Honey Badger Retreat
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Welcome to the fabulous Honey Badger Retreat; a Grade II Listed, semi-detached converted barn that brims with character and luxury. There are charming traditional touches everywhere you look in this gorgeous rural retreat as well as a beautiful four-acre estate to explore that comes complete with a fabulous log-fired hot tub, a delightful apple orchard and plenty of gorgeous woodland that features 1400 newly planted broadleaf trees to benefit the local wildlife.
Step inside Honey Badger's cosy interior through the kitchen door on the ground floor, where you will find the homely and welcoming kitchen. There's everything you'll need to cook up a storm including a fantastic oil-fired Aga which is perfect for preparing hearty stews. In the morning, settle down with a warming cup of coffee at the breakfast-bar and enjoy the fresh air flooding in through the large doorway. A handy utility-room sits next door and provides the ideal spot to store your muddy boots and wetsuits after a day out exploring. Here you will find an American-style fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble-drier and a compact shower-room with toilet.
Along the hall, you'll find the opulent dining-room which is perfect for hosting sociable family meals. An exposed brick fireplace houses a charming wood-burning stove to keep you warm as you sit at the marvellous wooden dining-table.
On this floor you will also find two bedrooms. Along the hall you'll find a bedroom which is home to a lovely 'zip and link' king-size bed, an en suite cloakroom and rustic exposed beams which create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. Two steps lead up to the second bedroom which has a luxurious king-size bed. Beautiful wooden furnishings line the room which also comes complete with a small TV for those cosy nights in. You'll also find an en suite shower-room attached to this room.
Head upstairs and you'll be greeted by a stunning hall adorned with beautiful decor. Here you can explore the magnificent sitting-room with its raised ceilings, exposed stone walls and period furnishings. A fantastic centrepiece Inglenook fireplace houses the cosy wood-burning stove to keep you snug in the winter months while a Smart TV offers all sorts of entertainment options for those relaxing nights in.
You'll find two more bedrooms on this floor; the first has an inviting king-size bed and captivating views down towards the estuary and the second is a stunning room with whimsical charm. A fabulously crafted double bed sits proudly in the centre of the room which is full of wonderful period touches and decorations. Wander over to the charming family bathroom; here you will find a luxurious free-standing bath perfect for relaxing in after a big day out on the beach.
Once you've explored all of the wonderful rooms inside Honey Badger, venture outside and discover the blissful gardens that surround the property. Soak up the sunshine on the fantastic patio which comes complete with a barbecue and outdoor furniture that makes al fresco dining an absolute dream. The fabulous hot tub is perched on the viewing platform - an idyllic spot to sit back and soak up the blissful tranquility. Wander down the stone steps to the idyllic floral gardens where you find five brilliant shallow nature ponds that are home to plenty of wildlife. There are no fences around these ponds so make sure that children take care. There are up to 1,600 trees on the four acre estate as well as plenty of animals including a beehive which the owners use to make delicious honey that you are welcome to try. There are also free-range chickens and six of their eggs are in the welcome pack with the honey. There is a trampoline, swings and slide for toddlers used by the owners' grandchildren and these can be used during the day by guests at their own risk and under supervision by adults.
There have been badgers in the bottom field for over 30 years are they come up each evening for their handful of peanuts and often can be seen from the kitchen window if you are quiet and patient. There is no guarantee, but the peanuts are always gone by the morning! Venture further out and you'll find plenty of peaceful spots to relax including a charming picnic bench and a wonderful hammock.
The owners have always cared about the environment and energy efficiency and moving away from oil is important. Solar panels are on one roof and the first of two air source heat pumps has been installed. Wood-burning stoves only use dry wood and the aim is for self-sufficiency for wood from the estate. Rainwater from the barn roof is collected and leads into three of the wildlife ponds, road run off feeds a fourth wildlife pond.
The owners live next door (semi-detached) and will always respect your privacy but are there to help if you do need anything. There is also plenty of parking for up to four cars tucked away off the driveway. A Zappi EV car charger has been installed ready for guests with electric cars.
The internet connection is reasonable, and full fibre is due to be installed by May 2023.
