The Well House, Southbourne, Bournemouth

Dorset. Sleeps up to 10

The Well House is a detached, Grade II listed property in Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth. Set in half an acre of idyllic gardens a short stroll to miles of magnificent sandy beaches this beautiful home is ideal for a large family or group gathering on the South coast. This is an outstanding, impossible-to-beat location, with award-winning beaches, a nature reserve and a historic town right on the doorstep. Just 100m away, the River Stour has a convenient public slipway from which you can launch SUPs, kayaks and boats quickly and easily on foot. Bournemouth’s Blue Flag beaches are a short walk away, or cycle to the pretty pastel beach huts and the popular Beach House restaurant at Mudeford Spit, a beautiful off-road journey through the 350-acre Hengistbury Head nature reserve, to which The Well House lies directly adjacent. Hop on the Wick Ferry to the glamorous Captains Club Hotel and Restaurant for an afternoon cocktail on the terrace, then walk along the river to the historic market town of Christchurch, which is bustling with boutiques, chic riverside restaurants and cafes. Or, take the larger vintage ferry to Mudeford Harbour where daily boats bring in the freshest of local seafood. A slightly longer drive East takes you to the picturesque New Forest, while West and beyond are the golden dunes and first-class dining at Sandbanks and charming Purbeck villages such as the ancient Corfe Castle. When you’ve had your fill of Nature’s Paradise, The Well House is a wonderful retreat, with ample parking available on the driveway for up to five cars with an extendable hose to wash down SUPs, boards and kayaks. A highlight of the house is its stunning enclosed gardens which extend to half an acre, with its own pond, large lawn, barbecue and patio area with seating, so you can enjoy sitting out in the sunshine with a morning coffee and the children can run around freely and enjoy kicking a ball around the huge lawn. Head inside the property and hang up your coat in the porch, before stepping into the grand hallway, with traditional wooden beams on the ceiling and a seating area, placed around a welcoming woodburning stove. From here, you will discover a spacious, elegant sitting room with plenty of seating for everyone, and with the open log fire, it's the perfect spot to curl up on the sofa with a good book, play games or watch your favourite shows on the TV. A second sitting room with an inviting sofa and armchair leads on from the kitchen and offers an alternative spot to relax in, ideal for younger members of the family to make a space of their own. The garden room offers an additional seating area, overlooking the lawns, a tranquil spot to kick back. The kitchen is well-equipped with granite worktops and integrated appliances to allow you to cook incredible meals, to be enjoyed in the spacious dining room which seats ten. Or, if you just want a quick snack, you can sit at the breakfast bar which can be easily turned around to seat six. There is a utility area next to the kitchen with its own entrance, ideal for taking off wet, sandy clothes and shoes after morning river activities and afternoons on the beach. Upstairs are five spacious bedrooms; an extensive master bedroom with a super-king-size bed and en-suite bath and separate shower, a large double with king-size bed and sink, two further double bedrooms, one of which offers an en-suite shower and basin, along with a bunk bedroom, served by the family bathroom. Southbourne, the nearest town, offers a range of independent shops and boutiques, along with a Post Office, gift shops and cafés. While just across the River Stour is Christchurch, with charming shops and excellent restaurants, 11th-century castle ruins, and a pretty quayside that's perfect for an afternoon stroll. Southbourne Beach is a stunning, Blue Flag sandy beach that is popular with families but quieter than the bustling beaches of Bournemouth. Mudeford Spit makes an excellent alternative, with its breath-taking golden sand beach and colourful huts. Visit the excitement of Bournemouth, with miles of sandy beaches, along with a pier, boat trips and stunning gardens, it will keep the whole family entertained for the day. Further afield is Poole and its magnificent harbour, along with Brownsea Island, Weymouth and Swanage, while the New Forest is fantastic for walkers and cyclists wanting to discover woodlands, wild open moors and dramatic cliff tops. The Well House offers so much for the whole family to see and do, right from the doorstep, making it an unforgettable holiday on the South coast.