2020-07-01RedUK

154

July 2020 | REDONLINE.CO.UK

T

he sun glitters across Beaulieu River and
small boats bob gently around me as I
stretch into a deep downward dog on the
end of Gins Barn’s little wooden jetty.
Morning yoga is positively encouraged
here – also, bringing a book to read on the little
bench, or binoculars to birdwatch through the marshes, or simply
contemplating, for which this particular spot – with river views on
one side, and the Solent to the Isle of Wight on the other – is just perfect.
A converted barn adjacent to a large farmhouse, Gins Barn can also be
rather proud of its handsome yet homely design – exposed oak beams and
floors, a large living area with a log burner, an impressive, airy kitchen and
four good-sized bedrooms with pretty bathrooms, all fashioned in a horseshoe
design around a central paved courtyard. The décor is my favourite kind – an
artful mishmash of prints and colour that looks thrown together, but totally
works. I covet the Fermoie linen lampshades atop old pottery jug lamps, the
large upholstered headboards, Persian rugs, Indian bedspreads and Turkish
bathroom tiles. I vow to return home and fill every room (including
the bathroom) with old paintings and artful knick-knacks.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Gins Barn is the Tithe Barn, which is
accessed via the kitchen and can be hired additionally. It seats 30 for dinner,
has colossal double-height windows overlooking the lawns and water beyond,
and would make a fabulous venue for a grown-up birthday party (kids are not
encouraged in here). Alongside the yoga, we do experience a bit of the local
area: a gentle walk to nearby Buckler’s Hard, with its maritime museum and
charming little pub, and also a trip into Beaulieu, where the Old Bakehouse
Tearooms seduces us with magnificent slices of home-made cake, so big we
smuggle some of them out to finish off later on beside the log burner. Just
another simple pleasure during this idyllic weekend. SARAH TOMCZAK

TRIP NOTES

Gins Barn sleeps 8 people, from £400 a night/£1,200

a week. Book via Sawdays, sawdays.co.uk/ginsbarn

GINS BARN,

BEAULIEU

From top: the

sheltered terrace

is a perfect sunny

spot; a living

room for relaxing

in style; breakfast

with a view of the

Beaulieu river;

four luxurious

bedrooms to

choose from

Dreamy

inside

and out

at Gins

Barn in

Beaulieu.