Fernden Lane
Haslemere, Surrey, UK
Twisting blooms clambering around mullioned windows, an orchard bountiful with fruit and nuts and a Zen garden for mindful mornings of meditation; the grounds in which Fernden Lane so peacefully sits are a hidden slice of Eden just outside of sleepy Haslemere. With oodles of crooked timber beams and country-luxe charm, this Grade II listed self-catering house offers true liberation from the fetter of fast-paced city living.
Introduction
Just an hour by train from both central London and the balmy south coast, but with miles upon miles of rural rambles right outside the front door, this luxury 16th century farmhouse in Surrey is perfectly placed to enjoy all that England has to offer. Ancient history flows through Fernden Lane’s bones, but recent restorations undertaken by the owners have brought it right up to the modern day, making this self-catering home a character-filled family retreat that is utterly wholesome in every way.
Inside
Leaded windows, inglenook fireplaces, solid oak floorboards and intricate metal work, Fernden Lane is as quintessential as it is bucolic. A home which celebrates the simple but beautiful things in life, local craftmanship and materials can be found throughout while humble, handmade patchwork quilts bring nostalgic comfort to winter mornings bundled up in bed. The crème de la crème must be the cast iron, rolltop bathtub overlooking the cottage-style garden, where one could easily while away an afternoon (or two!) submerged in bubbles.
Outside
Rising with the sound of birdsong, pad downstairs and out into the garden for a quiet hour raking patterns in the Zen garden’s sand, before wandering back to Fernden Lane’s kitchen with freshly picked herbs from the vegetable patch. After filling up on coffee and toast, pack backpacks and head across the meadow, through Valewood Park and up onto Black Dog Copse to enjoy endless Surrey views over a picnic of strawberries and cream; on return, gather around the fire pit for mulled cider and conversation as the light fades from the sky.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 7 guests
From £2,195 per week, £1,650 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 4 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThe master bedroom includes a king-size bed, private balcony and en suite bathroom with freestanding bathtub and walk-in shower. There are two further bedrooms in the main house, one with twin beds and one with a single bed, along with a family shower room and separate WC on the ground floor. In the annexe, there is an en suite bedroom with king-size bed and en suite shower room.
View bedrooms - PetsSorry, no pets
- Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. A cot and highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is ample parking for up to six cars on the private driveway (two on the cobbled area and further space through the gates and in the farmyard). The kitchen includes an Aga, electric oven, hob, Quooker boiling water tap, large fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine. There is a separate utility room housing a washing machine and tumble dryer. Due to the nature of the traditional country house style, there are a number of low doors throughout. There is an unfenced lake and ha-ha in the garden, please supervise children at all times.
- Homestay includesLuxury welcome hamper of local produce, freshly cut flowers, marshmallows and toasting fork, Smart TV, recipe books, internet...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
Prices & Availability
Haslemere
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the buzzing streets of London, Haslemere and its pretty half-timber inns smothered in creeping wisteria is the perfect escape into the country, where rural rambles and pub lunches are the main event.
Getting there
- On the Map Fernden Lane is just outside the village of Haslemere in rural Surrey.
- By Car The house is one and a half hours from London by car.
- By Train Haslemere train station has direct, regular services from London Waterloo, and is just over five minutes drive from the house.
- By Air The main London airports are around a 90 minute drive away.
From the owner
“The house looks out across a meadow, dotted with ancient oak trees and a lovely lake that runs down to the River Wey, which rises from a spring up the valley.”
Living close by, we have always loved Fernden Lane; it is the most beautiful, unspoilt place.
Over the valley runs a beautiful, dramatic ridge of green sandstone called Blackdown. Accessible from hundreds of ancient tracks, including ´Pen-y-Bos´ and there has been a settlement here since 6000 BC. The ´Temple of the Winds´ at the top of the valley is a bronze age circular bank, the highest point in Sussex, with sweeping views as far as the sea on a clear day. Blackdown was home to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, whose biographer lived in the house that you can see down in the valley from Fernden Lane.
Seeing Blackdown for the first time on an autumn day, with low cloud swirling over the ridge, fog clinging to the trees - it's utterly mesmerising. It´s just as beautiful on a midwinter morning when the frost hovers over the lake, and unforgettable on a clear blue summer morning when the buzzards soar on the thermals over the beech forest on the other side of the valley.
The lake teems with fish and is home to ducks, geese, herons and moorhens. The meadow is crisscrossed with badger paths, and deer graze here in the half-light at dawn and dusk.
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Haslemere with an insider’s perspective.
To See
RHS Wisely, Woking
A joy all year round, wander the extensive grounds of one of the UK´s finest gardens. Whether a keen horticulturalist, budding chef or a lover of green space, RHS Wisely is a perfect day out for the whole family.
To Eat
The Hungry Guest, Petworth
Included in Vogue´s top 100 food shops outside of London, this award-winning artisan deli celebrates local, small-scale producers of the finest quality, and is filled to the brim with goodies for an afternoon picnic.
To Do
Go Ape, Farnham
For the adrenaline seekers in the group, a treetop adventure across zip-wires and wobbly bridges is an absolute must. Great for children big and small. For those who would rather keep their feet on the ground, there´s an onsite café and picnic spots aplenty.
To Eat
The Noah´s Ark, Lurgashall
A 16th century pub in a picturesque village providing outstanding seasonal food alongside great service, all while retaining a traditional pub atmosphere. Exceptional wine, delicious ales and child friendly.
Guest Testimonials
Everything about the property was so well done. The design was not only gorgeous but incredibly functional. There was nothing that we needed that we couldn’t find! It immediately felt like home but with a touch of luxury and even with kids it still felt like an adult/beautiful getaway.
The interiors were excellent and could not be faulted. Well done to the excellent cleaners also. We were treated to birdsong all day long which was a real highlight The walk to Haslemere allowed for a bit of town and country.
Fernden Lane was an absolute dream break with our young kids. There wasn’t a day that went by where I didn’t think “wow, they´ve thought of everything!”. The house is very child friendly, even for a one and three year old. We visited the ducks in the pond everyday; it’s so scenic and peaceful to walk around and we discovered a few different walking routes without needing to jump into our car. We feel so lucky to have experienced this and can’t wait to book again.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
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The best cottages to rent in Cornwall
House & Garden
June 2023Britain´s greatest villages untouched by mass tourism
The Telegraph
June 2023Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023
Collections > Baby-Friendly Breaks > UK > Surrey > Haslemere > Fernden Lane
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
