This striking modernized cottage in the village of Ibsley, Hampshire, lies just inside the western boundary of the New Forest. It’s something of a celebrity – having made an appearance or two on the TV show Grand Designs. Originally built in the early 17th century as a dairyman’s cottage, it was part of a larger farm, 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 rental. 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.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
The kitchen and bathrooms are well equipped with condiments, cleaning products, toiletries, towels (excl. beach towels) and linen. There are logs for the wood burner, barbeque equipment, and buckets and spades for trips to the beach. For mid- and high-season stays, a generous breakfast hamper and a bottle of wine/prosecco are included in the price.
The living room has a Charnwood wood burner, LCD wall-mounted TV with Sky+, a DVD/CD player, Cambridge audio amplifier and in-wall hidden speakers. The kitchen has a touch-sensor induction hob, oven, Bosch dishwasher, fridge, Belfast sink, kettle, toaster, microwave and coffee machine. There is also a laundry room, with two washing machines and a tumble dryer.
The garden has a patio set and sun loungers, as well as a love seat, pirate ship, sandpit and Weber barbeque.
AROUND
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.
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