Slate Cottage

more about this place...

Inspired by an artist’s studio, this individual, architect-designed property of whitewashed brick, slate and glass was built in the 1960s. The owners have styled an interior that is all about the mid-century look, while the accommodation has been arranged to be adaptable; to suit multi-generational family groups or a couple of families taking time out together.

Reception spaces are inviting and sociable. These include a central dining hall with vintage drinks trolley, 1960s’ haberdashery unit and an immense refectory-sized table that can seat 12 comfortably. It is perfect for celebratory meals, which in our experience are usually a big part of family get-togethers. There’s a bright, light, airy kitchen with another generously proportioned table. This one is recycled from a school science lab bench and seats eight easily – ideal for relaxing over breakfast, mid-morning coffee with pastries, and brunch.

Off the dining hall, a glass corridor leads to what was originally the site of the old artist’s studio – now a family room or snug, even an extra bedroom if required, with garden views, vaulted ceiling and wood-burning stove.

For the perfect entertaining space, the first-floor sitting room runs the length of the house and features high ceiling, full height windows facing south and west, and a roof terrace among the tree tops where you can sip a glass of wine or G&T while the sun goes down. Perfection. Come winter, this relaxing room is indulgently cosy: light the wood-burning stove and snuggle onto a low sofa in a room with exposed brickwork, painted panelling, reindeer hides strewn across oak boards and quirky details such as a bike saddle upcycled as a table light.

Versatile bedroom accommodation can meet the needs of most families with two large bedrooms on the first floor, two more good-sized bedrooms on the ground floor and the family room with sofa bed. Plus there are three sparkling bathrooms – one with freestanding tub.

The Style

Slate Cottage mixes up comfort and luxury with practicality and eclectic elements. It starts in the big entrance hall (great for muddy dogs and muddier kids) with utilitarian wire racking for boots and bits and bobs alongside a cactus displayed in a birdcage. It continues with statement pieces of furniture, sourced from Parisian flea markets and local vintage emporiums, against an uncluttered colour palette of greys and white.

Bedrooms are calm retreats for grown-ups. Beds are topped with cosseting throws and oversized textured cushions and schemes are quietly glamorous – greys with highlights of silver and wood. Kids’ rooms include a hideaway of a bedroom with fun bunks, fluffy feathery lampshade and whacky wigwam for let’s play make-believe, plus a playroom with old-fashioned toys.

The Gardens

The enclosed lawned gardens with mature trees back onto a paddock where local residents, Shetland ponies Barney Buttons and Scooby Doo, like to say hello. There’s an open outlook, plenty of space to play and a proper swing hanging from a high branch. There’s also the possibility of spotting deer and a real sense of living the country life and being in touch with nature.

Family

With a separate playroom, masses of toys and books, and an enclosed large garden area, with swing, there is plenty to keep kids busy. For teens, try the Saltwater baths in summer -situated in Lymington – for the floating 110 metre assault course, paddle boards and zorbs. All bonkers and great fun. There are 2 high chairs, 2 travel cots and a top and bottom stairgate.

Best for…

Families with people to spoil – especially good for VIP birthdays and multi generation family groups due to the downstairs living accommodation.

Accessibility

There is a kingsize bedroom, and a children’s bedroom downstairs with two bathrooms – 1 shower (there is a step in to the shower) and one with a bath.

The playroom has a wall mounted TV, so if the stairs to sitting room are not possible, guests can watch TV downstairs.

There’s one step in to the house at the front door, access possible at the rear through the french doors (step in to) to the playroom or to the front of the kitchen (one step up). The ground floor is all one level except that there are two steps down to access the playroom.

There is a handrail on the stairs – part of the wooden structure of the stairs on the right hand side. 

So if you are organising a group with less mobile people then read our ideas (and tested excursions) here in our blog ‘Holidaying with less mobile folk? Here’s where to go, what to do!’

And if you are organising a celebration for those in their 60’s + please visit our blog post ‘Four easy ideas for memorable 60th, 70th & 80th birthdays’