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Wellhayes is nestled into the tree covered flanks of the Harcombe Valley looking over a lake and pasture to the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beyond. Feeling entirely remote, and accessed via a bumpy track over a stream, (yet only ten minutes from Axminster or Lyme Regis) the landscape has been formed by centuries of grazing open woodland creating a natural habitat that abound with diverse wildlife. The lake is home to duck, visiting geese, a kingfisher as well as the occasional cormorant and heron. The woodland and grassland provide a home for deer, badger and fox, as well as owls and buzzards.
During the summer a mixed herd of cattle graze the pasture and in the winter a small flock of sheep and goats continue the grazing, maintaining the quality of the unimproved natural grassland, a habitat for such diverse variety of species.
The nearest pub, a free house, is a fifteen-minute walk away, at Raymond's Hill where there is also a well-stocked village shop and post office. A forty five minute walk down the Harcombe Valley into Lyme Regis enables one to explore the town and take advantage of its independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
A great place to stock up with local seasonal produce is Miller’s Farm Shop, four and a half miles to the west on the A35, where one can also find incredible cheese and charcuterie and French wine (the owners visit France every week).
Wellhayes is the perfect place to take advantage of beautiful walking and cycling. The owners have lived in the area all their lives and can advise on some fantastic routes both on and off road. An experienced guide, James is happy to take guests on excursions, taking in the best of the countryside and of course great places to stop for snacks and lunch.
For dog owners, Wellhayes is ideal, situated on a footpath that can be the starting point for a short circular walk around the valley in the morning or something altogether more ambitious.
Throughout the year, the area is host to some world class cultural events: The Bridport Literary Festival, Dorset Art Weeks, Devon and Somerset Open Studios. As a centre of the organic farming movement, food events feature prominently on the annual calendar, The Bridport Food Festival and Food Rocks being two of the most noteworthy. The Green Scythe Fair celebrates organic farming and sustainable living and is of course home of the annual scythe vs. strimmer race (mechanisation has yet to beat a skilfully wielded scythe!). At almost any time of the year your visit is bound to coincide with something on the rich and varied calendar of events, from the Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary (think flaming wooden barrels borne through the crowded streets of the town) to the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week and The Red Arrows.
All the year ‘round, important gardens and homes are open to visitors from Margery Fish’s garden at East Lambrook Manor, to Forde Abbey House and Gardens; a week wouldn’t be long enough to visit them all!
Whatever you plan to do during your stay, it’s well worth contacting James to see what’s going on or what he recommends.
We’re keen for our guests to enjoy this extraordinary part of the world as much as we do, though completely understand their need for privacy. We’re on hand to help them enjoy their stay as much or as little as is necessary.
James grew up in this area of the West Country - where Devon, Dorset and Somerset meet – and loves to help guests explore; whether it’s the immediate area, it’s lanes and footpaths or further afield on the Jurassic Coast or Somerset levels. A passion for history, culture and landscape means that James has tried to find out as much as possible about the area he grew up in and can suggest some of the more interesting places to visit – ones that often are not in any guide book.
A trained cabinet maker, a designer with a passion for specialist finishes, contemporary furniture, interiors and buildings, James renovated and extended the Wellhouse and rescued Wellhayes Barn from near dereliction and converted The Store into a contemporary living space. All three properties showcase James’ distinctive style: a celebration of natural and re-claimed materials, Wabi-Sabi and the Modern Rustic, combined with an intelligent use of texture, proportion and space.
Both James and Emma love working on the land around Wellhayes. Every year improvements are made, to the lake, the hedgerows and the garden. They take enormous pleasure from being able to share this with their guests.

There is ample parking at Wellhayes which is under a mile from the A35 and just under 3 hours from London by car. Axminster (3 miles) is well served by the mainline rail service from London Waterloo (2½ hours) and Exeter International Airport is just ½ hour away.