The Garden House Studio

"Contemporary, cosy and coastal" is how the owners of Garden House Studio like to describe it and BFB agrees it is an apt description for this truly hip hideaway, nestling in leafy seclusion within the acre-sized private plot of the owners’ home in charming Lyme Regis.

It is perhaps more Don Draper's (Mad Men) Palm Springs getaway than typical Dorset Cottage, thanks to its combination of clever interior design and host of mid-century classic furniture. It makes for a very stylish little bolt-hole for a couple with a baby, especially for classic furniture fans who'll delight in the fact that many of the pieces come from the owner's vast collection, much of which is available for sale - truly 'try before you buy'!

In addition to an interior worthy of a spread in a glossy homes magazine, the Studio also has a brilliant location within a scenic stroll of the seafront at Lyme Regis, made famous by the classic film 'The French Lieutenant’s Woman' and now bursting with great eateries, charming shops and cosy pubs. The friendly owners have little ones themselves and as such are a mine of great information on the best places to visit, eat and drink with tots in tow.

They also provide tonnes of useful gear for mini guests including a travel cot with blackout canopy so parents can enjoy the evening whilst baby sleeps. There's a lovely Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair with baby rail, gated steps on the deck, changing mat, dishwasher steriliser mat, a collapsible baby bath, cup, plates, cutlery and selection of toys. Plus the Ren toiletries are perfect for young skin with no additives or parabens. They can offer baby sitting in the room or baby listening via monitor, on request too. The fact that the interior of the house is single level and it is open-plan living makes it ideal for new crawlers or walkers and easy to keep an eye on toddler tear-aways!

Accommodation Overview:
The Garden Studio is exactly as it sounds, an open-plan space with garden aspect. The main room can be configured for day or night time use with the concealed pull down ready-made king size bed with memory foam mattress for extra comfort, Egyptian cotton sheets, duvet and plenty of pillows.There's a small kitchenette, a gorgeous wet room and plenty of storage. The owners have little ones themselves and have fitted the space out with handy equipment for mini guests. There's a travel cot with black out canopy, a Stokke Trip Trap highchair, dishwasher steriliser basket, changing mat, collapsible baby bath, a collection of toys and toddler-friendly crockery and cutlery. There's even a gate on the terrace steps!
Clever use of black out blinds means the studio, which is gloriously light and bright by day, becomes a cosy and romantic space by night. Add another log to the wood burner and snuggle up on the sofa or in the bed.
The kitchenette is perfect for simple dining with a combi mini oven, ceramic hob, dishwasher, fridge, ice box and Dualit toaster. The owners provide guests’ first breakfasts with a homemade granola,fruit, local bread and eggs, butter and milk, cafetiere-fresh coffee and tea all provided. They can also arrange an arrival night meal or take delivery of a grocery from a local supermarket or deli and pack it all away in the cupboards ready for guests’ arrival.
The gorgeous wet room has complimentary Ren toiletries and cotton bath towels (baby bath available), whilst the living area has TV/ DVD player, iPod dock, books and games. Laundry available on request.

Outside there is a 25sqm deck with large retractable awning, table and chairs, gas BBQ, herb bed, so you can eat out, whatever the weather.

Share Tips & Advice Show Location Map The Garden House Studio is around two minutes by car or a 25 minute scenic river walk from the seafront at Lyme Regis, which is itself set at the meeting point of West Dorset and East Devon.

Lyme isa small town which has carefully protected its geography and architecture to become a desirable, beautiful seaside town with a lively arts scene and prolific food culture. Famous for its Cobb & harbour (immortalised in The French Lieutenants Woman), it is at the heart of the area known as the Jurassic coast with three beaches and boasts the only sand in the 20 mile stretch. An ammonite is the towns symbol and all things fossil have been closely associated with the Lyme for almost 200 years. The town has a bustling high street with galleries, boutiques and cafes aplenty. Local food is exceptional at the Marx Hix Oyster & Fish House, Mill Tea & Dining Rooms, Town Mill Bakery and The Alexandra Hotel.

The owners are a mine of brilliant information and tips on what do do and see in the area with tots in tow. Their top reommendations include: Pecorama at Beer, a miniature railway, playareas and lovely gardens on hill top scenic setting. The Seaton Tram for train fas. Abbotsbury for its Childrens Farm, Swannery and Sub Tropical Gardens in beautiful setting. Swimming at the Flamingo pool in Axminster (main pool plus hydrotherapy pool) and Bridport leisure centre (main pool plus baby pool). Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, for herds of donkeys and lovely walks. On the doorstep, Lyme Regis with its sandy beach and rock pooling at low tide. The Lyme Regis museum plus Dinousaurland on Coombe Street (near the Town Mill Bakery) and the seafront arcade good for wet days.

There are regular festivals and arts events including Dorset Art week, Lyme Regis Fossil festival, Lifeboat week, Dorset Food week, Lyme Regis Art festival. See www.lymeregis.org for more information.

testimonial scores:5:4:5:4

This property is beautifully designed with every consideration for children. We...

This property is beautifully designed with every consideration for children. We were particularly impressed that suitable toys had been provided for our child.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

Ideal place for a short getaway - welcome pack was a lovely touch. Could well b...

Ideal place for a short getaway - welcome pack was a lovely touch. Could well be back!
Overall Experience Rating: 80%

We loved the Garden House Studio! The interior was that of a boutique hotel we u...

We loved the Garden House Studio! The interior was that of a boutique hotel we used to go to with the added benefit of being ultimately child friendly! The Garden Studio is immaculate, stylish and fun! We took our 20 month old daughter and found it a perfect retreat- we loved the safety of the single storey and decked area and she loved the chickens, DVD's and toys on offer! A great little find - one we shall be returning to!
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

Perfect for couple with a baby. Everything is catered for and as the apartment ...

Perfect for couple with a baby. Everything is catered for and as the apartment is self contained you don't have to worry about the baby waking other guests. Great idea.
Overall Experience Rating: 80%

We all had a lovely stay at the Garden House Studio. The accomodation is compact...

We all had a lovely stay at the Garden House Studio. The accomodation is compact and well thought out. Our son enjoyed the fold down bed and outdoor sandpit, as well as the Ivor the Engine DVD and collapsible bath. He now wants us to sell our house, to live somewhere similar! We would definitely stay again as there are some lovely walks and it provides a good base for exploring the lovely Dorset coast. Vanessa, Jethro and their family were very welcoming also.
Overall Experience Rating: 80%

We had an absolutely fantastic time staying at the Garden House Studio - really ...

We had an absolutely fantastic time staying at the Garden House Studio - really cosy, peaceful, stylish and secluded with everything you need for a break away from it all. Vanessa and Jethro made sure we had everything we needed for our baby too - toys, travel cot, bath, high chair etc. There's a beautiful walk down the river into Lyme - takes about 25 mins. Loved the log burner too - great for those chilly nights!
Overall Experience Rating: 80%

Owner Profile

Vanessa and Jethro, enthusiasts of modern design, fans of West Country landscape...

Love the European/Scandinavian-style light chalet design and the stove + welsh blanket cosiness. We never tire of Lyme Regis, amazing scenery at the seafront, great restaurants and cafes plus events always happening, even in rainy January.

The hidden flip down bed, C Beebies and the sandbox on the deck. Babies also love the special blackout tent for the large comfy cot so you can enjoy your evening whilst they sleep. The day and night configuration of The Studio means there is plenty of space for everyone all in one room.