As summer begins to wind down and we embrace the charm of the upcoming autumn, we’re thrilled to bring you our September 2024 newsletter, packed with all the exciting updates and offers you’ve been waiting for!
See if you’re the lucky winner of our extra special luxury picnic basket giveaway! In this issue (and next month too!) the already fabulous prize gets a festive season boost, taking its value to a whopping US$200 including p&p!
This month, we take you on a journey to the iconic Downton Abbey filming location, Highclere Castle. With its fascinating history and stunning grounds, it’s a must-visit for any lover of British heritage. We also dive into some classic British humour with our Featured Great British TV spotlight on the beloved comedy series Are You Being Served? – a nostalgic favourite that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Curious about British phrases? Learn the meaning behind “chuffed to bits,” and discover why we’re always delighted to share these charming expressions with our guests. Plus, we’re opening up new May dates for exclusive whole cottage bookings, perfect for a spring escape in the Dorset countryside.
We’re also giving you a peek inside Laura’s country cottage kitchen, where all your gourmet meals come to life, and sharing her most splendid Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe– an indulgent treat perfect for your next special occasion.
So, brew a cup of your favourite tea, find a cosy corner, and settle in for another enchanting edition of our newsletter. We trust it will bring a wonderful dollop of English charm into your day!
In This Month’s Issue:
- England in Spring! Rare Spring week availability!
- Last Chance! Book your Thanksgiving or New Year’s festive stay!
- Inside Look: Laura’s country cottage kitchen
- Paws for Thought: Furry friends an option!
- Lucky Reader! Luxury Picnic Basket Christmas Hamper winner!
- Featured Excursion: Highclere Castle
- Telly Talk: Are You Being Served?
- Featured British Saying: “Chuffed to bits”
- A Taste of Well Cottage: Laura’s Sticky Toffee Pudding!
- Guest Voices: Reviews and Testimonials
- This Month’s FAQ: Do you have a hot tub?
- Last Word: Final Thought from Nathan & Laura
The Perfect English Spring Vacation!
New dates in May 2025 are now open for exclusive whole cottage group bookings, accommodating up to 6 guests!
May 2nd to May 11th, 2025
Flexible Stay Options: Choose a stay up to the full 9 nights available. Opt for our 7 Night Set Itinerary or customise your stay to match your group’s unique interests and preferences.
Why Visit in May? May brings a burst of spring to Dorset, with blooming flowers and vibrant green landscapes. The weather is usually mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the area’s natural beauty, historic sites, and charming villages surrounding Well Cottage.
What Awaits You: Exclusive Use of Well Cottage: Enjoy complete privacy in our beautifully appointed cottage, featuring modern amenities alongside charming touches that reflect the property’s historic character.
24/7 VIP Personal Service: Co-hosts Laura and Nathan, will ensure every aspect of your stay is meticulously and personally planned, from gourmet dining experiences to personalised itineraries.
Tailored Excursions: Let Nathan, your personal chauffeur, itinerary planner and guide, enjoy a seamless exploration of Dorset and beyond. Visit iconic landmarks like Stonehenge, wander through picturesque villages, enjoy scenic coastal walks or whatever your heart desires.
Gourmet Dining: Savour delicious meals prepared by your personal and friendly chef Laura, using the freshest ingredients, many sourced from our own gardens.
Relaxation and Comfort: Enjoy time by the Snug fire, play games in the living room, or bask in the sun in our lovely gardens. Well Cottage offers diverse spaces for you to unwind and create memories.
Reserve Your May 2025 Stay
Take advantage of this unique chance to secure an exclusive whole cottage booking between May 2nd and May 11th, 2025. With limited availability, these dates won’t last long, so contact us soon to plan your perfect countryside escape!
Other dates still available in 2025:
- July 9th – 19th
- August 1st – 8th
- August 10th – 17th
- September 15th – 22nd
- October 11th – 29th
- November 26th – December 16th
- December 29th – January 5th 2026
To book a no-obligation in-person call, click here!
Last Chance to Book Your Festive Winter
Experience This Year! NOW 20% OFF
Don’t miss your final opportunity to secure a magical winter escape at Well Cottage for Thanksgiving (November 26 to December 3, 2024). or New Year’s (December 29 – January 5).
Let us take care of everything!
This is your chance to enjoy a relaxing, very English, festive winter experience filled with gourmet dining, curated excursions, and 24/7 VIP service.
With Thanksgiving and New Year’s just around the corner, these dates will be snapped up fast! Book now to experience a quintessential English countryside holiday surrounded by charm, comfort, and seasonal cheer.
Explore our current offers and choose the perfect festive experience for you. Whether you prefer a cosy getaway for two or a fun-filled celebration with family and friends, we have the perfect package waiting for you!
Explore all of our current offers – click here!
Inside Look: Laura’s Country Cottage Kitchen
Step into the heart of Well Cottage, where chef Laura works her magic in a spacious, light-filled country kitchen. With its high, beamed ceilings and expansive layout, this kitchen is where delicious meals come to life.
Throughout the day, you’ll find Laura here, crafting exquisite dishes tailored to meet your dietary needs, preferences, and cravings, ensuring every meal is an unforgettable culinary experience.
Before you even arrive, every meal is thoughtfully curated before being included in your stay at Well Cottage. Start your day with a wholesome breakfast, enjoy a delightful lunch, and savour a gourmet three-course dinner in the evening.
And for those days when you’re out exploring the beauty of Dorset, a packed gourmet lunch, lovingly prepared by Laura, will accompany you on your adventures.
Whether it’s breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, a light and refreshing lunch, or an indulgent evening feast, Laura’s kitchen is always buzzing with the sounds and scents of delicious creations. Her kitchen is a welcoming space that embodies the essence of English cottage charm, offering you a true taste of home away from home.
From delicious snacks to the finest beverages, everything at Well Cottage is thoughtfully prepared, reflecting Laura’s passion for good food and exceptional hospitality.
Step into Laura’s kitchen, and you’ll see why it’s not just the heart of Well Cottage, but the heart of your entire English Cottage Vacation experience!
Explore Well Cottage – click here!
Enjoy the Company of Furry Friends During Your Stay!
Did you know that at Well Cottage, we can arrange for the delightful company of dogs during your stay? As a dog boarding option, we can have up to two small to medium-sized dogs staying with us, bringing a little extra joy and warmth to your English countryside escape!
Whether you’re missing your own pets or simply love the idea of having a friendly canine companion to join you on your daily walks, this option offers you the perfect balance. We always check with our guests beforehand to ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement, so you can enjoy the presence of these charming pooches if you’d like – or alternatively opt for a dog-free environment.
Imagine relaxing in the gardens, playing with a furry friend, or taking a stroll through the picturesque countryside with a doggy by your side. It’s just one of the many unique touches we offer to make your stay at Well Cottage feel even more like home!
Announcing Our Extra Special Luxury
Picnic Basket Christmas Hamper Winner!
We are thrilled to announce the lucky winner of our exclusive newsletter subscriber giveaway:
Kathryn Johnston!
Congratulations! You’ve won a beautiful, handcrafted picnic basket for two, perfect for enjoying those tranquil countryside escapes!
But that’s not all – this month’s prize is extra special as it doubles as a luxurious Christmas hamper, packed full of premium English and Dorset goodies to elevate your festive 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. And now, with added seasonal treats, it will enhance your Christmas experience in the most delightful way!
Compact yet practical (L 40cm x W 30cm x H 19cm), it’s the ideal accessory for romantic outings, leisurely afternoons, or a festive gathering at home.
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
- Stainless steel cutlery
- A selection of premium Dorset and English Christmas goodies to add a festive touch
To claim your prize, simply reach out via email, confirm your registered winning email, and provide your delivery address. We can’t wait to hear about the wonderful memories you’ll create with your new picnic and Christmas hamper!
For those still hoping to win, don’t worry – more exciting prizes are coming! We’re offering another chance to win a luxurious Picnic Basket Christmas Hamper in our November edition, so watch this space and make sure to share this with your friends and family so they can sign up for their chance to enter too!
Here’s the link to sign up – share it far and wide!
Featured Excursion: Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey
Experience the splendour of Highclere Castle, the real-life location of the beloved TV series Downton Abbey, and immerse yourself in the elegance of this magnificent English country estate.
While Highclere Castle may be known to millions as the Yorkshire home of the fictional Crawley family, in reality, it is set in Hampshire, surrounded by 5,000 acres of breathtaking countryside designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Less than an 90 minutes drive from Well Cottage through picturesque English countryside, Highclere Estate is more than just a stunning building. It’s a vast and diverse landscape, featuring 2,000 acres of arable farmland, 1,200 acres of rolling parkland designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown, and 1,800 acres of ancient woodland, teeming with wildlife. The estate also includes Highclere Stud, known for breeding thoroughbred racehorses, adding a unique dimension to this captivating destination.
A guided tour through the castle’s grand rooms brings history to life. You’ll walk down the iconic Great Oak Staircase, marvel at the opulent Drawing Room and majestic Library, and step into the elegant Dining Room, all while hearing fascinating stories about both the real-life Carnarvon family, who have called Highclere home for generations, and the filming of Downton Abbey. The knowledgeable guides provide exceptional insight into the castle’s architecture, its priceless collection of art and antiques, and plenty of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the popular series.
Beyond the castle walls, the beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds are a delight in every season. Wander through the Monk’s Garden with its colourful flower beds, explore the serene Wood of Goodwill with its mature trees, or stroll through the fragrant Rose Arbour. Highclere Castle’s grounds offer a tranquil escape, with something new to discover around every corner, whether it’s spring’s blooming flowers, summer’s lush greenery, autumn’s vibrant foliage, or winter’s crisp serenity.
Your excursion to Highclere Castle is effortlessly arranged by English Cottage Vacation. Co-host Nathan, your dedicated chauffeur and guide, will ensure you travel in style and comfort in our executive-class Mercedes, with everything planned to the finest detail. To complete your day, co-host and resident chef Laura will prepare a delicious gourmet picnic basket, filled with fresh, organic treats from the cottage garden. Nathan will then set up a lovely picnic spot with a table and chairs, allowing you to relax and dine amidst the estate’s enchanting surroundings.
Whether you are a Downton Abbey fan or simply eager to explore one of England’s most magnificent country estates, a visit to Highclere Castle is an unforgettable experience that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Travel Tips:
- Time Needed: Half to full day
- Average Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Local Tip from Nathan & Laura: Do not forget to visit the Tutankhamun exhibition in the basement and walk down to the beautiful manicured gardens either side of your house tour.
Stay tuned for next month’s featured excursion: ‘The Newt in Somerset,’ another enchanting English country estate waiting to be discovered!
Explore all of our amazing excursions – click here!
Featured Great British TV: Are You Being Served?
This month, we turn our attention to the iconic British sitcom, Are You Being Served?, a comedy series that has left an indelible mark on British television history. First aired in 1972, this classic show is set in the fictional Grace Brothers department store in London and is renowned for its witty dialogue, unforgettable characters, and satirical take on British class and workplace culture.
Are You Being Served? brings together a delightful cast of quirky characters, each with their own unique traits and comedic nuances. From the outrageously flamboyant Mr Humphries, played by John Inman, to the haughty Mrs Slocombe with her ever-changing hair colour, and the perpetually frustrated Captain Peacock, the show is a masterclass in character-driven comedy. The ensemble cast’s brilliant chemistry created countless laugh-out-loud moments, cementing the series as a firm favourite among viewers both in the UK and abroad.
The humour in Are You Being Served? often revolved around the absurdities of retail life, sharp-witted innuendos, and the hilarious dynamics between staff members as they navigated their daily duties, from handling difficult customers to managing stock mishaps. The show was particularly notable for its use of double entendres and clever wordplay, delivering humour that could be enjoyed on multiple levels.
Running for 10 seasons until 1985, Are You Being Served? became one of the BBC’s most popular sitcoms, attracting millions of viewers. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend the traditional elements of British farce with a modern, cheeky twist. The series also had a significant cultural impact, addressing social themes of the time while providing a light-hearted escape for audiences.
Are You Being Served? continues to entertain new generations of viewers with its timeless humour and endearing characters. Whether you remember it from its original run or are discovering it for the first time, the show offers a delightful slice of vintage British comedy.
And what better place to watch this classic series than during your stay at Well Cottage? Picture yourself in The Snug, relaxing by the fire after a delicious dinner, and sharing a few laughs with fellow guests as you enjoy a nostalgic trip back to the days of Grace Brothers.
Stay tuned for next month’s Featured Great British TV, when we’ll take a closer look at another timeless favourite: Dad’s Army! In the meantime, check out some of the best moments from Are You Being Served? below
Featured British Saying: “Chuffed to Bits”
This month, we explore a quintessentially British expression: “Chuffed to bits.” If you’ve ever heard someone exclaim this phrase, you’ve witnessed a wonderfully colloquial way of saying they’re extremely pleased or delighted!
To be “chuffed” simply means to be happy or satisfied, but when you’re “chuffed to bits,” you’re absolutely over the moon. It’s the perfect phrase for those moments when you’re beaming with joy or thrilled with how something has turned out. From celebrating a small win, like finding the last pack of biscuits in the cupboard, to experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime vacation at Well Cottage, being “chuffed to bits” captures that heartwarming feeling of genuine happiness.
At English Cottage Vacation, we love seeing our guests achieve this status as they explore the beautiful Dorset countryside with Nathan, savour Laura’s gourmet meals, and enjoy the comforts of Well Cottage! Whether you’re discovering hidden gems on a tailored excursion or relaxing with a good book by the fire, we’re here to ensure you leave feeling just that – chuffed to bits!
Featured Recipe: Laura’s Sticky Toffee Pudding
An English Classic!
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
For the pudding
- 225g whole pitted medjool dates
- 100g walnuts roughly chopped
- 175ml boiling water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 175g self-raising flour, plus extra for greasing
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 eggs
- 85g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
- 140g demerara sugar
- 2 tbsp black treacle
- 100ml milk
- cream or custard to serve (optional)
For the toffee sauce
- 175g light muscovado sugar
- 50g butter, cut into pieces
- 225ml double cream
- 1 tbsp black treacle
Method
- Put the dates into a food processor with the boiling water and vanilla extract and pulse until the dates and water are combined but there are still small chunks of dates. Do not blend to a puree. Put to the side for later.
- Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and flour 10-12 mini pudding tins and sit them on a baking sheet.
- Mix the flour and bicarbonate of soda together and beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and demerara sugar together in a large bowl for a few mins until slightly creamy (the mixture will be grainy from the sugar). Add the eggs a little at a time, beating well between each time.
- Beat in the black treacle (molasses) then, using a large metal spoon, gently fold in one-third of the flour and bicarbonate of soda mix, then half of the milk, being careful not to overbeat. Repeat until all the flour mix and all the milk is used.
- Stir the soaked dates into the pudding batter. The mix may look a little curdled at this point and will be like a soft, thick batter.
- Stir in the walnuts.
- Spoon it evenly between the tins and bake for 20-25 mins, until risen and firm.
- Meanwhile, put the sugar and butter in a medium saucepan with half the double cream.
- Bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring all the time, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Stir in 1 tbsp black treacle, turn up the heat slightly and let the mixture bubble away for 2-3 mins until it is a rich toffee colour, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn. Mix in the rest of the cream.
- Remove the puddings from the oven. Leave in the tins for a few mins, then loosen them well from the sides of the tins with a small palette knife before turning them out.
- Serve them hot and drizzle the sauce over the pudding, completely coating it.
- Serve them on their own, or with cream or custard.
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
Frequently Asked Question: Do You Have A Hot Tub?
No, but you can request one for during your stay and we’ll make it happen (subject to availability)!
To view our other Frequently Asked Questions, click here!
Our Final Thought…
“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”
As we reflect on these wise words from the late, great Douglas Adams, we are reminded of the heart and soul of what we aim to provide here at English Cottage Vacation.
We believe that true hospitality goes beyond the enchantment of a beautiful location or the comforts of luxurious accommodation. It’s about those intangible elements – sincerity, integrity, and a genuine passion for making every guest feel uniquely special.
Every day at Well Cottage, we are inspired to add that little extra to each moment, whether it’s a thoughtful detail in your room, a personalised excursion through the Dorset countryside, or a delicious meal lovingly prepared by Laura in her kitchen. These are the things that cannot be measured in monetary terms but leave lasting memories.
We are confident that during your stay, you will feel the warmth of this dedication in everything we do. Until then, may your days be filled with meaningful moments and heartfelt connections that bring joy and comfort, wherever you may be.
With warmest regards,
Laura & Nathan
