Fruit Grove Yurt

Standing in the grounds of a Listed country house with extensive gardens our Silk Road inspired 6m off grid yurt nestles in an old orchard. It enjoys private space and access with rural views across the Test Valley and Romsey, adjacent to woods, farmland and peaceful gardens. This wildlife haven is perfect to relax away from urbanisation but also provides a great base for exploring local delights and activities whether you are seeking solitude, a couple’s break or a base for your family holiday. ***COVID 19*** In light of the current health emergency, be assured that we provide a very high standard of cleanliness to all surfaces, fittings and furnishings. This is a sole use site and we are positioned in the middle of the countryside where you don’t have to come into contact with anybody else if you don’t wish to (apart from the inevitable dogs). Check in is straight forward and we do everything to maintain Social Distancing standards. If there is anything you need we can always be contacted by phone and make suitable arrangements to solve any issues. This really is the yurt for all conditions, designed it to be cool in summer and cosy when temperatures drop. Decorated with the “Silk Road” in mind and containing a diverse range of up cycled and authentic furnishings which we hope gives a unique feel for you to enjoy. The interior is lit by solar panel charged LEDs giving a surprisingly bright yet cosy ambience. The yurt accommodation consists of a double bed with headboard reading lights, a double and two single futons and ample seating, storage and hanging space. A range of small musical instruments, games and other entertainments are provided. A 4 metre Bell Tent can be erected by arrangement for your use at an additional cost which can extend the accommodation to 8 people. Your outside space extends to over 700m2 and includes parking adjacent to the yurt accessed by a private unmetalled track. Within the area there is a covered BBQ, outside seating, double hammock and fire pit. There is also a covered area that can be used for dining or for seeking shade. You have your own gas powered heated shower and separately housed Eco toilet which is definitely a room with a view, however, if you prefer, a conventional toilet is available nearby. The off-grid field kitchen is a fully equipped converted horsebox with camping fridge and stove, mains water, sink and cupboards. To minimise the environmental impact we supply eco friendly cleaning and sanitary products for your use, Wildlife and birds are regular visitors to the garden in surprising numbers because of the proximity to the woodland and if you sit quietly in the yurt at dawn or dusk you may well see deer passing your door foraging for their favourite ash leaves and fallen apples. But it doesn’t end here, you will also hear Muntjac barking and pheasants hiccuping, see grey Squirrels up to no good, Buzzards and Kites soaring the sky and hear Woodpeckers drilling for insects. We are also home to a number of Swallows which you will see feeding on the wing. Other visitors include Foxes, Badgers, Stoats, Hares. Rabbits and Moles! As well as many common species of birds from time to time you will see Jays, Wild Geese, Swans, and Herons among others. At night the outside space is lit by a number of solar lights both practical and decorative for your enjoyment. Inspiring sunrises and sunsets may be enjoyed from the BBQ and outside seating area and once night falls low levels of light pollution will enable you to gaze at the stars and planets from the comfort of the double hammock. So why not light the fire pit, sit back, relax and enjoy the space and calm before snuggling into the Yurt for a good night’s sleep. Read further details before booking There is a private access road leading to the Fruit Grove space which is reserved for your exclusive use. Other areas and facilities may be available for your shared use subject to circumstances and we will be happy to talk to you about these after arrival. The owners live on site in the main house along with others including our two dogs and two cats. We will normally be available for contact by phone throughout your stay. One of us will meet you on arrival, check you in and show you around. We will also be there at check out. On arrival you will need to come to the main house. We will show you how to gain access to the Yurt which involves using a short stretch of private and unmade track. However, if your car is too old, precious or low to make the trip or if you don’t have a car we will happily transport your luggage from the hard surface yard (where parking is available), to the Yurt on arrival and departure. Intermediate access will be on foot but only consists of a short walk across the garden. Our haven is located near Romsey in Hampshire, a historic market town easily accessed by road and rail Located approximately 1.5 miles from the centre of Romsey and the Abbey and 4 miles from the M27 motorway, the following locations are easily accessible: Winchester (Cathedral & King Arthur’s Round Table) – 12 miles by road/bus/rail Salisbury (Cathedral, Racecourse & Old Sarum) – 14 miles by road/bus/rail Southampton (Shopping, Port & Isle of Wight Ferry) - 10 miles by road/bus/rail Portsmouth (Shopping, Historic Dockyard, Mary Rose, HMS Victory & Spinnaker Tower) - 30 miles by road/bus/rail Chichester - 40 miles by road/bus/rail New Forest (Canada Common) – 5 miles by road Peppa Pig World & Paulton’s Park – 4 miles by road Stonehenge - 25 miles by road Isle of Wight – by Ferry from Southampton and Lymington Walkers & Cyclists The New Forest contains a huge network of paths and tracks suitable for walking and cycling and a little nearer home the Test Way is easily accessible, running from Andover in the North to Eling in the South. Food & Drink The area is blessed with many fine pubs and restaurants – too many to list but we will be happy to give you some suggestions and the benefit of our experience! Entertainment There are a range of entertainment venues both locally and in the nearby towns and cities and frequent festivals, carnivals etc take place throughout the year. A little further afield the Tank Museum, Beaulieu House and Motor Museum and the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop are popular attractions. Sport The area is well served with sporting venues, golf courses, leisure centres (including the Romsey Rapids Complex), and home to the Ageas Bowl (11 miles) for cricket and golf, and Premiership Football clubs in Southampton and Bournemouth. Day fishing is available at a number of venues nearby. There are riding establishments that offer hacking experiences in the New Forest. Paulton’s Park & Peppa Pig World We are located a few minutes by car from Paulton’s Park which is an award winning theme park with beautifully kept gardens, entertainment for all ages and hosting the world renowned Peppa Pig World. We are surrounded by private managed woodland and worked farmland which helps to create our unique environment. However, many of these areas are not in our care and hence we are unable to grant admittance to other land and must therefore request that guests only use the dedicated access routes or Public Rights of Way. As a community we work closely with our neighbours and nearby workers in an atmosphere of mutual respect and would ask that all our guests replicate this. In particular, please be aware of farm, forest and other traffic that may be sharing our space and ensure that due consideration and adherence to speed limits on the private roads is observed. We will be happy to assist you in meeting your aspirations and ensuring that you have the best possible experience of staying in this wonderful place.