Today is my last day of my summer hols, two weeks off from the daily 9-5 and it’s been simply magical. Whilst I would have loved to have jetted off abroad and believe me seeing all those fantastic summer holiday pics on Instagram has made me very jealous, I used my time off to do a variety of different things and make time for people in my world – family and friends.
With our house development under full swing, I now feel like I am living in a bedsit! And so when I had the chance to take a few days out and book myself in to a cottage or B&B, I jumped at the chance. It would just me and my gorgeous Bichonpoo, Alfonso.
Hunting for cottages in peak season by the sea and one that will allow dogs, was not an easy task. Days I searched, and talk about having to read the small print!! Every time I thought I found something that was reasonable, the “allowing dogs to stay” element generally didn’t tick Alfonso boxes, with so many rules he would have more fun staying in my car!
And then a girlfriend introduced me to Airbnb (thanks Mabel!) – this is an app/website where people rent out either a room, part of their house or their entire property (worldwide). Not only was the searching so much easier, but people were up front and honest about their house rules and their costs. I went from not having much choice to having six or seven options for my last minute dates – how fantastic is that!!
And so I booked in at the Hayloft near Winchester.
This was a gorgeous and very very peaceful rural retreat, just a stone throw away from Winchester – which by the way is a very good base for activities for forest walking, beaches and national parks.
I’m not entirely sure you would call The Hayloft a cottage; it seemed to me it was a converted barn, that on one side allowed for two garages and on the other side was The Hayloft. You walk into this beautiful space that has a modern kitchen and views of fields that horses were using. Also downstairs there were two armchairs that were ideal for reading or chatting on the phone, but still allowing you to take in the country views.
Upstairs was a dream, again very modern with an area that allowed for a desk, a TV area with a moderate size sofa and plenty of large cushions giving you a very chill-out area for watching films etc. And then pass the snooker table (which by the way I didn’t use, being on my own!) but a great way to break up the big room and it has been set up as a large table with ornaments and magazine – leading to the bed and the bathroom.
The decor was lovely in white and blue, it looked modern and fresh.
For a really great room rate of £88 per night, this included breakfast and a home from home. In addition to that there is a service fee. The Hayloft offered everything it said plus more, and what I liked about it the most, I was left to get on and enjoy my space. For me. 100% rest and relaxation achieved.
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| Lily my VW Beetle parked up – The Hayloft is property on the right |
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| We are in! Alfonso very happy with cottage – this is downstairs with kitchen and armchairs that have fabulous views. |
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| This was my Monday morning – rest and relaxation with a good book and coffee (Bliss) |
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| Part of upstair – gorgeous decor and chill-out areas |
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| And the view – horses, fields and can you hear?… that’s right peaceful 😉 |
I can whole-heartedly recommend Airbnb, it was easy to search, to book, to be able to ask my host questions, and with having the chance to review the places you stay, you know what you are booking way before you get there – I really like the honesty. Click here for a link to the site.
And if you love The Hayloft and fancy staying there, then click here.
