- Cottages
- England
- South East
- Essex
- Harwich
- The Wellie Stern
The Wellie Stern Harwich
Sleeps 2
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathroom
1 Pets
The Wellie Stern - Facilities
- Dishwasher
- Electricty / Utilities Included
- Garden / Patio Enclosed
- Patio / Garden
- TV
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Bedding / Towels Included
- Luxury Property
- Washing Machine
- Coastal Accessible
- Shower
- Unique
The Wellie Stern
The luxurious Wellie Stern is set right in the port of Old Harwich, a fascinating coastal enclave with history pouring out of its forgotten streets, inns and houses. The Mayflower set sail here and Samuel Pepys was a constant visitor. The Wellie Stern, built in 1760, gained prominence when Nelson posted his navy to Harwich. This became the dance floor, drinking den and House of disrepute of naval life in Georgian times. The owner, who produces London Fashion Week, has lovingly restored this quaint 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 semi-detached property with its own private courtyard.
Once you enter the main living space you immediately understand how this was once a dance floor. The double height ceiling, the whole wall of shuttered windows and the cabochon tiles on the floor. Yet there is still a lovely cosy, relaxing atmosphere. The owners call it Naval Bohemia. Stripey designer wallpaper, boating memorabilia juxtaposed against sumptuous Chesterfields, locally found antiques, rugs, a fireplace, a working gramophone and of course the all important Smart TV. In the kitchen, you’ll find a unique set-up with a captain’s bar and galley, a ship’s wheel light, nautical wallpaper, mahogany dresser, butler sink, marble work surface and utensils all hung from shaker hooks. The master and commander’s bedroom features a magnificent wooden, 4-poster kingsize bed. The en-suite is playful with its black porcelain toilet, sink and shower set against marble tiles. The grand steamer bunk room feels very Phileas Fogg with its Chesterfield, bunk bed and burgundy tones. Upstairs to the attic are two further bedrooms. 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 large family 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.
There are many things to discover in the local area which is steeped in history! Be sure to visit one of the forts and amazing beaches at Wrabness, Mersea Island and Dovercourt, as well as the one right outside the property. Also nearby is Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain, where guests can explore the historic quarter. Experience the past in the villages of Essex and in Constable Country in nearby Suffolk.
