The Property:
The Shed is named somewhat tongue in cheek by the owners' family as it is about as far from a shed as you can get. Whether sitting out on the decking with its clear view glass balustrade or in the comfort of the lounge you have stunning views across Avon Beach and the Solent to the Isle of Wight and The Needles; there is always something to watch at any time of year. When you talk about a property one of the most important factors is location. New for 2015, the chalet has it all from its prime sea front position to its proximity to such places as the beautiful New Forest, Bournemouth, Lymington and Christchurch. There is so much to do right on your doorstep or within a very short drive.
The Shed is fully equipped to a high standard with all you need to make your stay one of comfort and luxury. There is a dishwasher "so no arguments over the washing up!", separate fridge and freezer, microwave and extra touches like a built in coffee maker, Bose Sounddock and TVs in both bedrooms. You have private parking adjacent to the chalet so you do not have to haul your luggage and shopping far.
The Shed is based within the boutique Sandhills Holiday Park. With its historic main house and leafy grounds the whole ambience is one of relaxing in the country but with the sights and sounds of the sea. The park facilities are available to all guests and include an adventure playground, family bar with Sky TV, heated outdoor pool, small gymnasium, pool table, launderette and mini mart store. Additionally there is free WiFi in the lounge and bar areas.
About the Local area:
Christchurch was a renowned smuggling town and 'The Shed' is just a short walk from the historic Mudeford Quay where in 1784 smugglers skirmished with Customs and Excise officers. So kids bring those cutlasses, eye patches and skull and crossbones, oh and a parrot if you have one!
It is still a working quay today with fishing boats venturing out most days so why not say hello to Pete on boat Deja Vu (SU21) and see how his day has been, or wave to him from your decking as he heads back from another successful day out. If you fancy testing your skills out and bringing the catch home yourself pleasure fishing trips are available directly from the quay, or we can help you organise in advance. There are many pleasure trips to be had or if you fancy a thrill then why not hang on to your seats on the Bay Blast rib ride.
The Quay is also famous for its crabbing from the quayside (crabbers quay!) and has a children's play park, fish stall, cafe, The Haven House Inn and a large green area which is perfect for picnics, ball games and kite flying. You can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head directly from the Quay and visit its fantastic beaches and beach huts.
Christchurch harbour is a great place for watersports from windsurfing to sailing and the Highcliffe sailing club is based on the Quay. There is also an active RNLI lifeboat station which practices launching weekly so you are almost bound to see their rather unusual lifeboat launch and recovery system in action!
If walking or bird watching is your thing then you can do both without even getting in the car. Within an easy stroll you will find a nature reserve on the cliff top adjacent to Highcliffe Castle. If you fancy a little longer out then why not try the circular walk through Stanpit Marshes and on to Christchurch for a spot of lunch. Then take the Tuckton ferry from outside the Captains Club to cross the river, or walk over Tuckton bridge a little further on if the ferry is not running, and head across more picturesque marshes to the back of Hengistbury Head. From there you can skirt the inside shoreline, head up and over the top or use the beach as your route back to the beach huts and ferry home at the tip of the Head. Who knows, the Haven House Inn may tempt you with a thirst quencher before heading back to the luxuries of the chalet.
Down at Avon beach, there is a café/restaurant, the Noisy Lobster, and kiosks serving fish and chips, coffee and ice cream. There is a shop selling anything from local/national papers to clothes and holiday souvenirs and even a bakery on site.
If you head out in the car then the walks available to you are endless with The New Forest on your doorstep and The Purbecks within easy reach. Easily missed and of particular note is the area around Keyhaven and Lymington and, in particular, the sea wall walk past the now disused salt works and the spit and Hurst Castle, which in itself is worth entry but make sure you have a few hours to spare.
Historically sailing and fishing are all part of the local heritage with such famous local sailing clubs as Christchurch and Lymington to hand. More recently wind and kite surfing have become extremely popular along with kayaking and paddle boarding. Don't worry if you have never tried any of these or do not have any equipment as Shore Sports base themselves in the harbour and are more than happy to help out.
About the area in general:
Christchurch - the sign says 'Where Time is Pleasant' and it's right. From the lively Monday market to the great shops and restaurants along the high street it is a great coastal town. It is a short trip in the car or by the Ferry that leaves from Mudeford Quay. Christchurch Priory is the longest parish church in the country and is surrounded by beautiful grounds, riverside walks and Christchurch Quay. The Priory is a must see and is steeped in history. The Priory contains the 'miraculous beam' said to be placed there by a carpenter locals believed was Christ himself.
The New Forest - a National Park situated on the south coast of England. The landscape is a mix of heathland, grassland, bogs and woods. Domestic animals are permitted to roam freely throughout the Forest. Visit Beaulieu Motor Museum, catch a ferry from the pretty town of Lymington to the Isle of Wight or just enjoy the many cycle trails, walks and forest villages.
Bournemouth - the famous seaside resort with miles of beaches, loads of restaurants, bars, clubs and great shopping. Just 9 miles away, it has so much to see and do.
Other Attractions - Alice in Wonderland maze Theme Park, Serendipity Sams, Go Ape at Moors Valley, TowerPark with its Multiplex Bowling and Splashdown Indoor Water Park, Paulton's theme park on the edge of the New Forest, the Bournemouth Oceanarium, Compton Acres, Poole Old Town & Harbour, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island to name but a few.
