Hidden in the grounds of a unique 1960's home located just upriver from Lyme Regis, this quirky little studio celebrates all things retro. Its interior is a nod to its mid-century roots; there’s a ‘50s sofa, a ‘60s dining table and ‘70s artwork on the walls. Inspiration is taken from iconic early 20th-century designers, like Arne Jacobsen and Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, as well as vintage books that are displayed on open shelving. The resulting look is a welcome change from more typical country cottage styling we've grown accustomed to.
Converted by creative owners Vanessa and Jethro, the tardis-like studio has been very cleverly thought-out. The living space incorporates a kingsize bed, the compact kitchenette squeezes in a dishwasher, and a log burner keeps things cosy. You get your own leafy deck, too, complete with a small dining table, sun loungers and a gas barbecue to fire up on warm summer evenings. There's even a wood-fired sauna complete with outdoor cold shower adjacent to the studio. Lyme Regis is a short drive away, or you can walk along a picturesque river path leading you straight to the beach. It’s an ideal location for making the most of the Jurassic Coast without having to stay among the crowds. And it’s pleasingly affordable, too.
Highs
- Quirky retro styling that breaks the mould of more typical country cottage design
- Cleverly designed layout and a good utilisation of space
- Secluded and cosy: a perfect and very affordable hideaway for a solo break or a romantic escape a deux (dogs welcome too)
- Buzzy Lyme Regis, with its beach, shops and restaurants, is accessible on foot via a pretty 25-minute stroll along the river
Lows
- Arrivals are on Monday, Thursday or Friday, staying for at least 3 nights (2 nights in low season); there are discounts for stays of 7+ nights
- No kids allowed, except for babies (you’ll need to bring your own gear)
- Although the kitchenette is well equipped for its size, there isn't a full-sized oven, but a small combo microwave oven plus a large barbecue outside
Best time to go
The Jurassic Coast is popular with tourists for most of the year. If you're hoping for sunshine and seaside swimming you'll want to come in the summer. This time of year brings crowds, but you'll be well hidden in the quiet village of Uplyme. For a quieter escape, come in spring or autumn; both bring pretty scenery and mild temperatures.
Our top tips
If you're walking into Lyme Regis for the evening, take the provided torch with you as the route isn't lit.
- Boutique Studio
- 1 bedroom
- Self-catering; restaurants a short drive away
- Babies welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Sauna
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
The studio consists of two rooms: an open-plan bedroom-kitchen-living room, and a wet room. The kingsize bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Wooden flooring, tall windows and long mirrors help to make the space feel light and open, giving it a deceptively spacious feel.
The interiors change with time but expect designer furniture and vintage pieces. An attractive Yeoman woodburner stands against one wall, with logs for your first few fires. Electricity comes from rooftop solar panels, which is used to power the television (with Netflix). Wet room amenities include organic toiletries and cotton bath towels.
Patio doors open to a secluded private deck, which has a gas barbecue, two sun loungers and a small table and chairs. The deck is fenced so is ideal for dogs.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchenette has a combi mini oven, ceramic hob, dishwasher, fridge, ice box and Dualit toaster, plus an eye-catching burnt-orange kettle that we love! Essentials including olive oil, salt and pepper, sugar, coffee and tea will be waiting for you on arrival, as is the bottle of wine for booking through i-escape. Cooking is simple, you may prefer to use the barbecue outside. You can dine inside or out on the deck; each space has a small table and seating for two.
For supplies, your nearest supermarkets are in Lyme Regis (5-minute drive). You’ll also find a host of eating options here, with lots of British seaside staples (fish and chips, ice cream, fudge, cream teas) available. For something a little smarter, try Mark Hix's Oyster and Fish House, which enjoys long views over Lyme Bay. For seasonal food and good tipples, we hear Lilac Restaurant & Wine Bar is great. Vanessa will send through info on restaurants when your booking is confirmed.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Dishwasher
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Oven
- Toaster
Activities
- The property is in an AONB, so bring your hiking books and a good map and set off on stunning clifftop walks
- Stroll along the river to Lyme Regis. The beach is great for summer swimming and there's an impressive array of independent shops, pretty cottages and cosy pubs
- For more seaside fun, sandy beaches and clifftop walks, head to West Bay (20 mins)
- Go on a guided fossil-hunting tour, bookable in town
- Shop for handmade crafts and gifts at Redland’s Yard in Broadwindsor (25 mins), making time for lunch at the restaurant
- Head to Bridport (20 mins). This historic market town is chock full of listed buildings and has some great independent shops. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Bridport Market fills the centre of town, and there’s an excellent annual literary festival
- After a day exploring the countryside, unwind in the wood-fired sauna back at the studio
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Fossil hunting
- Hiking
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Babies are welcome, but you'll need to bring your own bedding and equipment. No other children are accepted.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The studio is located in the village of Uplyme, 2km north of Lyme Regis, on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
By Air
Exeter (44km) is the closest airport, or you could fly into Bristol (94km).
From the Airport
Take a taxi or hire a car. There's free parking at the studio.
By Train
The nearest train station is Axminster (8km), which is served by South West Trains. Trains from London take approximately three hours. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride to the studio from the station.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Exeter 44.0 km EXE
- Bristol Airport 94.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape