates.
Don’t wait! Whether you’re dreaming of the vibrant blooms of spring, the sun-dappled summer countryside, or a cosy winter retreat, now is the perfect time to act!
Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward an all-inclusive, luxury, tailor-made holiday in Dorset. Let us pamper you, inspire you, and make memories to last a lifetime – all while saving you money!
Whole Cottage, Tailor Made Experience Details – click here!
Whole Cottage, Set Itinerary Experience Details – click here!
Shared Cottage Experience Details – click here!
Why Wait? Secure Your Stay Today!
With both exclusive whole-cottage bookings and our Shared Cottage Experience designed to cater to your every desire, these remaining spots won’t last long! Act quickly to reserve your dates and ensure your place in the tranquillity and beauty of Dorset in 2025.
Contact us today and make your reservation or learn more about our unique offerings!
Reach out to us right now – click here!
Interior Talk: Bedroom Two – The Beehive
Step into the charm and character of Bedroom Two, affectionately nicknamed The Beehive for its unique chimney breast that instantly catches the eye. This middle bedroom, located directly above The Snug, is part of the oldest section of Well Cottage, dating back to the mid-18th century. Its historic charm is complemented by all the luxurious amenities you’d expect from a modern retreat!
Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
The Beehive boasts a US Queen-sized bed dressed in luxury bedding, with double-aspect windows offering enchanting views. One window looks out over the serene rear garden and rolling Dorset countryside, while the other frames the picturesque fields at the front of the cottage, where horses and cattle often graze.
The room is rich in character, featuring lower ceilings, slightly uneven floors, and exposed wooden beams. To maintain the historic authenticity of the room and ensure your utmost comfort, the furniture has been subtly adjusted to counter the sloping floors, providing a perfectly balanced space for relaxation.
A Unique Focal Point
The highlight of this bedroom, and one of the many reasons we fell in love with Well Cottage, is the stunning chimney breast (pictured below), a true testament to the cottage’s 18th-century heritage. Its rustic appeal adds a distinctive charm, making it impossible not to admire throughout your stay!
Modern Touches for Ultimate Comfort
Despite its age, Bedroom Two features a brand-new en-suite shower room, fitted with top-of-the-line amenities. The room is furnished with thoughtfully repurposed antique Stag pieces, including a dressing table with a light-up mirror and Bluetooth speaker, and a genuine Cotswolds tallboy. You’ll also enjoy modern conveniences like a smart TV, blackout blinds with matching curtains, and a variety of personal touches, such as robes, slippers, and bedside lighting. It’s simply delightful!
Explore Well Cottage – click here!
Important Update: US Bank Account Details
Our US bank account details have recently changed. We’re sharing this update again here to ensure all our valued guests are aware.
If you’re making a payment, please double-check the updated details in your confirmation email or reach out to us directly for assistance. Thank you so much for your attention to this important update.
Contact us for updated details click here!
Stay Subscribed For Your Chance To Win A Luxury Picnic Basket!
Don’t miss out on your chance to win a luxurious picnic hamper just like the ones our guests use on adventurous days out! We’ll be announcing the newest winner in our next newsletter, so make sure you stay subscribed and encourage all your family, friends, and work colleagues to sign up as well!
The perfect companion for enchanting countryside getaways: a luxurious, handcrafted picnic basket designed for two! This elegant basket is crafted from finely steamed willow, complemented by stylish tan leather straps, making every picnic an exquisite dining experience amidst the beauty of nature.
Compact and practical with dimensions of L 40cm x W 30cm x H 19cm, it’s ideally suited for romantic alfresco meals. Designed for enthusiasts of leisurely walks and tranquil park visits, this basket is equipped with all the essentials for a picturesque outing. It includes:
- 2 fine china plates
- 2 wine glasses
- A cosy tartan picnic blanket
- A bottle opener
- Soft napkins
- A cooler bag to keep your treats fresh
- Stainless steel cutlery for a touch of luxury
Keep your eyes peeled – more fabulous prizes are coming for our valued subscribers! Simply stay subscribed to our captivating monthly newsletters for your chance to win! And spread the joy by also giving your family and friends a chance to win when they subscribe – for the link to share with them, click here!
Featured Great British TV: Open All Hours
Step back in time to the cosy, cluttered aisles of Arkwright’s corner shop with Open All Hours, a sitcom that has become a British institution. First airing in 1976, this beloved series stars Ronnie Barker as the miserly yet endearing shopkeeper Albert Arkwright and David Jason as his long-suffering nephew and assistant, Granville.
Penned by the brilliant Roy Clarke, the show captures a bygone era of corner shops, filled with quirky humour and unforgettable characters. Lynda Baron shines as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, the object of Arkwright’s often comedic romantic pursuits.
Initially met with mixed reviews, the sitcom soon won over audiences with its warmth and razor-sharp wit. Barker’s portrayal of Arkwright’s stammer and penny-pinching ways, combined with Jason’s impeccable comedic timing, created moments of pure genius. Even the shop’s notoriously temperamental till became a character in its own right, adding slapstick hilarity to every episode.
Although the series concluded in 1985, its charm endured. The shop in Doncaster where it was filmed remains a pilgrimage site for fans. In 2013, a sequel series, Still Open All Hours, brought Granville back to run the shop, introducing a new generation to its magic.
From Arkwright’s inventive sales tactics to Granville’s hapless attempts at romance, Open All Hours is a delightful slice of British humour that continues to evoke nostalgia. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering it for the first time, this sitcom is a must-watch for lovers of classic British television.
Why not settle in at Well Cottage with a cuppa and enjoy this timeless comedy while we cater to your every whim?! In the meantime, here are some of the best moments of Open All Hours!
Featured British Saying: “Let the Dog See the Rabbit”
This month’s saying is a quintessentially British phrase: “Let the dog see the rabbit.” It’s a charming and vivid expression that means allowing someone to get on with their task without interference.
The origin of the phrase lies in greyhound racing, where the excitement hinges on letting the dog chase after its quarry – usually a mechanical rabbit. The phrase has since found its way into everyday British parlance, symbolising the importance of clearing the path for action or progress.
Imagine this: Laura is trying to bake her famous scones in Well Cottage’s kitchen, but everyone keeps suggesting tweaks or offering help. A cheery “Let the dog see the rabbit!” might be the perfect way to politely say, “Let me get on with it!”
Whether deciding which countryside excursion you want to go on next or tackling a tricky crossword by the fire, sometimes you just need the space to focus. So, next time you find yourself needing to gently ask for a bit of breathing room, why not channel your inner Brit and let this delightful saying do the talking?!
Featured Excursion: Wells & Glastonbury
Step into the enchanting past with a day trip to Wells and Glastonbury, two captivating destinations where history, legend, and beauty intertwine. With English Cottage Vacation, you’ll explore these treasures in style, chauffeured in luxury by Nathan!
Wells – England’s Smallest City
Nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Wells is England’s smallest city and a showcase of Gothic splendour. The iconic Wells Cathedral, dating back to 1200, is renowned as England’s first entirely Gothic church. Its west front is adorned with over 300 mediaeval carvings, once painted in vibrant colours, creating a heavenly display for worshippers. Inside, the ingenious “scissor” arches, added in the 14th century to support the sagging tower, blend functionality and beauty in breathtaking harmony.
The world’s oldest working clock, built in 1390, is a delightful highlight, with jousting knights marking the quarter-hour. Nearby, the Bishop’s Palace, encircled by a picturesque moat and accessed via a drawbridge, invites you to stroll its peaceful grounds, perhaps encountering locals enjoying a classic game of croquet! Adjacent to the cathedral lies Vicars’ Close, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in Europe, its cobblestone charm transporting visitors to another time.
Glastonbury – A Place of Legend and Mystery
In stark contrast to the serene majesty of Wells, Glastonbury thrums with mythical energy. Known as the birthplace of Christianity in England, this ancient town holds a treasure trove of legends, from the Holy Grail to King Arthur’s final resting place. Glastonbury Abbey, an evocative ruin set amidst lush parkland, is said to house the graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. By the 12th century, the abbey was a leading pilgrimage site, its mystical allure attracting countless visitors in search of healing and connection to the divine.
Towering over the town is the enchanting Glastonbury Tor, topped by the solitary St. Michael’s Tower. This terraced hill has inspired countless legends: from its pre-Christian origins as a spiritual site to its role as the supposed final resting place of the Holy Grail. Pilgrims have flocked here for centuries, many drawn by tales of Chalice Well, a natural spring at the hill’s base. Legend holds that the well’s waters, infused with healing powers, were blessed by Joseph of Arimathea, said to have brought the Holy Grail to Britain.
Strolling down Glastonbury’s eclectic high street, you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of New Age shops, cafes, and local artisans. It’s a hub for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and music lovers alike, famed for its world-renowned summer festival.
Plan Your Visit
After a hearty breakfast laid on by Laura, you’ll set off in executive comfort with Nathan at the wheel. This full-day excursion includes ample time to explore both destinations, have a meal out or enjoy an exquisite picnic prepared for you by Laura and set up in the best spot by Nathan! With a short, scenic one-hour journey each way, you’ll return to the tranquil comfort of Well Cottage, where Laura’s gorgeous gourmet dinner awaits!
Whether marvelling at Wells Cathedral’s Gothic grandeur or climbing Glastonbury Tor to walk in the footsteps of Arthurian legend, this excursion promises a day filled with wonder. Reserve your stay at Well Cottage and let us take you on this magical journey through England’s storied past!
Travel Tips:
Time Needed: Full day to explore both Wells & Glastonbury
Travel Time: One hour each way
Local Tip from Nathan & Laura: Watch for the swans at the Bishop’s Palace – they ring a bell to signal it’s time for a snack!
Stay tuned for our next newsletter featuring Castle Combe & Lacock Village, another unforgettable excursion destination!
Explore all of our amazing excursions – click here!
A Taste of Well Cottage: Laura’s Spectacular Stuffed Peppers
Bring a taste of the Dorset countryside to your table with Laura’s easy yet elegant Stuffed Peppers. Perfect as a starter or a light main, this dish combines fresh, simple ingredients for a burst of flavour that’s as delightful as it is nutritious.
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 8 fresh Romano red peppers (all around same size)
- 1 small jar of roasted red peppers (not hot unless you like heat). chopped
- A handful of parsley, chopped
- 1 slab of feta cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to a medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix 2 large chopped roasted red peppers, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese and a tsp of salt and pepper.
- Slice the tops (lids) of the peppers off and scoop out the seeds and discard. Keep the tops.
- Scorch the skins of the peppers with a chef torch. (Handle with care) Optional.
- Stuff each pepper with the feta mixture, making sure to carefully push it all the wash to the ends of the peppers without breaking them. This bit is a bit messy if using hands!
- Place the stuffed peppers and ‘lids’ in a Pyrex dish and generously drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the Romano peppers have softened.
- Carefully serve on a bed of fresh salad leaves of your choice and place the ‘lid’ back on top of the pepper. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and/or chives. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
This vibrant dish is sure to impress, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home. It’s simple, delicious, and full of wholesome goodness – a true Well Cottage favourite!
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? The Story Behind Well Cottage’s Name
Our beautiful 18th-century thatched retreat, Well Cottage, is steeped in history – and even its name tells a tale of times gone by. The cottage takes its name from the ancient well that graces its front gardens, a feature that has been part of this property’s charm for centuries.
Back in the day, cottages in rural hamlets like Bedchester were often named after defining features or functions. Well Cottage was simply “the cottage with the well,” a practical distinction that has endured through the generations. This tradition can be seen across Dorset with names like The Old Bakery Cottage in West Lulworth or The Post Office Cottage in Osmington, each one hinting at its past role in village life.
Remarkably, the well at Well Cottage remains fully functional to this day. It plays a vital role in nourishing the lush cottage gardens, the thriving vegetable plots, and the fruit plants. Many of these fresh, organic ingredients are lovingly used by Laura in her gourmet meals, ensuring a truly authentic farm-to-table dining experience for our guests.
Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate this lovely feature, which adds another layer of authenticity to your English Cottage Vacation experience.
To view our other Frequently Asked Questions, click here!
Our Final Thought…
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand
and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” ~ Edith Sitwell
As winter settles over the Dorset countryside, there’s no better place to experience the comforts of the season than at Well Cottage – your home away from home, with all the extras. Here, you’ll find more than just a cosy retreat. It’s a place to savour delicious meals, relax by the fire, and enjoy the beauty of the frosty countryside without lifting a finger.
Winter at Well Cottage is a time of enchantment, not gloom. Crisp mornings reveal sparkling frost across the gardens, and clear skies offer perfect opportunities for brisk countryside walks. Inside, the warmth of the fire and the smell of Laura’s gourmet creations invite you to linger, connect, and recharge.
We take pride in creating a welcoming space that blends the charm of an 18th-century thatched cottage with modern comforts, offering you the chance to make this season truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re curling up with a good book in The Snug or venturing out to discover Dorset’s winter wonders, let Well Cottage be the place where cherished memories are made.
Until next time,
Warm regards,
Laura & Nathan
