English Cottage Vacation - Shaftesbury

donnadW7148EI

Laura and Nathan are perfect hosts, making their darling cottage feel like home. Ever need is anticipated perfectly. Your dining experience will be delightful and Nathan's skills as a guide are very good. I'd been to two of the towns before and learned so much more than my first trip. It was a trip that will be hard to beat!

Donna D.

Laura and Nathan are extremely talented and warm hosts. I've been staying in bed and breakfast style lodging since the early 80's and have never had hosts anticipate my desires so thoroughly. By day 3 most of us were referring to the cottage as "home"!

X3095TBemilyb

Truly the trip of a lifetime! Nathan and Laura helped us tailor an itinerary that met both of our interests, and even found a museum guide with expertise for a personal tour in a very unique area. The Cottage is lovely, super- comfortable, and our every need was met, including fabulous food from Chef Laura, who also made wonderful gluten-free cuisine. Nathan was a fabulous driver and tour guide. We can’t recommend them enough, and can't wait to go back.

X5942DDelizabethg

Reading all the positive reviews about the English Cottage Vacation it seems too good to be true. However, It is true! Laura and Nathan are amazing hosts! They were professional from day one on planning our trip. They listened to us and helped to create the perfect experience for our 6 person family.|They took care and effort in all facets of the trip. From booking events in advance so we had tickets (a must for Stonehenge), to driving all over the countryside with care and efficiency. Nathan was the perfect Guide and facilitated every need.|The cooking was amazing. The meals were well prepared and beautiful to look at. The ambiance Laura created was stellar. I cannot praise her enough. She even allowed my teenage daughter to cook with her to pick up on some tips from an experienced professional chef.|The cottage is as advertised. Comfortable and full of all needed amenities. It is tucked away into a small village with hedge lined roads and fields for days. The garden is what you would picture when thinking of an English garden.|Overall we would give them more stars if we could. We are looking forward to our next visit at the English Cottage Vacation.

natalie G.

Our week with English Cottage Vacations was a truly delightful experience.

Hosts Nathan and Laura have curated an experience that allows guests to immerse in the English countryside, while relieving guests of the burdens of decision-making that travel often entails.

Each day of the stay was planned to give guests a glimpse into the history, culture and picturesque beauty of the Dorset region. Nathan is the tour guide, chauffeur, and picnic host. On the daily excursions, we visited two to three different gems of the region, and at each location, we had plenty of time to explore and engage.

Chef Laura prepared scrumptious breakfasts to start the day, and packed personalized lunches for our afternoon picnics. After each exciting day out and about, Laura welcomed us back to the cottage with snacks and drinks, and we took time to enjoy the cottage’s garden and snug to relax and reminisce on the day’s adventure.

In the evening, dinner began with a visually stunning tablescape, matching the vibe of the menu to come. Chef Laura tailored her menus to incorporate traditional English fare with more modern dishes, and she accommodated each diner’s dietary needs and wants.

Each aspect of the trip and the cottage itself has been crafted with the guests’ comfort and enjoyment in mind. The van is spacious and rides smoothly. The common spaces in the cottage (snug, garden room, gardens, etc.) are cozy and plush, inviting guests to sit a while. Our bedroom (the beehive room) was spacious, inviting and comfortable. But what made our time at Well Cottage truly exceptional was Nathan and Laura’s hospitable nature, their ability to anticipate guests needs and interests, and their sense of pride in sharing their very special part of the world with others.

English Cottage Vacations, notably Nathan and Laura’s approach to hospitality, provided a travel experience unlike any other.

840carlaw

If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. We loved every second, from the moment Nathan picked us up in the luxury vehicle, to the moment he dropped us off at Heathrow airport. |Food: NEXT level! Everything Laura made was absolutely fantastic. Whenever we were out and about, we had a picnic lunch and we looked forward to seeing what delicious treasures Laura had packed for us. The table settings was different for every dinner and so beautiful. The wine and cocktails were also fantastic.|Hosts: Laura and Nathan are the perfect hosts. They are so friendly, and helpful. Nathan went out of his way to ensure that my mom could still participate in all activities even if she wasn't biking or hiking with us. Over the week we were there, we had alot of laughs; we were sad to leave.|The cottage: Perfect little countryside cottage; so beautiful and picturesque with many opportunities to walk and explore the area|Excursions: We were able to do all of the things we wanted to do, and it was such a treat to have this all organized for us. Also, another shout out to the picnic lunches.||We can't say enough about English Cottage Vacations and the wonderful experience we had, and we can't wait to go back!

Deborah G.

Nathan and Laura have created a luxurious English cottage complete with beautiful gardens amazing food and drink comfortable rooms and well planned excursions. The pace of each day was perfect, leaving the cottage after a scrumptious breakfast to enjoy all the countryside has to offer, ruins castles small villages and a picnic lunch. We would return to a wonderful cocktail hour and then a gourmet three course dinner. The area was peaceful and many times we would take a walk before dinner to work off all that delicious food. Our hosts spoiled us completely, it was hard to leave.

Carla

We visited Well Cottage in June with our family and it was easily one of the best vacations we have ever had. From the moment Nathan picked us up in the luxury vehicle, to the moment he dropped us off at Heathrow airport, we were completely spoiled. Nathan and Laura are outstanding hosts! They take so much time and effort to get to know their guests, and everything is done for you. Laura is an incredible cook, and every day that we had a picnic lunch, we were excited to unveil the little delectable treasures she had packed for us that day. The cottage is absolutely lovely, so quaint yet modern and every evening, we enjoyed experiencing the stunning garden and walking through the lovely country side. I cannot say enough good things about English Cottage Vacations, and I look forward to going back.