Well Cottage

Stay in a traditional yet luxuriously modernised, 18th-century English thatched cottage, complemented by its stunning surroundings
you’ll truly feel like you are in a romantic British movie, experiencing England in the best, most authentic way possible…

Take A Video Tour Of Our Cottage

Welcome

Our traditional thatched cottage is named after the working well in the front garden, which can be seen from the quiet lane on which the cottage is found.

Well Cottage is perfectly situated in the middle of the beautiful English countryside of Dorset, completely private and exclusive to you and your group of up to six people.

We purchased the cottage with one goal: to provide space, ambience, luxury, convenience, and an authentic English experience.

The History

Our traditional thatched cottage is named after the working well in the front garden, which can be seen from the quiet lane on which the cottage is found.Our cottage has historically always been a comforting place that has hosted many. The well and the original part of the house, ‘the heart’, was originally a drovers’ cottage, designed to provide a place to rest and eat for tradesmen delivering goods by horse and cart to London.

It has since been expanded over the years but still retains many of its original features, including its thatched roof, inglenook fireplace and bread oven.

The Area

Well Cottage is located in a tiny hamlet called Bedchester, which falls under the civil parish of Fontmell Magna in the north Dorset countryside.

The cottage is surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful woodland, fields and farmland, historical ruins and hamlets. It borders the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so this is the most perfect place for exploring, hiking, cycling and enjoying British countryside views and picnics.

Relax and unwind

Luxury Bedrooms

Feel at home in one of three serene bedrooms during your stay here with us in Dorset. Each bedroom has been lovingly decorated with their own character and charm, for your utmost comfort.

The Snug


Well Cottage features three beautiful reception rooms, and the Snug is perhaps the most charming of them all. As the original heart of the cottage, this cozy space showcases a magnificent inglenook fireplace with a real open fire, often lit on cooler evenings to create the perfect atmosphere.

The Snug is designed for relaxation and connection. It’s an inviting place to share special moments with family or friends, lose yourself in a favorite book by the fire, or enjoy a quiet after-dinner drink while wrapped in warmth and comfort.

With its historic character and timeless English cottage charm, the Snug is a guest favorite at English Cottage Vacation—a room that feels as cozy as it is unforgettable.

The Living Room

Classy yet cosy, the living room serves as your ultimate multi-purpose sanctuary. This versatile space seamlessly transforms to meet every mood and moment of your stay.

Games & Entertainment Hub
Perfect for family game nights, children’s activities, or settling in to watch a movie together in front of the inglenook fireplace. The comfortable seating and warm atmosphere create the ideal setting for quality time with loved ones.

Relaxation Retreat
Unwind in elegant comfort with a good book, enjoy quiet conversation, or simply savour the peaceful ambience after a day exploring the Dorset countryside.

Tranquil Spa Setting
This serene space doubles as our therapy room, where professional spa treatments take place in complete privacy. The calming atmosphere and soft lighting create the perfect environment for your rejuvenating treatments.

Come together

Dining experiences

Enjoy flexible dining spaces designed to suit every mood and season. From cosy indoor Garden Room dining to relaxed al fresco meals on our patio or courtyard, each setting offers its own ambience.

The Kitchen

Throughout the day you will find chef Laura in her incredible kitchen. Laura will cater to dietary requirements, food preferences and cravings, ensuring your culinary experience is like no other.

All food and beverages at Well Cottage are included. You’ll also enjoy the traditional English ‘dining out’ experience, with one meal away from the cottage included in your stay.*

Each day you will be served breakfast, lunch and a three-course evening meal, plus snacks and beverages. A gourmet packed lunch is included for your excursion days away from the cottage.

The Garden

Soak up the English sunshine with a Pimms or G&T while enjoying the splendor of nature in the garden. With a perfectly tended lawn and beautiful plants and hedges to admire, this is as far as you need to go to enjoy the best of the British outdoors if you so desire!

We have a lots of outdoor games for all the family fun and comfy seating areas to enjoy English barbecues and sunset cocktails.
Read more about lazy days spent at Well Cottage.

With years of experience in luxury hospitality, this is the only vacation experience of its kind across all of England with personal hosts catering specifically to you throughout your entire stay.

Q. What is the cottage like inside?

A. Well Cottage is a beautifully appointed luxury accommodation that seamlessly blends traditional English charm with modern comfort and elegance. Every detail has been carefully considered to create an atmosphere of refined sophistication while maintaining the warmth and character of a countryside retreat.

The interior features thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage both gathering and privacy. From the moment you step inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by quality furnishings, tasteful decor, and all the amenities expected of a five-star experience.

The cottage exudes a sense of timeless elegance—think exposed beams, quality textiles, curated artwork, and finishing touches that reflect Nathan and Laura’s impeccable attention to detail. It feels like staying in a meticulously maintained English country home, where every room has been designed for your comfort and enjoyment.

For a comprehensive virtual tour and detailed photographs of each room, please visit our Cottage page on the website.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms are there?

Well Cottage features three bedrooms, each accommodating two guests per bedroom and each with its own private bathroom.

Bedroom 1 – The largest bedroom with a king-size bed and en-suite featuring shower, toilet, and basin
Bedroom 2 – Queen-size bed with en-suite bathroom featuring shower, toilet, and basin vanity unit
Bedroom 3 – Queen-size bed (or can be configured as two single beds upon request) with adjoining bathroom featuring bathtub with shower over bath, sink with vanity, and toilet

All bedrooms offer ample storage and are extremely comfortable, furnished with luxurious bed linens, plush towels, and premium amenities. Whether you’re traveling as couples, families, or a group of friends, each bedroom provides exceptional comfort and complete privacy.

You can find a full list of amenities as well as photographs of the bedrooms on our Cottage page.

Does the cottage have air conditioning?

Well Cottage does not have traditional air conditioning, which is typical of historic English cottages and generally unnecessary in the mild English climate.

However, the cottage is equipped with modern heating systems to ensure comfort during cooler months, and the thick stone walls of the 18th-century structure naturally keep the interior cool during warmer weather. Each bedroom has a portable fan for warmer evenings, which is all that is necessary.
England’s temperate climate means that summer temperatures rarely reach levels requiring air conditioning, and the cottage’s traditional construction provides natural temperature regulation. The cottage itself has many doors and windows that can be opened during unusually hot periods.

Do you provide Wi-Fi, TV, or modern amenities?

Yes, Well Cottage is equipped with modern amenities while maintaining its traditional charm.

Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the cottage, allowing you to stay connected, stream content, work remotely if needed, or share your English countryside experience with friends and family back home.

Television & Entertainment: Televisions are provided in every bedroom and in the living room (also known as the TV room), featuring streaming capabilities for relaxing movie nights or catching up on your favorite shows. We also provide a selection of board games, books, puzzles, and other entertainment options for those seeking screen-free relaxation.

UK Mobile Phones: We provide a UK mobile phone (cell phone) for each bedroom. These are available for use when you’re out and about or should you need to make any telephone calls within the UK during your stay.

Modern Conveniences:
USB and USB-C charging ports throughout the cottage
Coffee station for your convenience (Nathan and Laura are always happy to help provide drinks upon request)
Hollywood-style light-up mirrors with built-in Bluetooth speakers in every bedroom
Heating systems that can be adjusted to individual needs—some people run colder, some run hotter
Fans for warmer periods
Adapters available should they be needed

Important Note: If you’re bringing personal appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners, these should be dual voltage capable, as the UK operates on a different voltage than North America.

We understand that while you’re here to experience the tranquility of the English countryside, staying connected and comfortable with modern conveniences enhances rather than detracts from your experience. The cottage seamlessly blends 18th-century character with 21st-century comfort.

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