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Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach

Photo gallery for Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach

Property grounds
The house across the bluebells to the south
The sitting room at Rushay, with open fire and light on two sides
Unwind and relax with friends and family
The first view of Rushay as you arrive on the drive

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
9 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 204250 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Fenced yard

Explore the area

View in a map
Bridport, Dorset
  • Place, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, The Tunnel Target Sports Centre
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Lyme Regis Beach
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

9 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

attic dorm

4 Single Beds

bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

cottage downstairs

1 Double Bed

Cottage north

1 Double Bed

Cottage south

1 Double Bed

end room

1 Double Bed

Master bedroom

1 King Bed

west bedroom

1 Double Bed

6 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 6

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 7

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach

***VRBO HOLIDAY HOME OF THE YEAR 2026***

A large Arts & Crafts country house with cottage near Lyme Regis — ideal for multi-generational family stays, with tennis court, large garden, and direct access to the Jurassic Coast.

Rushay has been named 2026 Holiday Home of the Year in recognition of our superlative guest reviews, plus the delights of Bridport and Lyme Regis – and the beauty of West Dorset’s Jurassic coast.

A mile from the beach at Charmouth, Rushay is a nine-bedroom Edwardian country house and cottage, sleeping up to 20. With four reception rooms, open fires, a hard tennis court, and gardens that come alive with wildflowers in spring, it’s a home designed for gathering up families and friends.

We are proud of every guest who has stayed, explored, cooked, walked and celebrated here — this award belongs as much to them as to us.

If some houses are for staying in, others are for slowing down: so Rushay is set up for long, unhurried days with family and friends. Think shared meals at a long table, books by the fire, children exploring the garden, and coastal walks straight from the door.

Perfect for multi-generational stays, the house combines character and comfort: spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen (plus a second in the adjacent cottage), superfast WiFi, and carefully designed bedrooms.

Outside, enjoy a hard tennis court, an asado barbecue, and a west-facing terrace for evenings that stretch into dusk.

Charmouth beach is a mile away across the fields; the wider Dorset coast — from Lyme Regis to Chesil Beach — is within easy reach.

Dogs welcome. Logs provided. Everything in place for a slower kind of stay.


1. 🏡 At-a-glance
• Holiday Home of the Year 2026
• Spacious Arts & Crafts country house near Lyme Regis
• Sleeps 20 guests comfortably
• Large dining table for shared meals
• Multiple living areas for relaxing or socialising

2. 📍 Location & standout experience
• 1 mile walk to Charmouth beach (Jurassic fossils)
• Close to Jurassic Coast
• Easy access to Lyme Regis, Bridport & Chesil Beach
• Coastal walks, countryside and sea on the doorstep

3. 🌿 Outdoor highlights
• Large private garden and grounds
• Hard tennis court (racquets & balls provided)
• Argentinian asado barbecue
• West-facing terrace for sunset dining

4. 🍳 Kitchen & dining
• Fully equipped kitchen with Aga, induction hob & double ovens
• Second kitchen in cottage (ideal for larger groups)
• American-style fridge/freezer
• Indoor & outdoor dining spaces
• Option for private chef (on request)

5. 🛏 Bedrooms & bathrooms
Sleeping up to 20 guests across 9 bedrooms:
• Comfortable bedrooms suited to families & groups
•. 2 king-size rooms
•. 6 double rooms (one en suite)
•. 1 ground-floor en suite bedroom (easy access)
•. 1 attic dormitory with 4 single beds
• Quality linens and fluffy towels provided

6. 🔥 Living & entertainment
• Log fires (logs provided)
• Books, board games, jigsaws & cards
• TV with full services
• DAB radio

7. 🐾 Practical essentials
• Superfast WiFi throughout
• Dogs welcome
• Parking available for everyone
• Suitable for celebrations & gatherings

Designed for bringing everyone together — with space to slow down.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
We love a dog, but not on the furniture or beds!
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please don't put anything down the loo except loo paper! We are on private drainage and the tank can't take tampons, nappies, wet wipes etc etc
We are surrounded by grazing land: please do not interfere with any grazing animals and, if you have a dog, keep it under control always.
Read and understand the rental agreement. Booking confirms that you accept the rental agreement.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock

About the area

Bridport

Located in Bridport, this holiday home is in a rural area and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dorset and East Devon Coast and Lyme Regis Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium and Bridport Arts Centre. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
View more Holiday homes in BridportOpens in a new window
Map
Bridport, Dorset

What's nearby

  • Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • The Tunnel Target Sports Centre - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Dorset and East Devon Coast - 6 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Lyme Regis Beach - 14 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Monmouth Beach - 15 min drive - 9.2 km

Getting around

  • Axminster Station - 10 min drive
  • Exeter (EXT-Exeter Intl.) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Swim - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Royal Standard - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Pilot Boat - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kiosk - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Lyme Regis Sandwich Company - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach?

As of 2 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach on 17 May 2026 start from £800, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Holiday Home of the Year | Sleeps 20 | Tennis, Gardens | 1m Jurassic Coast Beach located?

This family-friendly Bridport holiday home is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of The Tunnel Target Sports Centre, Dorset and East Devon Coast and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and Charmouth Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosamund S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely situation. The house was ideal for our three generation family gathering. The children and adults enjoyed the tennis court, walks, and fossil hunting. Great holiday all round. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jane b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful large house with relaxed feel - great space for all our family. Beautiful walks and surroundings.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All the family enjoyed the house, the location and loved the tennis court
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely stay in a charming old property which had lots of character. We made good of use of the tennis court and the walk down to Charmouth beach. Our host was very welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely comfy house, not too posh, where we all felt immediately at home. We had a lovely time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vivienne L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rushay in Dorset

Enjoyable week, house was large and plenty of room for us all, Jason was friendly and helpful and the weather was glorious!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for a family gathering

This house is perfect for large groups, with space to comfortably sleep everyone and lots of communal space, both inside and out. The grounds are lovely with beautiful views out over the countryside. Its location, is perfect for visiting Lyme Regis, we spent a great day by the sea.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcus R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Dorset getaway.

We had a lovely stay at Rushay. Very well equipped for our long weekend and set in beautiful grounds and countryside. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for groups

Lovely setting and ideal for a reunion of old friends. Comfy and spacious with everything we needed for the trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

Jason gave us great recommendations. The house was perfect. Beautiful location with so much to do around it. Everyone loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alex m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for family get togethers

Lovely location, ideal for our multi-gen groups, plenty of space and there were 20 of us, just gutted I didn’t get to try the parilla grill. Descriptions all spot on and good comms with host throughout
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family holiday

We were 11 adults and 3 kids. We had a wonderful time. The property is a little bit tired in parts but that in no way detracted from the overall experience. Jason is an excellent host. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Galen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

We had a wonderful long weekend at the house. 4 families, lots of kids. It was a wonderful weekend and perfect for get together with friends. It’s also so close to the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maeve W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for a family get together

Lots of space for our family gathering. Light airy and spacious really clean and well kept. The two buildings were a bonus a real bonus. Easy walk to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

This beautiful house was the perfect place for our family gathering. Spacious, well equipped and comfortable. Set in the middle of stunning countryside with plenty of outside space for relaxing and playing it couldn’t have suited us more. A truly wonderful place to spend a holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home in amazing location

We stayed over NYE the house was absolutely beautiful. Home from home, rustic and tastefully decorated keeping the charm of the property. We stayed in most of the time cooking huge meals and the kitchen and dining area is perfect for that. Have already recommended it to a family member. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Light, bright, beautiful

It’s as lovely as it looks. Our children were like wood nymphs l, galloping around in the bluebells, while we had all our meals in the garden. Light and nature pours in through every window. Beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friends getaway

Fabulous large property for a large group, lovely gardens, tennis court and surrounding fields with sheep, very peaceful. Large bedrooms, comfy beds. Bathrooms need to be updated with showers and property felt a little "tired" We all had a great time and would stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zoe H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Rushay is such a fabulous place to stay and was the perfect venue for our family reunion over Christmas. The house is beautifully furnished without being precious and particularly spacious for a large group. Jason had even provided a Christmas tree which proved the icing on the cake!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great half term stay

We were a mixed age family group and had a really great stay at this house. It careered for all our multigenerational needs from a 4month old to 78yr old. The garden and tennis court were a great hit. The host told us of the walk down from the house to Charmouth which was beautiful. A super stay in this lovely exploring the area. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Elaine L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful country house for a family party!

We really enjoyed Rushay - the house, Cottage and grounds are beautiful. Full use was made of the tennis court and we drove to Charmouth for an early morning swim each day. The beds are really comfy and the bathroom facilities are good. We did feel that the kitchen equipment needs updating a little - we just managed to cater for 20 between the two kitchens and using quite a few items brought from home. Altogether though, a really lovely time was he by all!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect spot for our four generation family holiday

We loved this house, loads of indoor and outdoor space and a great location - quiet but within easy reach of coast/countryside and local attractions - all of which suited us perfectly. Nesting swallows and house martins were fledging when we were there and we enjoyed the walk into Charmouth from the house.. A great deal of care has been taken in equipping the property, making for a comfortable stay. Jason couldn’t have been more helpful, both before and during our holiday with suggestions. We are so glad we took the chance and booked it - as a new property there were no reviews - and would love to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Viv S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rain did not dampen enjoyment of stay at Rushay

Rushay is a charming spacious property, even the adults were still getting lost by the end of the week and for the children 4,5 and 8 it was perfect for hide and seek and treasure hunts! The dining room worked beautifully for large gatherings in the evenings, and with the help of the second kitchen in the stable block we were able to cater for all. The tennis court was well used when weather permitted. All in all it was a lovely base to explore the local area and to retreat to at the end of the day.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spacious gathering house

We had a lovely, lovely time at our stay! The house is absolute magic, and ideal for large family gatherings. Jason has a great eye for design. Ample space, with a great floor plan. The kids loved playing tag from room to room and the adults enjoyed that we didn’t feel on top of one another. The house is well stocked, we were a group of 20, and had enough silverware and plates- not to mention the large gathering table which worked just as well for meals and late nights games. The tennis court was a bonus, it was well kept. The location is great, nothing was too far and I had an easy time communicating with Jason. Couldn’t recommend it enough. We had the odd spider web, and flies inside the home but nothing to ruin the experience. Fabulous stay. Thanks for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sam P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

We had a fabulous long weekend celebrating my 50th birthday at Rushay. The house is beautiful & location perfect, Jason was welcoming and a great host. Comfy beds, well equipped kitchen and lovely big dining table, house was warm plus plenty of wood for the fire. Loved the walk to Charmouth beach from the house. Thank you for a lovely stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jason

Host profile image
Jason writes detective novels, histories, travel books, and a column for Country Life magazine. Kate's interiors are widely admired - Ben Pentreath's English Decoration features one of her houses and picks out her knack of creating spaces that look timeless and settled. Kate and Jason live nearby in Dorset, with four children (and two dogs).

Why they chose this property

We chose this area because it offers an unusually rich mix of coast, countryside and culture, all within easy reach — and often on foot. From the garden you can walk straight down to the sea in about 20 minutes, arriving at Charmouth beach, one of the finest stretches of the Jurassic Coast. It’s famous for world-class fossil hunting, safe family swimming and long, restorative walks beside the waves.

The surrounding landscape is timeless West Dorset: small fields, ancient woodland and rolling hills crowned with Iron Age hill forts, offering exhilarating views across the Marshwood Vale to the sea and into two counties. You can leave everything behind simply by walking up into the hills.

Nearby towns add character and convenience. Lyme Regis (about 3 miles) charms with the Cobb harbour, dinosaur museums, independent shops and excellent restaurants. Bridport, just ten minutes away, is a lively market town with great food, shopping and a strong arts scene. Axminster, ten minutes over the Devon border, has a mainline railway station with easy connections.

Food lovers are especially well served here. The area boasts an outstanding food scene, from destination restaurants such as 101 Bridport, Tom’s in Lyme Regis and Brassica in Beaminster, to superb local produce. Felicity’s Farm Shop nearby sells rare-breed pork, excellent meat, cheese, Baboo organic ice cream and local vegetables, while the village honesty box offers seasonal produce — and even handmade herbal remedies.

Whether you come for walking, swimming, cooking, fossil hunting, exploring historic landscapes or simply relaxing with family and friends, this is a place that feels nourishing, beautiful and deeply lived-in — which is exactly why we chose it.

We look forward to welcoming guests to their home in Dorset.

What makes this property unique

The Agent's House was built in that long Edwardian summer when traditional craftsmanship met near-boundless wealth and modern amenities. With high ceilings, cavity walls, fine detailing and generous hardwoods, the house expresses the best of the Arts and Crafts style: practical, comfortable, warm in winter and light in summer.

The house returned to the original estate family in the early 1960s and was sensitively updated, inspiring some of the mid-century touches Kate has brought to the renovation. The owners were Cambridge academics, related to the economist Maynard Keynes, and over the years the house and grounds hosted visiting dons, geologists and seismologists.

Though it once needed repair and updating, the house’s core was always sound, its aspect marvellous, and its sense of solidity and ease unmistakable. Now fully restored, Rushay combines old-fashioned comfort with 21st-century amenities, including mod cons and fast fibre WiFi throughout. Guests always remark on the house’s scale, light and sense of space, as well as its simple, comfortable and tasteful decoration.

The Aga has powered many culinary triumphs and can be used like a plancha on the hob with the mats provided. There is also an induction hob and electric oven.

In spring and early summer the garden comes alive with wildflowers — orchids, bluebells, wild daffodils and bearded iris — while swallows nest in the eaves. Tits live behind the hopper on the north side, their chatter audible even from the bath.

The cottage is a wonderful extra space, whether for teenagers, grandparents or a quiet retreat, while the attic bedroom in the main house, with four single beds, is a firm favourite with young cousins.

We are especially proud of the terrace, perfect for watching the sun set over Westover Hill — perhaps while cooking on the Argentine-style asado barbecue after a game of tennis on the hard court.
Santé.

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