Situated five miles from Romsey, The Hay Barn is a spacious barn conversion on a mixed working farm, with spectacular views across the Test Valley and Salisbury Plain. Thoughtfully restored to retain original features including exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, it has been comfortably furnished with contemporary interiors, while underfloor heating keeps things warm on cooler days. Ideal for a family of group of friends looking to explore Hampshire’s beautiful countryside and coastline.
Outside, The Hay Barn benefits from a lawned garden and patio with dining furniture and Weber barbecue overlooking the farm’s fields. Essentials such as logs, coal, firelighters, marshmallows, barbecue meat packs, and breakfast hampers can all be bought on site.
Gambledown Farm has been in the same family for more than 50 years and is managed using regenerative farming practices that promote sustainability, biodiversity, healthy soils, and the production of highly nutritious food. The farm is home to pedigree Shortland cattle, a small flock of sheep, pigs, and free-range chickens. It also grows a mix of cereal crops and forage brassicas, and includes areas of ancient woodland with plenty of opportunities for walking and bird watching.
Each spring, Gambledown welcomes several orphaned lambs from a neighbouring farm, giving guests the opportunity to help with bottle feeding. Guests are also welcome to collect freshly laid eggs for breakfast each morning.
The farm offers a wide range of facilities. For those looking for a restorative break, there is a studio suitable for yoga, pilates, and meditation with classes led by experienced instructors, as well as a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge bath.
Guests can also join occasional supper clubs celebrating local produce and seasonal ingredients, weekly pizza nights, and cookery demonstrations.
Gambledown Farm is well placed for exploring the ancient woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest National Park. Visit the village of Brockenhurst, where free-roaming ponies wander along the high street, or explore the historic maritime village of Buckler’s Hard. Other nearby attractions include the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and Paultons Park, home to Peppa Pig World.
The coast can be reached in under an hour. Southsea is a classic Victorian seaside resort with a shingle beach, pier, fairground rides, and a canoe lake. Milford-on-Sea is excellent for walking, with colourful beach huts and views across to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Studland Bay, which marks the start of the Jurassic Coast, boasts a beautiful stretch of sand backed by dunes.
The market town of Romsey is home to a magnificent Norman abbey, award-winning gardens, and a good selection of shops, restaurants, cafés, and pubs.
For self-catering grocery essentials, local treats like ice cream, honey, and jams, and Gambledown’s own meat and eggs, the farm shop is open 6 days a week.
Ground floor:
Open-plan living space with kitchen with breakfast bar, dining table, and sitting area
Bedroom with twin beds and bunk beds
Bathroom with bath with hand-held shower attachment, basin, and WC
First floor:
Bedroom with king-size bed, and en-suite shower room with shower enclosure, basin, and WC
Bedroom with twin beds (zip and link, can be super king-size bed on request), and en-suite bathroom with bath with hand-held shower attachment, basin, heated towel rail, and WC
Underfloor central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, dishwasher, washing machine
WiFi
Smart TV with Freeview and Sky
Fuel and power
Bed linen and towels
Private parking for 2 cars
Garden with furniture and barbecue
Children's play area
Shared sauna and ice bath by arrangement with the owner
Guests are welcome to explore the farm, meet the animals, and bottle-feed lambs in spring
Children and infants welcome
Highchair available
Two well-behaved dogs welcome; a small charge applies
Strictly no smoking
Breakfast and barbecue hampers available to order
Yoga and pilates classes available
Seasonal events including pizza nights, supper clubs, and cookery demonstrations
Farm shop on site
Distances are calculated “as the crow flies”, so actual driving, cycling, and walking distances may differ.
