Abbotstone Farmhouse

Highlights

• Splash around in the heated private pool or relax with a captivating book on an adjacent sun lounger in the shade of a parasol.
• A brilliant base for connecting with the gorgeous Hampshire countryside thanks to the excellent network of footpaths for serene walks and runs along the chalk streams.
• Spend cosy evenings in the TV room in front of the 42 inch flatscreen TV with a thrilling DVD or catching up on the latest series from Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
• Spend chilly winter evenings warming up beside one of the three open fires with unlimited log supplies.
• The generous hosts provide a bountiful welcome hamper stocked with culinary delicacies from the local area.
• Show off your athletic skills and embrace your competitive side at the shared tennis court (rackets and balls are provided) or the full size ping pong table in the games room.

You should know

• The property must be accessed by car – and fortunately there is free parking onsite.
• The private pool is typically only available from April to October.
• Pets are permitted for an additional fee.

This picturesque, traditional property is the perfect location for an activity filled retreat away from the hubbub of daily life alongside family or friends (or colleagues). The extensive gardens of the attractive estate populated by evergreen trees are a year-round delight, ideal for bird spotting on morning walks followed by coffee on the terraced outdoor seating area. The range of opportunities, from the horse riding and vineyard tours for outdoorsy guests, to the multiple living areas for those who prefer to spend toasty evenings in front of an open fire, mean that you do not even need to leave the estate to find entertainment.

Lazy lie ins are inevitable throughout the nine beautiful, airy bedrooms all decorated in unique, colourful styles with breathtaking pastoral views – if you can, grab the master bedroom and enjoy breakfast in bed in a four-poster!

The house is overflowing with social spaces – sink into the large sofas or armchairs in the characterful living rooms with an enthralling novel or entertain your companions with an alfresco meal on the terrace using the fire pit or charcoal BBQ to demonstrate your culinary talents. Alternatively, take inspiration from a cookbook and rustle up a feast in the exceptionally well-equipped kitchen where you ought to take advantage of the kitchen island and two Rangemaster cookers with induction hobs. For special occasions, Becka Cooper is on hand to provide onsite catering using locally sourced ingredients to whip up a personalised banquet. You might even enhance the ambience at such events with an atmospheric soundtrack using the JBL Bluetooth Boombox or the stereo system.

The heated private swimming pool neighbours the property and is perfect for kids to splash around and play with inflatables while you recline and catch a tan under the sun. For those harbouring competitive spirits, equipment for tennis and croquet is provided so you will be able to boast your sporty skills under blue skies. During winter months, head to the games room to prove yourself at the ping pong table, or grab a board game or a puzzle to while away a frosty evening.

The house is ensconced in the beautiful countryside of Hampshire in which you can easily immerse yourself by taking the Watercress Way footpath to reconnect with the tranquillity of the natural world before stopping for a refreshing pint at a traditional country pub such as The Bush Inn overlooking the River Itchen. The rural market town Alresford is three miles away, and it is an amazing spot for an afternoon wandering through the shops – which include a wonderful delicatessen and a high-end fashion boutique – or for a lovely evening out at Pulpo Negro for spectacular Spanish Tapas. The local area is inundated with family-friendly activities such as the National Trust’s Hinton Ampner House and Garden, Jane Austen’s House and the enthralling mediaeval Winchester Cathedral a mere 15-minute drive away.

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