By a lake, enclosed by woodland - a contemporary house and barn, full of handmade furniture – laze in a hammock, walk the Jurassic Coast
2 places
Sleeping from 4 – 6
Children welcome
Pets welcome
The Experience
Folk with a yen for a country escape close to the coast, and a taste for James Verner’s modern rustic design style will love the Wellhouse and next door Wellhayes Barn.
Light pours through tall windows into the house’s striking open-plan living space, with massive wood-burner. James’ furniture, and interesting art are dotted about. The barn is just as bright and lovely, with a wheelchair-friendly downstairs bedroom, an open-plan living area and an upstairs bedroom with long green views and wood-burner.
Both kitchens have all you need; catering can be arranged if you come as a group and there are excellent restaurants and markets nearby in Lyme Regis, Bridport and Axminster. Take a boat on, or a plunge into, the lake. Wander the woods with red kites overhead; walk to Lyme Regis in under an hour.
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We think you'll love
- Boating, swimming and gazing at the lake
- Feeling nicely tucked away in a peaceful setting
- The imaginative use of wood – and how light floods the buildings
You should know
- The staircase in Wellhayes could be tricky for some
- The approach track is steep and bumpy
- You need the car for shops and restaurants
Essentials
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Oven
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Television
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Barbecue
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Washing machine
- Tennis court
- Microwave oven
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Electricity included
- Dishwasher
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Information
& pricing
Booking information
- Check in
- 4pm
- Check out
- 10am
- Booking restrictions
- Minimum stay: 3 nights, 7 nights in high season. House & barn can be booked together to sleep up to 12.
- Closed
- Never.
- No smoking
- Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
- Owner has pets
- Animals living on the property
- Dogs
Surprise dog treats in the welcome hamper.
A great base for dog walking - explore the footpaths through woods and fields that start and finish at the door.
- Meals
- Restaurants 10-minute walk.
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from £120
- Weekly price
- from £850
- Surcharges
- Extra bed/sofabed available at no charge in Wellhayes Barn.
- 1 Barn for 4
- From £1203 beds3 bedrooms
- 1 House for 6
- From £3574 beds3 bedrooms
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Accommodation
Reviews
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The first and lasting impression is of warmth and light. James’s lovely modern furniture blends well with beautiful antique pieces, quirky headboards, good art and the delicious wood burners in two of the bedrooms. The piece de resistance has to be the gorgeous lake however, for a swim or a gentle row or just to lounge in one of the hammocks with a book. It would be a wonderful place to rent in its entirety for a special occasion
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What a magical place! So tranquil and cosy. Thank you for the delicious welcome goodies. Tried lots of James' recommendations & enjoyed them all. We hope to return one day....
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What a magical find. The location of The Wellhouse is truly magical, as is the home itself. We arrived to a roaring log fire and a food hamper which was a very thoughtful touch. The accommodation could not be better from the spacious bedrooms to the amazing open plan lounge and kitchen area. As a family of four we thoroughly enjoyed the walks from the front door and even spotted wild deer. The close proximity to the coastal towns coupled with the secluded location made this one of our most magical family holidays.
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A wonderful house in an idyllic setting! The bed was one of the most comfortable we've slept in and the woodburner made for a cosy, warm environment while we enjoyed the stunning view through the lovely large glass windows. Highly recommended!
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This is such a stunning place, totally removed from urban living, with everything on site you need to totally relax: beautiful house, grounds, BBQ and your own lake! I love the area, with the hubbub of Lyme regis, but the house is so tranquil to return to. The kids also just love the lake. We will be back. Thankyou.
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Location
The neighbourhood
Contemplating its own lake in quiet countryside, Wellhouse is ten minutes’ drive (45 minutes’ walk) from Lyme Regis: fishing trips from the harbour within the famous cobb; fine food at Hix Oyster and Fish House; fabulous fossils on Monmouth Beach, pubs, independent shops. It’s three miles to the farmshop. 20 minutes’ drive to arty Bridport with its food and vintage markets; eight to Axminster (River Cottage is nearby); London by train two and a half hours; three by road.
Local points of interest from James Verner
- The area is well provided for with restaurants: Hix Oyster and Fish House (Lyme Regis)The Bull Hotel (Bridport)The River cottage Canteen (Axminster)The Seaside Boarding House (Burton Bradstock)
- Wellhayes provides a great place from which to explore the world heritage site of the Jurassic Coast with first class sailing and water sports, mountain and road biking as well as walking merely a stone’s through from the front door.
- Numerous footpaths and bridleways connect to the house to enable one to walk or cycle into the surrounding countryside, Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast.
- Lyme Regis abounds with cafes, galleries and wonderful pubs not to mention the landmark Cobb and its sandy beach which gives fun in buckets and spades! Try fish and chips on the Cobb, or oysters and fizz at Hix.
- Take trip to the wide streets of Bridport for its vibrant open air market (Wed and Sat). Culture abounds at The Arts Centre and The Palace. Slader's Yard at West Bay shows internationally acclaimed art and furniture, the Watch House Cafe serves great food.
- Visit Beer Fisheries for fresh fish straight off the boat, The Marine House Gallery for renowned local artists followed by lunch at the Anchor Inn, also in Beer, which overlooks the beach where the fishing boats are hauled up over the shingle.
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Introducing
James Verner
The friendly Verners and their lurcher live in the Wellhouse and began the restoration and careful development of their chosen corner of rural Dorset in 2013. James grew up in the area and is a designer and furniture maker; his creativity makes their light-filled properties really stand out. They’ve poured energy into landscaping too and there are more plans in the pipeline. When Emma and James vacate the house, helpful housekeeper Kelly is on hand.
Delightful setting and cottage, we were able to relax very quickly. Great welcome basket upon arrival. The cottage is very stylish with some beautiful touches but it is also extremely comfortable and practical and very well planned out. The grounds are so peaceful and pretty it really was a very relaxing place to hang out but is also close enough to be able to explore all the local attractions and beautiful coastal towns and villages nearby. One thing it didn't have is any board games or playing cards which would be a small bonus we felt but easy so take some with you if you know.