This beautifully crafted shepherd’s hut enjoys a peaceful, rural setting on the edge of the New Forest, 5.5 miles from the village of Beaulieu. The adults-only retreat is perfect for couples and solo travellers looking to connect with nature, with animals grazing in the surrounding fields and endless walking trails to explore directly from your front door. Nearby attractions include Exbury Gardens and the 18th-century naval village of Bucklers Hard (both within 10 miles).
The brightly coloured shepherd’s hut is reached via a few steps to the stable door. Inside, the holiday retreat has an open-plan layout and is decorated and furnished in a country-cottage style with pastel shades and exposed woodwork. Along the back wall is a sweet kitchenette with everything needed to rustle up breakfasts and light meals, which you can share at the table by the window. On chilly nights, light the wood burner to create a cosy atmosphere in the hut. When it’s time for bed, climb into the inviting king-size bed for a good night’s sleep. A contemporary shower room completes the accommodation. Outside, sip your morning coffee in the enclosed garden whilst watching the resident horses and alpacas in the neighbouring fields. In the evenings, fire up the BBQ or the firepit for an al fresco supper under the stars. Private parking is available next to the hut.
Beaulieu is a quaint, riverside village with honey-coloured cottages and free-roaming ponies and donkeys. The village has charming cafes and cute tearooms, along with boutiques and gift shops. After a potter around the village, take a trip to the National Motor Museum or stroll around the atmospheric ruins of Beaulieu Abbey. For a day at the seaside, journey to Lymington (13 miles), where you can also hop on the ferry to visit the Isle of Wight.