Introducing Walnut Barn
This dog-friendly, back to nature retreat set in a walnut orchard was once a humble barn used for lambing. The owners have carefully and lovingly converted it into a beautiful contemporary home with the luxury of underfloor heating throughout.
Step inside and kick off your shoes in the good-size entry porch, which leads to a huge open plan design-led interior, with high ceilings and enormous windows beckoning the natural light and sunshine to bathe the room. Soft hues of mellow yellow walls and wooden floors set the scene. Two large inviting sofas in smart navy blue are perfect to flop in and relax after a day out. They face a large smart TV and huge French doors and windows with views out to the orchard.
On the opposite side of the room, there’s a solid wood dining table to gather over coffee for chats about the day’s adventures. A few steps away are the sleek glossy units of the kitchen, equipped with induction hob, integrated electric oven, microwave, dishwasher, large larder fridge and freezer.
A hallway leads to two ensuite bedrooms. The first is a big, bright double room with white painted furniture and a kingsize bed dressed in crisp white cotton. Pale blue plaid curtains framing a large set of French doors and a matching throw combine to make the room feel cosy yet fresh. The classy ensuite has a full-size bath (with shower over) and is spacious, sophisticated, and perfect for whiling away time in a bubble bath. The second bedroom in soft chalky grey walls coordinates delicate green florals and stripes between two white painted wooden beds and floor to ceiling curtains dressing French doors. This bedroom is also ensuite, in the same sophisticated styling as the other bathroom, this time with an enormous walk-in rain shower.
The location of the barn is blissfully serene, in the walnut orchards of the owner’s farm where you can spend relaxing days far away from the madding crowds. The rustic garden is mainly laid to lawn, edged by the walnut trees and woodland beyond. Mother Nature and her animals are literally outside the front door, so don’t be surprised to see the woodland wildlife popping by to say hello. Deer, foxes, pheasants, badgers – even polecats join the famous free-roaming ponies, donkeys, pigs, cattle and the vibrant throng of animals and birds who call the forest home.
Decking wraps its way around the length of the barn upon which stands wooden sun loungers to laze on during sunny days or maybe wrap up in a blanket to gaze at the starry skies in this light-free, remote region of the National Park. A striking cast-iron fire pit in the garden doubles up as a BBQ for fuss-free fun meals.
Walnut Barn is in the little village of Hale in the New Forest’s Northern Commons which are managed by the National Trust. This part of the forest is far less known than the southern villages and woodlands. Don your walking boots and head out to conquer the rolling hills and stunning views dotted with the famous free-roaming ponies. View birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels and rare goshawks and honey buzzards as they swirl and squawk high in the sky. In warmer months wildflower meadows are festooned with butterflies. Ponds and streams see beautifully coloured dragonflies and flashes of turquoise from a darting kingfisher. Or come to the New Forest in autumn when the trees turn a blaze of amber, orange, crimson, and fiery red carpeting the forest floor in a deep blanket of crunchy leaves. Winter is truly magical as the stark beauty of the forest twinkles as the frost and icicles catch the low lying sun. Bring your camera for shots of the ponies puffing thick plumes of hot breath in the cold air, dressed in their thick, fluffy winter coats. And explore the forest’s chocolate box scene villages decorated in fairy lights and Christmas regalia for the festive season.
When on holiday at Walnut Barn, bring your clubs and swing by Hamptworth Golf Club for a round, and take to the saddle for some horse riding at Arniss Equestrian or Firtree Farm stables. Have fun exploring the forest’s gorgeous pubs for a tipple and maybe something delicious to eat. The close by attractions include Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World, which little ones will love, the New Forest Water Park, Go Ape! at Moors Valley Country Park, Snowtrax artificial ski slope and Stonehenge. For a complete change of scene, it’s just a half-hour drive south to the award-winning golden sandy beaches of Avon and Highcliffe.
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