The beautiful Wellie Stern, re imagined by Sara Blonstein, is set right in the port and beaches of Old Harwich, a fascinating costal enclave with history pouring out of its forgotten streets, inns and houses. The Mayflower set sail here and Samuel Pepys was a constant visitor.
This unique residence built in 1760 came to full prominence, when Nelson based his navy in Harwich, making The Wellie the heart of naval, Georgian downtime…becoming the dancefloor, drinking den and House of disrepute.
The space
It is rumoured Nelson spent the night at the Wellie with Lady Hamilton.
We have lovingly restored this little piece of history in this sleepy port right next to authentic, quiet beaches and nature reserves, to become a completely original, eclectic, luxurious, ultra -comfy 4 bedroom property with its own private courtyard. Welcome to the undiscovered east Anglian coast and surrounding unique old England countryside.
Hidden behind a little black gate, you enter The Wellie via the original blue glass cobbled courtyard (this denoted a naval town 200 years ago), which feels somehow Italian with its numerous pots and jasmine. The house is clad in traditional black weatherboard adding to the feeling of leaving the modern world behind.
Once you enter the main space you immediately get how this was once a dancefloor. The double height ceiling, the whole wall of shuttered windows, the cabochon tiles on the floor. Yet there is still a lovely cosy, relaxing atmosphere. We have called it Naval Bohemia. Stripey Ralph Lauren wallpaper, boating memorabilia juxtaposes against sumptuous chesterfields, local found antiques, rugs, a fireplace, a working gramophone, decanters and of course an elegant smart TV.
The kitchen is quirky, a food lovers full working environment- set up like a Captain’s bar and galley with a ship’s wheel light, boating wallpaper, mahogany dresser, gas hob, electric oven, butler sink, dishwasher, clothes washer, marble work-surface and culinary utensils all hung from shaker hooks.
Up the navy and cream painted stairs to the upper floors.
The master and commander bedroom has a magnificent wooden, king sized 4 poster bed. All linen is hotel standard, laundered and pressed by a local laundry. This thoroughly romantic room is wrapped in another Ralph Lauren stripe, but now in eau de nile.
The en suite is playful with its black porcelain toilet, sink and shower set against marble tiles and a rather surprising tap.
The large main bathroom is a homage to the famous lighthouses here in Harwich and Dovercourt. Stormy lighthouse wallpaper, a roll top slipper bath, rococo tiled floor and mahogany heirlooms make this a real bath time fantasy.
The grand steamer bunk room, feels very Phileas Fogg with its 2 x chesterfield, adult sized beds and burgundy tones.
Now up a further gorgeous staircase to the attic rooms…The Blue Room and the Red room.
Both rooms have the same luxurious mattresses and bedding as the first floor plus it feels even more magical and time warpy in these upper rooms.
The Red room has this super- glamourous, over sized, king sized, regal berth (we nearly didn’t get it up the stairs!) -and the Blue room has a 5 star, cabin style, blue velvet chesterfield bed. Both rooms are accented with found local objets and eclectic pieces.
The Wellie Stern is set back from the street within its own courtyard, really is a perfect retreat for contemplation, cocktails, fantasy or quality family time far from the modern world.
Harwich Port gives you the feel of a real old time port with access to "in the know" fabulous local coastlines and country.
Once you explore, you will experience the miles of beaches, country bike trails and walks, hidden villages, foot ferries, authentic pubs and quaint restaurants, seal watching and even a ferry to Holland.
Please see our guide for more detail.
Paul who is a bone-fide Harwich local and super host is co-hosting and managing The Wellie Stern.
Me-Sara... found sleepy Harwich by chance because I met and fell in love with Dave from Harwich on C4’s First Dates hotel, in Italy. We love to travel and have stayed in some wonderful places and hopefully have brought little touches of those experiences to the Wellie Stern.
Come and stay and escape.
Guest access
Guests have access to the whole house, which is set in it's own courtyard on a quiet street literally 2 mins from the beach and Port. Parking is free on the street and surrounding streets where there is no yellow line. We have a garage and dropped curb so we will endeavour to make this clear for guests to park in front of.
We will meet you with keys on arrival but plan to set up a Master key safe in the very near future.
We will send a local guide and house info sheet prior to your arrival.
Other things to note
Small to medium well trained house dogs are welcome but are not allowed upstairs and in bedrooms. Please note there will be a £25 additional cleaning charge for bringing your doggie.
Located in Harwich, this vacation home is in a rural area. Suffolk Yacht Harbor and Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Dedham Vale and Holland Haven Country Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at The Royal Oak or Foxhall Stadium.
Weekly price from £1778
This stunning holiday home offers guests a truly wonderful stay and every effort has been made to ensure you have everything ...
Summary: This attractive 4-bedroom home is an ideal base for exploring Cambridge. Conveniently located with easy access to the city centre. ...
Home is where the heart is, and here you can unwind in the company of your loved ones. Located in close ...
The Hay Barn is set on a quiet road in open, arable farmland. It's a great place for a ...
Located in the countryside in the rural outskirts of the village of Great Totham, our barn offers the perfect place for ...
Enjoy a delightful stay in La Casita; our modern 3/4 bedroom house for your Frinton-On-Sea trip. This newly built detached house ...
A four bedroom townhouse in the heart of Frinton on Sea providing perfect accommodation for groups up to 6 (+2) with ...
***7 min walk to Chelmsford Station*** ***Free off street parking*** *** Free wifi*** * Contactors Welcome* *Trades welcome*** *Bed ...
Welcome to our large ground floor property, ideal for groups of up to 8 guests. Indulge in our exciting games room, ...
This fantastic home, Cherry Blossom Place, is in the quiet village of Tiptree and has private parking. A superb location ...
Historic listed villa and luxuriously furnished for our guests looking for a getaway in Hertfordshire. Close to London via M25 and ...
About this space Professionally managed by Pass The Keys, is this beautiful large house less than a 3 minute walk to ...
5 Bedroom, 3 bathroom properties fully furnished with amenities that ensures a comfortable stay at the property. Spacious accommodation with 5 ...
Island House is a fabulous family four bedroom detached home and has a generous open plan kitchen on the ground floor, ...
Newly refurbished 2 bedroom spacious house In Brentwood Essex , Sleeps up to 9 guest , a great place to stay ...
The Old Post Office provides a wonderful base to explore the beautiful countryside of Dedham Vale, closely associated with the works ...
Enjoy the ultimate glamping experience in our Lodge in St.Osyth brand new. It combine the luxuries of home with the ...
Juniper House is close to many bars and restaurants with lots of beautiful walks around the harbour and along the beach ...
5, Lakes Area - Weeley Bridge Holiday Park, Essex Stunning lodge inside & out! Boasting a beautiful location on a ...
A stunning 2 bedroom Penthouse in Chelmsford A perfect place for a stay-cation in the city. The simplicity makes it ...
Not only the North Norfolk Coast with its vast beaches like Holkham, and salt marshes at Blakeney and Cley, the East of England offers historic Cambridge, Ely Cathedral, the calm beauty of the Broads, pretty villages of Suffolk and a variety of wildlife. It's no surprise it appeals to artists, photographers, cyclists and bird watchers.