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Newton Farmhouse - Whiteparish, Wiltshire

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Tranquil Wiltshire Bolthole

Ivy-covered Newton Farmhouse is the perfect place to stop, relax and smell the roses. The Grade II-listed, 16th century farmhouse sits in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, although with its own 3 acres of peaceful gardens it’s a bit of a rural idyll in itself. Inside, original flagstone floors, beams and fireplaces and even a well in the conservatory keep the historic romance of the place very much alive, albeit with contemporary touches to keep things super-comfortable and uber-relaxed.

The main house’s six en-suite bedrooms are just as romantic, with lots of period features, four-poster beds, elegant decor and lovely views. The shiny bathrooms have either a bath or a shower, while touches such as DVD players and fresh flowers are the icing on the cake. Three more cosy en-suite bedrooms, each with a shower and a bath, are located in a pretty cottage in the grounds.

The breakfasts at Newton Farmhouse are delicious - with the full English joined by croissants, muffins and fresh fruit - and eaten in a gorgeously light and airy breakfast room, with views across the gardens. In the summer, the outdoor swimming pool is perfect for a post-breakfast dip, although with comfy loungers and parasols on offer, you might be tempted to stay there the whole weekend!

Where is it?

The pretty Wiltshire village of Whiteparish sits 8 miles from the cathedral city of Salisbury, and less than 5 miles from the edge of the New Forest National Park. It’s a tranquil place, surrounded by farmland, but has a very cosy village pub - The Fountain Inn ( www.the-fountain-inn.com Tel: 01794 884266) - perfect for a pint after a day in the fresh air.

Lovely Salisbury is an obvious place to visit, with its stunning Cathedral (www.salisburycathedral.org.uk Tel: 01722 555120) - one of the best examples of medieval architecture in the world, and undoubtedly Salisbury’s biggest attraction. The Cathedral’s dramatic, piercing spire - Britain’s tallest at 123m - can be seen for miles. Unlike many great cathedrals, this one was built in one go, in just 38 years, making it complete in its English Gothic style and all the more stunning for it. You can take a tour of the tower if you want to see the inner workings of the ancient spire (and you’re feeling particularly fit), or just wander aimlessly - the nave and the cloisters are as beautiful as you would expect, while the cathedral grounds are huge, green and perfect for summer snoozing. If you really want to enter into the spirit of things, pop along for choral Evensong, held every evening, when the famous world-famous, and frankly angelic, Salisbury Cathedral choristers do their thing.

The rest of the city is ripe for pottering. The gorgeous Cathedral Close is a tranquil world away from the busy modern city centre, and home to the elegant Mompesson House (www.nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 01722 420980) - a beautiful masterclass in Georgian architecture (and Sense and Sensibility filming location). The house’ walled gardens are particularly lovely. Visitors to the Close can also pay a visit to the fascinating Salisbury Museum (www.salisburymuseum.org.uk Tel: 01722 332151) or The Wardrobe (www.thewardrobe.org.uk Tel: 01722 419419) - a celebration of Wiltshire’s colourful military past in a huge Grade-II listed building with gorgeous gardens running down to the River Avon. Pretty Queen Elizabeth’s Gardens, on the banks of the Avon, are also a great place to hang out, have a picnic and listen to the music that’s often performed there in the summer.

Visit Salisbury in the summer, and you may catch the brilliant Salisbury International Arts Festival (www.salisburyfestival.co.uk Tel: 01722 332 977). Two weeks of music, theatre, performance and film in venues across the city - including outdoor concerts and screenings and even venturing as far as Stonehenge. It’s become one of the best multi-arts events in the country and attracts some amazing names.

Of course, one of Salisbury’s most famous attractions sits around 20 miles north-west of Whiteparish on desolate Salisbury Plain (not quite so desolate with the A303 wending it’s way alongside, but a little bit of imagination goes along way...). Legendary Stonehenge (www.english-heritage.org.uk) might not offer the mystic experience many hope for, but the 5000-year old World Heritage Site is definitely a must-visit, if only to marvel at how it got there. During normal opening hours, you’re kept at a distance from the stones, but if you book well ahead, you can arrange a special tour within the stone circle - call 01722 343 830 for more details.

Salisbury Plain is also a fantastic destination for walkers, although there are plenty of alternatives closer to Newton Farmhouse. The vast New Forest is within spitting distance, and offers miles and miles of trails and paths – perfect for walkers, strollers, cyclists and horse riders alike. Even sailors are in for a treat as the New Forest meets the sea at Lymington - just 20 miles from Whiteparish. For all the best places to see, walk, sail and eat in the Forest, read The Weekenders Guide to The New Forest.

Alternatively, the lovely Test Valley passes close to Newton Farmhouse and is a beautiful spot for some scenic, but undemanding walks, with trails and footpaths all over the place. The 44-mile Test Way, which follows the river through water meadows, tidal marshes and past some of Hampshire’s prettiest villages and best pubs, is perhaps the best known. But for a manageable 9-miler, drive to the lovely The Star Inn at East Tytherley, and follow a circular route through the stunning Mottisfont Estate ( www.nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 01794 341220) - itself a lovely place to spend a few lazy hours.

The rest and the best of Hampshire are also within easy reach of Whiteparish, with the historic and buzzy city of Winchester just half an hour’s drive away. Closer still is the breathtaking Palladian home of Lord Mountbatten, Broadlands (www.broadlands.net). Only open from June to September each year, it’s really worth making the effort to visit the Capability Brown-designed house and grounds for a romantic trip into the past. Broadlands is also home to some great firework displays and concerts throughout the year (check on the website for more details).

Where can I eat?

The Fountain Inn is a mile’s walk from Newton Farmhouse, and great if you’re after a satisfying plate of good pub grub and a pint or two after a long day’s walking. For something different, there are plenty of great places to eat around and about, but you will need a car.

Salisbury is home to some lovely restaurants, although for such a haven of English architecture and sensibilities, it might come as a surprise that the one of the city’s best - if not the best - is Indian. Anokaa (www.anokaa.com Tel: 01722 414142) is a real gem of a fine dining eatery and as far removed from your local tandoori as you’re likely to get. Beautifully-presented dishes offer traditional Indian flavours with a modern twist in a fresh and vibrant menu. The freshest of ingredients, warm, friendly service and puddings that have to be seen to be believed (have a gander at the website...) make for a really special evening’s eating.

For something a little less exotic, but equally delicious, try The Lemon Tree (www.thelemontree.co.uk Tel: 01722 333471) is a pretty little bistro next to Cathedral Close. The freshest and most seasonal of produce are used to create simple, but colourful menus, including freshly-caught fish of the day and some stunning salads. The Lemon Tree has a leafy courtyard garden that’s perfect for summer lunching. Alternatively, Gastrobistro at The Pheasant Inn (www.restaurant-salisbury.com Tel: 01722 414926) is a relaxed, Anglo-Gallic restaurant serving fresh and colourful comfort food.

For a lovely gastro-pub that’s a step above the average, The Star Inn at East Tytherley has a mouthwatering dinner menu, hearty and relaxed supper menu, delicious everyday lunch menu and outstanding Sunday lunch options. All use as much local and seasonal produce as possible, and revolve around a pleasingly British theme. The puddings, in particular, are to die for. Or you could try the very cosy Wooden Spoon at Downton (Tel: 01725 511899), 5 miles from Whiteparish.

However, for something really special, head towards the forest to Terravina ( www.hotelterravina.co.uk Tel: 02380 293 784) - a new venture spearheaded by Gerard Basset - so-founder of the Hotel du Vin hotel chain. A deliciously simple, but elegant menu of mainly British dishes uses loads of fresh and organic ingredients from New Forest producers. And, unsurprisingly given its name, Terravina has a wine list to die for.

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Ivy-covered Newton Farmhouse is the perfect place to stop, relax and smell the roses.