Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, the Palais des Vaches is a renovated art gallery situated just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Exbury Gardens — the perfect hidden gem for art enthusiasts!
Built in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild, the designer of Exbury Gardens, as a humble milk parlour, the building was transformed in 2020 by Nick and Caroline Rothschild into the three-room art gallery we know and love.
Named for its extravagant Arts and Crafts style, the Palais des Vaches, which translates to The Cow Palace, is brimming with a potent mix of contemporary artwork, including paintings, sculpture, and mixed-media creations.
As you wander through the Palais des Vaches, you’ll find artworks by over 40 local and nationally renowned artists, including New Forest-based stainless steel sculptor Michael Turner, plus Andy Baerselman, Sasha Constable, Nadine Collinson, Caroline and Nick de Rothschild, and many more creatives. The venue also hosts regular art workshops by local artists Stewart Beckett and Kim Thompson.
The Palais des Vaches is located on Lower Exbury Farm near the charming sailing town of Lymington and welcomes visitors from 11am to 4pm on open days.
Looking for a comfortable and contemporary place to stay during your art travels? Moo Cottage is a fabulous three-bedroom abode just a minute’s walk from the gallery. Perched on the edge of the New Forest, this charming getaway features original artwork and offers stunning views over fields of cows towards Beaulieu River, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight.
During your stay, you can visit the Palais des Vaches, and you can make your stay at Moo Cottage even more special by purchasing an original artwork to take home with you.
Discover the arts scene and rich history of Exbury by booking a stay at Moo Cottage.