Welcome to our June 2025 newsletter (week 1) – your very first weekly escape to the English countryside with Nathan and Laura!
Think of this as your cosy little check-in from Well Cottage – a quick dip into what’s new, what’s coming up, and what’s making us smile.
This week: the secret behind Laura and Nathan’s signature hosting style, a surprise new itinerary just for returning guests, and the story of the pooch who swam to Brownsea Island (yes, really!).
Plus, don’t miss our picnic basket giveaway and Laura’s delicious recipe collection…
Let’s dive in (like Amber the Adventurous Golden Retriever)!
The art of invisible hosting: Laura & Nathan’s signature style
At English Cottage Vacation, luxury isn’t just what you see – it’s what you don’t. Laura and Nathan’s quietly groundbreaking approach to hosting combines attentiveness with invisibility, presence with privacy. Always near, never in the way.
Drawing on their background crewing luxury yachts, they’ve brought the same seamless service ashore to Well Cottage. Guests know Laura and Nathan live on-site, yet are often surprised at how discreet and peaceful the experience feels. Their private quarters are tucked away downstairs, while the guest bedrooms sit quietly above – with the kitchen thoughtfully positioned far enough from sleeping areas that morning preparations remain blissfully undetectable.
Experience this 24/7 VIP service – reach out now!
What sets them apart most is how intuitively they tailor their presence to each group. Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, your needs are quietly met without ever having to ask. Need a little space to unwind? They’ll vanish into the background. Fancy a drink, a lift into town, or a local recommendation? They’ll appear before you’ve finished the thought.
Their unique model has earned rave reviews and recognition – including Gold at the Dorset Tourism Awards and Bronze at the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. Guests repeatedly highlight the warmth, comfort, and personalised care they receive – especially those travelling later in life who value the 24/7 support and reassurance that live-in hosts provide.
Curious why so many guests instantly feel at home at Well Cottage? Discover the full story behind Laura and Nathan’s quietly extraordinary way of hosting.
Read the full blog post – click here
Exciting itinerary update: We now have
THREE new experiences to share!
Last month, we teased two brand-new itineraries designed with specific passions in mind – but we’ve been keeping one more under wraps…
We’re thrilled to officially announce a third new offering for 2026:
Sightseeing Set Itinerary #2 – created especially for returning guests who’ve already enjoyed our original Shared Cottage Sightseeing Experience and are ready for more.
The first available date for this new itinerary will be:
19 – 26 August 2026
This means we now offer seven thoughtfully curated itineraries, plus our Flagship Fully Tailor-Made Whole Cottage Experience, giving you more ways than ever to enjoy your dream stay:
- Gardens of England (NEW)
- WWII Heritage Journey (NEW)
- Sightseeing Set Itinerary #1
- Sightseeing Set Itinerary #2 (NEW)
- Walking & Hiking
- Families with Young Children
- Festive Winter Experience
All three of our latest 7-night itineraries – Gardens, WWII, and Sightseeing #2 – will be available online soon, but as a newsletter subscriber, you have exclusive early access. Reach out now and we’ll personally share all the details so you can reserve your place before dates go public!
Reach out now for exclusive details
Thinking about enjoying an English Cottage
Vacation in 2026? So is everyone else!
Our 2026 calendar is filling up fast – and we don’t want you to miss out on your perfect dates.
If you’re dreaming of a luxurious, tailor-made, all-inclusive British countryside escape with gourmet dining, hand-picked excursions and total tranquillity, now’s the time to secure your spot.
Booking is super simple:
- For holidays 6 to 18 months away, we require just a 25% deposit to confirm your dates
- For bookings further ahead – including early 2027, which is already seeing a lot of interest – you can reserve with just $1,000 USD / $1,300 CAD
You can book your dates now and then finalise the details of your dream English Cottage Vacation later.
Dates are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! View our calendar and enquire today to avoid disappointment:
The great doggy escape
(or: How to holiday like a retriever)
Amber, a newly fostered retriever cross (pictured), clearly fancied a seaside getaway. Just one day into her new home, she legged it – and by “legged it” we mean embarked on a 36-day, 100-mile solo trek across Hampshire and Dorset!
The highlight? A swim across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island, where she apparently took in the sights and snacks for four days before attempting the return journey. A passing ferry crew spotted her mid-crossing (they thought she was a seal) and pulled her aboard.
She’s now safe, sound… and probably planning her next escape.
Next week, we’ll feature beautiful Brownsea Island (one of our many fabulous excursions) – though we strongly recommend the ferry over freestyle!
Featured Video: A Sunny Stroll to The Fontmell
There’s something wonderfully restorative about a country walk, good company, and a perfectly poured pint at the local.
Our featured video takes you through the village lanes on a sunny Saturday to our beloved pub, The Fontmell. Many a guest has enjoyed a pint or two in this charming and friendly traditional British pub.
The pretty homes next door you see in the video were once part of Crown Brewery, founded in 1780. Originally run by the Flowers family – a name well known in brewing circles – it was later acquired by the Sibeth brothers of Fontmell Magna. Brewing ceased in 1904, when the business was sold (along with 19 pubs!) for £25,410. Those pubs were soon snapped up by the likes of Hall & Woodhouse, Baxter & Sons, and Marston’s Dolphin Brewery.
The brewery building still stands today, now converted into homes – and even listed in The Noted Breweries of Great Britain and Ireland by Alfred Barnard (1890). A quiet slice of brewing history, just a stone’s throw from Well Cottage.
Take a look – and imagine yourself here…
Bring a taste of Well Cottage to your own kitchen
Laura’s instantly downloadable recipe book is brimming with over 80 cherished dishes – from her signature bakes to scrumptious lunches and indulgent dinners.
Each easy recipe is crafted with care, flavour, and a generous helping of Dorset charm.
Whether you’re reliving your stay or dreaming of one, this is your invitation to cook the Well Cottage way – all for just £30.
A perfect treat for yourself, or a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys fine dining in the comfort of home.
“Other experiences pale in comparison…”
(and more kind words from our recent guests)
Hosting at Well Cottage is something we pour our hearts into, so it means the world when guests take the time to share their experience. From Laura’s kitchen to Nathan’s guided excursions through the countryside, we’re so pleased these lovely guests found joy in all the little touches we love to provide!
“Country quiet
We’ve never taken an all Inclusive vacay like this. We didn’t have to concern ourselves with transportation to and from Well Cottage. All the meals out were covered as well as the tickets for various locations. There was even a welcome basket filled with local goodies and bath items.
Laura is a top notch gourmet cook and even the table was beautifully decorated at each meal. Nathan is a knowledgeable, thoughtful tour guide who loves where he lives and enjoys sharing it with others.
The bedroom was charmingly designed and they were sure to make up our beds nightly. My husband especially enjoyed the ‘snug’; sitting by the fire, reading and having sherry. Nathan also served as personal bartender. The garden is inviting and peaceful.
We’re still talking about it and are glad that we chose them to experience the English countryside. Other experiences pale in comparison to our time at Well Cottage. It was well worth it.” – June K, TripAdvisor, April 2025
Have you been a guest of ours? We’d be so grateful if you can share your experiences on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews too! Also be sure to check out the testimonials featured on our website!
Be in to win a luxury picnic basket
– just stay subscribed
At the end of the month, one lucky reader will receive a beautifully crafted picnic hamper – made from steamed willow with leather straps and filled with countryside essentials: fine china plates, wine glasses, a tartan blanket, and more.
Perfect for lazy afternoons, romantic rambles and scenic lunches under the trees.
Share our newsletter sign-up link with family and friends so they can be entered in the draw too – click here!
Essential information: Making your dream stay effortless
Planning your perfect English Cottage Vacation is as seamless as the experience itself. From booking and payment to designing your tailor-made itinerary, here are some key links to show you just how effortless our process is:
Your Tailor-Made Itinerary, Discovery Process
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Come and join our growing community on Facebook, where we share updates from the cottage, seasonal snapshots, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in Dorset.
