Dairy Cottage

A Historic Farm's Outbuilding Becomes a Chic Getaway

This really cool cottage in the New Forest was once part of a farm. It looks out over a nature reserve and is within easy reach of the region's beaches. It also has a great pedigree. In addition to being well over 300 years old, it's been given a stylish makeover, which was featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs. 

The strikingly modernized cottage lies just inside the western boundary of the New Forest. Originally built in the early 17th century as a dairyman's cottage, which was more recently broken up and sold as private homes.

In 2003, the house caught fire and its owners turned the devastating loss into a positive, using the opportunity to create a property that was at once traditional and contemporary.

Today's house is fully renovated, with a luxury annex available for rent. The annex has master and twin bedrooms that sleep four guests, as well as two bathrooms.

The property is very close to nature, overlooking an organic vegetable garden and a nature reserve, which is home to over 20 endangered species of birds. It also has under-floor heating, an eco-woodburner and solar heating, and the owners provide eco-friendly cleaning products.

This is a gorgeous little rental, full of natural light and warm tones, with wooden floors and contemporary rustic furnishings. A great vacation home for rent in England, with a really interesting backstory.

The owners have a beach hut at the exclusive Alum Chine beach in Poole near Sandbanks for additional hire. Perfect for days at the beach with families or couples. For guests booking one week or more, the owners offer a half day free.

NEW FOREST

The house is located in Ibsley in the New Forest, which has a wealth of places to visit, including gardens, museums and wildlife parks. It's great for biking, horse riding, walking and picnicking.

The nearby beaches all have blue flags, and there are many great beach walks. The house is within easy reach of Bournemouth (with its pier, park, hot air balloon rides and restaurants), Mudeford Quay, Studland Bay, the Chines, Hengistbury Head, Poole Harbour, and Sandbanks.

Great destinations for kids include Longdown Farm, which offers animal feeding and other activities. The owners are happy to recommend good restaurants and pubs in the region.

LOCATION 

Ibsley, Hampshire/New Forest, England, UK. Nearest airports: 30-minute drive from regional airports in Bournemouth or Southampton, approximately 1.5 hours from Heathrow and 2 hours from Gatwick. 

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring to Autumn.