A peaceful hideaway for two in the heart of the New Forest
About Us
A boutique barn conversion in Exbury, one of the prettiest villages in the New Forest National Park, close to the saltmarshes and creeks along the Beaulieu River in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Old Barn is made for relaxation. Original barn doors, sheepskin rugs and a traditional log-burner give a country cottage cosy feel, while details such as the open-plan kitchen-diner, large sitting room, inviting kingsize bed, Egyptian cotton sheets and White Company towels make it a comfortable and spacious retreat for two.
One of the New Forest's most traditional villages, Exbury is part of an estate which historically belonged to the legendary Mitford family and since 1919 has been owned by the Rothschild family. When Lionel Nathan de Rothschild purchased the estate he created the famous Exbury Gardens, on an ambitious scale. The gardens are now open to the public. Many of the charming houses and cottages in the village were built by the Rothschilds for those who worked on the estate and in the ‘big house’. Exbury today is rural, safe and peaceful; the only sounds are of birdsong, church bells and the occasional clip clopping of horses' hooves.
Walking, cycling, sailing and horse-riding draw most to the region. The New Forest is 218 square miles of beautiful, varied landscape: shady ancient woodland, heather-covered heaths and over 100 miles of gravelled tracks to cycle or walk. Ponies, cattle & pigs roam freely throughout the Forest as they have for hundreds of years. Clear springs unite to form the Beaulieu & Lymington rivers which flow out into the Solent which has many lovely beaches with views over to the Isle of Wight.
Why Choose Us
In the Heart of the New Forest
We are perfectly positioned in the heart of the New Forest — a place where wild ponies, cows, donkey & even pigs wander freely, ancient oaks meet open heathland, and the coast is just minutes away. From woodland walks and cycling trails to serene gardens and historic villages, every path here leads to natural beauty and calm.
Big Skies & Local Beaches
Within minutes of The Old Barn, the Forest meets the sea. Discover wide horizons and peaceful shores at Calshot, Lepe, Tanners Lane and Milford-on-Sea. From gentle coastal walks and wildlife spotting to watching yachts sail across the Solent, each beach offers its own character and a breath of sea-salt calm.
The Beaulieu River
​The Beaulieu River winds gracefully through the heart of the New Forest, just a short walk away through Exbury Gardens. Follow its tranquil banks on foot between the historic village of Beaulieu and the old shipbuilding hamlet of Buckler’s Hard. It’s a beautiful riverside walk rich in wildlife, history and timeless charm.
“Once again, we had a delightful stay at this well-appointed and pleasantly located property, ideally placed to visit Exbury Gardens and the beach nearby at Lepe. The property is spacious and comfortable in a peaceful setting ideal for rest and relaxation. Highly recommended.”
The accommodation is spacious and well appointed, and is an excellent base for exploring both the New Forest and the Dorset and Hampshire coast. Exbury Gardens and Beaulieu Palace House are close by, as is Lymington, so there is plenty to do without travelling far. Ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer on the local roads are something to look out for (I met them all), but that’s part of the charm of the area.