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.
