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.

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. 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 objects 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.