Our Google Reviews
While we had visited England before, this was our first visit to Dorset. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience staying at Well Cottage. No detail was overlooked. The cottage is cozy but spacious, and the garden is beautiful and perfect for lounging or birdwatching. Laura is an amazing chef. She was able to create delicious meals with our differing tastes and my dietary restrictions. We did a bespoke package and Nathan organized an itinerary for us that incorporated our planned requests as well as seamlessly incorporating a couple of “oh while we’re here can we” requests. Nathan and Laura are the perfect hosts and are great company. They made sure our vacation was truly memorable.
An English Fairytale VacationI am an Anglophile…and an art historian with a focus on English art and architecture. Over the past forty years, I have traveled to England 24 times for both my profession as an academic museum curator and on vacation. England is the place I most love in all the world.In the spring of 2022 I was getting ready to retire from my university professorship when I ran across an advertisement in a magazine I take called Britain. It was for English Cottage Vacation. I was immediately intrigued with the information presented and began an email correspondence with you. I was so very pleased when as a single person I was able to join four other like-minded folks at Well Cottage from June 2 through 10, 2023.I chose the set itinerary because of the unique offerings of private tours and inclusions offered. Even though I had been to Highclere, Bath and Stonehenge before, the private tours provided by you far surpassed my earlier visits. The special guidance from Nathan offered during his marvelous drives around were a real highlight. An evening private tour if Stonehenge walking among the stones was amazing. The walking tour of Bath with an expert guide fulfilled all of my hopes for this visit. I discovered many places I wouldn’t have sought out on my own…this was especially true for the Jurassic Coast and Lulworth Cove.The quaint but luxurious cottage offered the lodging and comfort of a top hotel. The cuisine was beyond comparison and full of delightful and delicious surprises Laura included in all of her delectable creations.This week was truly an exceptional experience and exceeded all my expectations. Being privately ferried to all the sites in a luxurious vehicle, staying in one place without having to uproot every day or so and most of all the marvelous company of Laura and Nathan made this trip the highlight of all my England adventures.I have organized and accompanied tours to England but this experience was far and away the tops! Even the VIP reception at the American Embassy when the exhibition I curated (Victorian Fairy Painting) opened at the Royal Academy in 1997 pales in comparison.Sincerely,Pamela White
We have always enjoyed our several visits to England, but we never found something as delightful as our experience with Nathan and Laura. Nathan's knowledge of the beautiful Dorset countryside enriched our vacation experience. His answers to our many questions about birds, animals, historic sites, and English history added much to our enjoyment--plus he's a safe driver on narrow country roads. Laura's meals are amazing. Her table decorations, presentation, and variety are exceptional; however, the taste is out of this world. Let's not forget the wine. Laura and Nathan provide excellent choices for lunch and dinner. If you want the best possible English vacation, book a stay at English Cottage Vacation.
I just filled out the private survey that Nathan and Laura send to their guests after your stay. I literally could not think of one single thing they could have done better. I appreciate they're always striving to improve, but everything about our stay was perfect. On top of everything else they already do, they made our engagement at Highclere Castle perfect and Laura did a phenomenal job of decorating the cottage for our return and made an amazing dinner with an incredible cake. If you want an authentic trip to England and want to see the amazing countryside, villages and sights you just need to get to Heathrow. They take care of every possible detail from there.
I can't say enough good things about our stay at the English Cottage Vacations. Truly the most amazing way to experience England! Nathan and Laura are the perfect hosts. The food, cozy environment, and the hospitality were off the charts!!!! They take care of every detail, which eliminates all the stress of travelling abroad. Having your own personal driver and chef along with arrangements being made for each of our day trips made the trip so enjoyable. Nathan and Laura go above and beyond to make sure you experience the best England has to offer. We got to see things that only the locals know about. We didn't have to fight our way through crowds because they know all the secrets! They arrange for private yacht tours, private walking tours, and even the royal treatment at Highclere Castle when we got engaged during our stay. This was my very first time traveling abroad and I fell in love with the cottage, the country side and most of all our hosts Nathan and Laura! I would give them 100 stars, but I guess 5 stars will have to do!
Nathan and Laura work together to provide an incomparable and memorable week in the English countryside. This all-inclusive vacation feels like a visit with friends who share their charming cottage while acting as your chauffeur/butler and chef/housekeeper. Cottage rooms and gardens are lovely. Laura is a gourmet cook who prepares meals to meet guest preferences (provided in advance), and plates and services them beautifully. Nathan acts as chauffeur to take guides on outings (planned in advance with guest input) and makes the experiences seamless by making reservations and payments in advance. When returning home for lunch is inconvenient, Laura prepares a picnic lunch which Nathan sets up and serves in a beautiful setting. Travel is in a comfortable 8 passenger Mercedes van with Nathan pointing out sights and stopping for photo opportunities. The countryside offers castles, mansions with beautiful gardens, ancient ruins, Stonehenge, and lovely villages. The Jurassic coast is nearby and a power yacht cruise to see this area was a special treat. Pampering of guests even included bringing in two masseuses to provide massages on a quiet afternoon. Our group of six women are still raving about this experience!
The week I spent at Well Cottage cannot be compared to any other holiday I have ever taken. Laura and Nathan's hospitality surpassed anything I had previously experienced or expected from this trip. From my extremely comfortable bed, to the exquisite gourmet meals (picnics included), to our daily adventures, it all was superb. I was very sad when our week ended; a return visit is definitely called for.
The stay was fantastic, the lodging - quite comfortable, the food - out of this world, riding was very comfortable, the pace of the outings were on point. Nathan and Laura are very gracious and accommodating, sharing their love of region and country.If you can - just GO to their English Cottage, you will not be disappointed. Watch out for the blackberries and hedge warnings! 🙂
Tucked in the English countryside and the rolling hills and farmlands of Bedchester, Well Cottage is first class all the way! From the airport greeting and daily tours by Nathan to the awesome food by Laura, you will feel welcome in their home every day that you are there and likely wish you had booked extra time for your stay! The local area is full of history ready to visit from Stonehenge to the Jurassic Coast to more castles and stately mansions than there is time to explore. The accommodations are top rate and comfortable and the hospitality is unmatched!
Our English Cottage Vacation at Well Cottage truly exceeded our expectations in every way. Boy, did Nathan and Laura spoil us! We have stayed at five star Relais Chateaux before, but our week in the idyllic English countryside at Well Cottage with Nathan and Laura took the meaning of luxury and service to another level. They are consummate professionals who tended to our every need and want with good humor and smiles. Laura's gourmet cooking was always amazing. I don't know how she always pulled these meals off with such elegance in not only the food, but the artistry of the table settings themselves. Nathan's selection of wine was always spot on. Every meal was a scrumptious gastronomic feast for both the stomach and the eyes! Their yard was beautiful, and just relaxing in it was a lovely part of the whole week. There are so many places in it to sit, relax, read, watch/name the birds (Nathan's specialty!)We found ourselves exhaling our stress as soon as we got to the cottage. As hosts, Nathan and Laura are very skilled at being around when something is needed, and not being around when they sense you are just relaxing. Everything they do for you is done with caring and wanting to make sure you have everything to make your week warm, fuzzy, and luxurious! Our week at Well Cottage was tailor made to suit what we wanted to see and do. It was a magical combination of Nathan's chauffeuring us to sites we wanted to visit, Laura's elegant meals and picnics, watching the gorgeous sunset at Cranborne Chase, walking around the road and paths by the cottage, relaxing with a drink, bugging Laura while she is cooking (she was always welcoming to this!). We absolutely loved our stay at Well Cottage, and we can't thank Nathan and Laura enough for making our stay so special. It was truly much more than we had every hoped or thought it would be in every single way. Thank you to our new friends, Nathan and Laura, and for your talents in making Well Cottage the very special place it is. I am hoping Well Cottage will be in our future again.Judith K
Our family vacation (3 generations) at Well Cottage was fabulous. Well Cottage is a perfect example of a true English thatched cottage. Its location out in the countryside and its gardens invite one to relax after being out exploring. Nathan chauffeurs the Mercedes van expertly around the country lanes.Nathan and Laura pampered us and could not do enough for our relaxation and enjoyment.The gardens planted by Laura and her mother are watered by Nathan, they produce the huge variety of vegetables used by Laura in her culinary arts and to decorate the cottage rooms and tables. Chef Laura is outstanding. Each dinner had a theme with the table settings complimenting the cuisine. The meals were delicious and enjoyed by all our family. Our youngest member (10yrs.) enjoyed all the gourmet cuisine and gave Laura “two thumbs up” on a daily basis. No “kids menu for him”. Also, we ate elaborate picnic lunches with table, chairs and fine china on several days.From pickup, by Nathan, at the airport to final set down this was an exceptional vacation. Nathan and Laura are gracious hosts who deliver on all their promises.We hope to return.
A week at Well Cottage was a terrific holiday. We have traveled to many parts of the world and, while some adventures have been more exotic, none have surpassed the enjoyment of our vacation with Laura and Nathan. The meals prepared by Laura and the daily sightseeing planned by Nathan were exceptional. They both went above and beyond what we expected! Yes, it is an expensive vacation, but it is worth every penny. Book now, just do it and you will be delighted!!
What a positively awesome trip to the English countryside!Nathan and Laura, we felt so welcomed at Well Cottage. Your exceptional and unceasing attention to detail was extraordinary. Our richly flavorful and lavishly presented meals were a gastronomic delight – and chatting with Laura while she worked her magic in the kitchen was an enjoyable bonus. Our daily sightseeing adventures with Nathan were thoughtfully customized based on our pre-travel communications, and included a number of experiences that were certainly new to us. Who knew that the Shaftesbury Food Festival could be so much fun?!We can’t think of a prior trip where we’ve felt so richly satisfied and fulfilled with our entire experience. You two are exceptional! For anyone looking for a thoroughly relaxing, restorative and satisfying getaway, this is it!
Our Tripadvisor Reviews
benben92308
2023-01-30
The Best Vacation Ever
This trip was one of the best vacations I've ever taken and it was due to the over the top service that our hosts provided. We were met at the airport, driven to Well Cottage and treated like Kings and Queens. Everything was taken care of by our hosts---meals, sightseeing excursions, transport, guide, all entry fees, a pub experience, VIP entrance to Stonehenge, Bath and many other sights. Gourmet meals in the evening, picnics for lunch with table & chairs. It was all inclusive and all there.
Compass739028
2023-01-30
Dream Vacation
A once in a lifetime experience!!! I was worried that this trip description would disappoint, It DID NOT.If you are thinking of visiting, believe me when I tell you that you will experience a trip of a lifetime. The house and grounds were wonderful. The hosts were like family in no time. Your every desire was taken care of. What more can you ask for, wonderful meals and snacks, any drink your heart desires. You don't have to worry about driving, and all the side trips you want to take. I can't wait to return!
diamonddi239
2023-01-30
Absolute Perfection
A once in a lifetime experience. Looking for charm, pampering, gourmet cooking and perfect hosts, The English Cottage Vacation exceeds all expectations. Laura and Nathan have created the perfect retreat to relax, explore and make lasting friendships. This was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. A must on your to do list. You will not be disappointed!!
Jon G
2022-12-28
Delightful cottage and excellent hosts. Highly recommended.
My girlfriend and I enjoyed a lovely stay in Well Cottage. The house is gorgeous- the perfect English cottage in a super charming little village. The kind of place you’d see in a movie. Laura made us some amazing food and we had some great trips out with Nathan. Also excellent walking to be done right out the door- particularly as we had Morgen the dog for company. We could have stayed a lot longer and not run out of things to see and do- both in terms of nearby sites and also amenities offered in the house (still sad I didn’t get to use the karaoke machine). We stayed in the winter (so cozy by the fire)- hope to be back in the summer soon.
Charley H
2022-12-24
Romantic and luxurious
Romantic luxury stay in Bedchester with Nathan Laura and Morgan the dog. They really go the extra mile when it comes to hosting. We saw the Stourhead lights which were amazing and we loved being cost by yhr fire after eating Laura's delicious foodNothing quite like it. Highly recommended.
John H
2022-12-02
Nathan & Laura are the perfect hosts
Luxury accommodation in a remote hamlet in SW England. Dorset is primarily rural, near Stonehenge, Bath, Wells. We passed Stonehenge several times on our trips during the week long stay. Gourmet settings at every meal, and likewise in Nathan's picnic hamper. Yacht ride along the Jurassic coast, and visits to very interesting small villages give you a real feel of the English countryside. Enjoy the on site massage. The hosts aim to please, even to the point of asking your shoe size, so proper Wellies are ready in case of inclement weather. You can't go wrong with Laura & Nathan.
tmaier69
2022-11-07
The most wonderful complete vacation we have had
This is not a hotel and not just a B&B, but a complete vacation as their write-up describes. It is closer to a guided land tour, but considerably better. Imagine that you are wealthy enough to have your own chauffeur to take you anywhere you would like to go, your own chef who would make what you wanted for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea (snack for us), and three course dinner, and maid who straightened up your room every day plus a pleasant thatched roof cottage with a beautiful garden. This is what English Cottage Vacation in Well Cottage provides. Nathan was waiting for us when we came out of security at Heathrow airport. He drove us to Well Cottage and had a picnic lunch, with champagne on the way. We could have stopped at Stonehenge on the way. For a week his wife Laura was our personal chef preparing food we both like and fit the rather strict diet I am on. Our dinners included fillet mignon, lobster thermador, pork tenderloin, smoked salmon-sea bass roullade, fresh poached salmon, crab, shrimp, and scallop in a tomato sauce over linguine, and shepherd pie. Each day Nathan took us on a trip to a place we wanted to visit: Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed, Wells with a professionally guided tour of the city and cathedral, Jurassic Coast (Nathan dropped us off on the coastal trail and picked us up at the end of our walk in Lulworth), Corfe Castle and a ride on a train pulled by the historic and famous Flying Scotsman steam engine. Each day was a relaxing day: we woke up and had breakfast at our time, Nathan took us out on that day’s trip (our choice of the trip from many suggestions from Nathan and Laura), picnic lunch during the day, return in mid to late afternoon to a light snack and a drink of our choice, a chance to relax, then the dinner that we had selected from the many options offered by Laura. We chose mostly seafood - that was our preference. Each dinner was a three course meal, starter, main course, dessert, plus whatever we wanted to drink with the meal. Laura is a wonderful chef and the meals were so good we opted to have dinner every night in the cottage instead of going to a restaurant, for which they would have paid for whatever we wanted at whatever restaurant we wanted. On the last day Nathan drove us to Heathrow airport. Near the end of this vacation we decided this was so wonderful that we signed up for another vacation at Well Cottage in 2023.