Dovecote Trading Co - Where Laura Ashley's Legacy Lives On

New Love Poundbury member benefit: 10% off

If you've walked past the Buttermarket recently, you've probably noticed the magnificent windows at Dovecote Trading Co—the light flooding in, the carefully curated displays drawing you closer. But what you might not know is the story behind those windows.

Credit: H Webb

The Laura Ashley Years

The philosophy behind Dovecote Trading Co was shaped by owner Helen Webb's nine years working for Laura Ashley, both in stores and at head office. "There was no better inspiration for how fashion and home can work together than Laura Ashley," Helen explains. "Our overall vibe is about comfort and beautiful textiles, and that fits across what we offer for home and clothing."

She has also worked as a product trainer for The Body Shop, which taught her that people connect with products when they understand the story behind them. "Our suppliers' stories are wonderful, and I'd love to share them with you." This isn't just retail philosophy—it's how Dovecote operates every day.

From Abbotsbury to Poundbury

Dovecote Trading Co moved from Abbotsbury driven by practical realities: "Abbotsbury is wonderful, but it's very much a summer location. I really wanted consistent year-round footfall and a customer base that would embrace our collections every day," says Helen.

When she saw the Buttermarket premises, she fell in love immediately—despite it needing work. The space, the light, the magnificent windows, and with The Gallery on the Square closing, she saw an opportunity to create "a lovely shopping hub at the Buttermarket, with like-minded independent retailers."

The move has transformed what she can offer, enabling her to expand both fashion and homeware—and to develop home styling services, which Helen is particularly excited about.

More Than Just Shopping

What makes Dovecote different is that it offers a free sourcing service. "We have lots of suppliers with lots of products, and despite our store being good size, we simply can't stock everything," Helen explains. "So if you can't see the exact piece you're looking for, please ask us."

She will research, find options, send you details. No charge, no obligation. That feels genuinely generous.

Your Member Benefit

We're excited that Dovecote Trading Co has joined our Discount Partner Programme, offering Love Poundbury members 10% off across all products when you present your membership card.

Even better: you'll also be added to their VIP Loyalty Scheme, which means exclusive access to special offers and events—including Annie Sloan workshops, shopping evenings, and home stylng talks Helen is planning.

Home Styling: Perfect for Downsizing

"Interior design shapes the bones of your home—layouts, functionality, even knocking down walls," Helen explains. "Home styling is all about the fun stuff: colours, furniture, textures, and those little finishing touches that make a room feel just right."

Crucially, home styling works with what you already have. She recently helped a client downsize from a traditional cottage to a Poundbury apartment—transforming beloved antique furniture and expensive curtains to work beautifully in a completely different space, working within a tight budget by integrating existing pieces with carefully chosen new accessories.

It's a practical, respectful approach to what you treasure, and doesn't require starting from scratch.

Annie Sloan Workshops Coming Soon

If you've ever wanted to transform a piece of inherited furniture or give an old favorite new life, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has become the gold standard—creating beautiful, chalky vintage finishes without the usual stripping and sanding. Helen received her training directly from Annie Sloan herself—and she's planning workshops where you can learn the same techniques. "Informal, fun, creative few hours learning new techniques and paint finishes. We'll provide the tools and refreshments," she notes. Each attendee will receive an Annie Sloan gift and discount on purchases.

Please watch the website dtcpoundbury.com and shop window for dates.

Quality & Curation

Helen offers British brands wherever possible—Cabbages & Roses, Dorset-based Meg Morton, and leading interior designer and colour expert Edward Bulmer, together with COAT Paints (British-made, climate positive), and of course Annie Sloan. But she also sources from India for beautiful handmade block prints and the finest cotton, and from Europe for stylish fashion and homeware of exceptional quality. "We want to offer something a little different," she adds.

The Welcome

Walk in and you'll find home and fashion thoughtfully laid out in zones, with everything from seasonal displays to nightwear, fragrance to furniture, scarves to skincare—and smiley faces behind the counter!

There's always a coffee pot on. No hard sell. Just warmth and expertise. "We want our customers to feel welcome. Everybody is welcome to come in and have a browse, chat. We don't hard sell. We are there to help," Helen says. So, take a walk down to the Buttermarket and pop into Dovecote. Those magnificent windows are just the beginning—the real treasures are inside.

YOUR MEMBER BENEFIT:

10% off all products when you present your Love Poundbury membership card

Plus: Automatic enrollment in the VIP Loyalty Scheme for exclusive offers and events

DOVECOTE TRADING CO

Address: 8-10 Lower Blakemere Street, Buttermarket, Poundbury, DT1 3RZ

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm (Check FacebookLINK before visiting)

Services: Women's fashion, homeware, home styling, free sourcing service, workshops

Website: dtcpoundbury.com | Private appointments available

Comfortable living through beautiful textiles, quality British and European brands, product storytelling, and warm welcome. Coffee always on!

Not a member yet? Join here Membership Registration | LovePoundbury to access this benefit and sixteen others from local businesses.

To see all that Poundbury has to offer in terms of shops, restaurants and services, please click here Shopping, Eating & Services | LovePoundbury