About Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages

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Gemma & Ben Matthews – Our Story

Our family story began in the late 1990’s when my father and brother brought Lyme Bay Holidays which was then a small agency with some 50+ properties. We joined the business in 2007 and together grew the agency in both properties and services employing over 20 people from our main Lyme Regis office.


My father retired in 2015 and we sold the business in 2022 with up to 350 properties in the portfolio to allow my brother to exit the business and pursue new opportunities.
We have remained close to the industry these past years and have now decided the time is right to re-establish ourselves by offering a dedicated self-catering agency to service our local area, with a core focus on East Devon and West Dorset.


Ultimately, we believe that providing a holiday is a big responsibility, whether it’s a weekend break or a 2-week holiday, this is always a very valuable time for any of us and we must work together to deliver a great stay for all our guests while at the same time providing a service to our owners to help maximise their income, look after their property and endeavour to make letting their property a stress-free experience.

Our core business values and services:

For our customers

  • Make your holiday as special as possible.
  • Local knowledge of our areas and properties to help guide you to the perfect holiday cottages.
  • Out of hours support in an emergency so you know we’re always just a phone call away.
  • Same day response for reported issues so nothing disrupts your stay.
  • All relevant property information via smartphone/tablet to allow you easy access to any info you require.
  • Simplified online booking journey, or we are always a phone-call away.

For our property owners

  • Manage ongoing or recurring costs to maximise income from your holiday let.
  • A true local service delivered by our local team so you know help is always nearby.
  • To be available to communicate as needed for any questions or issues you may have.
  • Targeted marketing for your property to get you in front of the correct customers.
  • To help you maintain your property with proactive advice that identifies potential issues before they become problems.

At Devon and Dorset Holiday Cottages, we offer handpicked homes for every kind of getaway. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic break for two, or a peaceful retreat by the sea or in the countryside, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and unwind. With stunning locations, charming cottages and flexible stays, your ideal escape is just a few clicks away. Browse our full collection and start planning your next memorable break today.

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