ABOUT YOUR HOST...

Having spent a major proportion of his life working and living overseas, Dave moved to Dorset in 2002 - the lure of fresh country air and a daily swim in the sea during the summer far outweighing a trip on the London Underground. He previously worked in broadcasting for ITV and also in the travel industry and still undertakes free-lance work for a travel magazine when time allows.

Having moved to West Dorset, he feels very fortunate in having landed up in not only one of the most beautiful parts of the country, still a bit of a well-kept secret, compared to some of the busier parts of the West Country. It's also in an area continually turning up surprises, an ancient and somewhat magical place... If you are travelling east along the A35 from Dorchester towards Bridport, across the top of the hills on a late summer's afternoon, wait for the sea to come into view and you'll see what he means.

There is pretty much a different walk to be enjoyed around here for every day of the year, given the changes nature brings to the countryside with each season. Even a cautious walk along the beach in a howling gale during winter brings its own inspiration.
The spectacular views across the Vale from the cottage are always fascinating and each time of the year holds its special appeal - Have a look at our picture gallery and you'll get a better idea. Rumour has it that J.R. Tolkien used the Marshwood Vale as a template for "The Shire" in his Lord of the Rings Trilogy; a result of annual holidays spent in nearby Lyme Regis. We are also very much in Thomas Hardy Country here.

What is a traditional farming community is now also home to a mixture of people from all sorts of backgrounds. This somewhat eclectic mix of people in turn generates a big pool of creative talent for such a small community. In other words, it's a fun place to be.
The area is fast acquiring fame as a magnet for properly produced food; a certain TV chef and smallholder having taken up residence nearby. Bridport is one of the best market towns in the country to buy whatever you need for your table - and at a sensible price. The phrase "local produce" is becoming somewhat over-used of late but in this part of West Dorset it really is authentic. Dave takes full advantage of this by offering decently produced food during your stay at Wisteria Cottage. The aim is to offer guests the things that he would also want during a stay at a B&B. This he believes should include feeling relaxed, with good quality accommodation and food, plus the enjoyment of a classic piece of the English countryside and coastline.