Picture an ancient house tucked away in the New Forest, with lattice windows and intricate chequered brickwork, set within five acres of manicured grounds, and your vision might look something like ‘Durns’. Meaning ‘the hidden river’ in Old English, Durns dates back four centuries and was originally a family homestead. Now it has been transformed into a luxurious holiday escape after being lovingly restored by new owners, Tom and Juliette Chamberlain, who purchased the site back in 2010. The husband and wife, both from Hampshire also recruited the help of Tom’s sister Hannah for the nine-month long renovation.
Hannah, who manages the property, says: ‘Although the previous owners had restored the house, it was still quite bare and lacked a cosy atmosphere. Myself, Tom and Juliette worked on the renovation seven days a week, every week and the whole family got involved in the process.’
Tom and Juliette specialise in bespoke new builds and renovation projects in Winchester and now the New Forest, where they moved to raise their children near to the coast.
The couple’s 25 years of experience in the building industry, combined with Hannah’s boundless creative flair, birthed this sophisticated luxurious country retreat.
Due to the rich history of Durns, keeping true to its heritage was important to the family, whilst still creating a sumptuous yet homely feel. The interiors are a firm nod to the past, with period features including timber framed and vaulted ceilings on show, whilst still exhibiting a contemporary aesthetic throughout. A perfect blend of old meets new, both nostalgic and opulent.
With a kitchen boasting a double range oven, breakfast table, fully stocked pantry for guests, and a grand dining room seating 16, it’s the ideal social space for gatherings.
Hannah continues: ‘As the buildings in the grounds were grade-two listed properties, we ensured we used materials and traditional methods that were like-for-like. Even down to the paint on the walls which has to be lime or clay based. This allows the old walls to breath and protects the layers of history that lie behind.
‘The grounds had years of neglect and a lot of time was spent in creating the perfect outside space to let the house shine from the moment you drive through the gates. The old derelict building which we lovingly call “the shack” was repurposed as a pool house. Each panel was taken down, numbered, restored and reused. Then we gained planning permission for the new swimming pool to sit alongside.’
For those balmy summer days, guests can enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool (heated year-round to 35 degrees) and cooking up a storm in the outdoor kitchen with its own pizza oven. For chillier seasons, there’s a jacuzzi, only adding further to the allure of the property.
Owner, Juliette adds: ‘Right from the start, our goal was to create a stunning home that could bring together multiple generations without sacrificing the comfortable feel and historical significance of the building. Staying true to the signature style’.
The property spans across three floors, with three double bedrooms, six beds in a dorm-style room and a shepherd’s hut that sleeps two, for a total of 16. There is a clear focus on multigenerational living for those that stay. Juliette continues: ‘This home was created by a family, for families. We wanted to provide a space where families of all ages could come together and enjoy each other’s company.’
Those staying aren’t short of things to do around the grounds, with the property’s Land Rover Defender 110 to drive around, a pool house and games room, outdoor kitchen/bar as well as an outdoor cinema. There’s even a treehouse to fulfil every child’s fantasy, a design visualised by owner, Tom. He says: ‘Our team built a treehouse that doubled as an outdoor cinema using old fallen tree trunks to make it a seamless part of the environment. There were a lot of hours of thought and consideration that went into the planning to make sure every detail and idea was executed to perfection.’
For the family, dedicating copious time and energy on the interior design was integral to the restored farmstead’s aesthetic.
Hannah explains: ‘When I say it was months and months of searching for the right pieces, I would not be lying! I’d go to large antiques fairs, search the internet for pieces steeped in history, even importing coming from abroad. Once we knew what we were looking for, the endless search began. Often we did not know until we saw it, that is the joy of going to antiques fairs. Juliette possesses this ability to visualise what would work and then place items perfectly, she can change the entire feel of a room by moving items around.
‘A beautiful three-metre-long elm refectory table circa 1820 sits proudly in the middle of the dining room. So many stories have been told around this table.’
The striking bathrooms showcase moody hues with black tiles, matte black brassware and stunning Soho Countertop and Cube Countertop basins. The fusion of style and functionality lends an atmospheric, emotional feel, mastering texture and tones.
Each bedroom in Durns has been carefully crafted to provide a unique experience for guests, all with their own personality. Hannah explains: ‘They all complement each other, knitting together seamlessly but each standing out in their own merit.’
The Master Bedroom features a handmade steel four poster bed for a bold statement, complete with a double shower. Dramatic colour schemes, luxurious textures, and brave design choices are woven into each room.
Hannah shares: ‘In our own homes, we tend to play it safe with neutrals, but in a luxurious space like this, being bold pays off in spades.
‘The rooms have a lot of texture. From linen to velvet, textiles are so important to the finish of a room and are often overlooked. I love the old apothecary balloon vases with feathers, keeping a nod to the history but also bringing in influences from the local area.’
The family have strong ties to Hampshire, with all members being born and bred in the county. Hannah said: ‘All our children and cousins have attended the same school. We have a really tight bond as a family and working together makes our business even more special. When we’re not busy looking after properties and guests, we like to spend leisurely days on the boat or enjoying breezy walks along Hurst spit.’
For those guests that feel the need to explore away from the grounds, there is plenty to do in the area as Hannah explains: ‘Lymington is less than 10 minutes away and the New Forest National Park has an abundance of wildlife, walking and cycling trails and little villages.
‘We’re so passionate about where we live in this special corner of the world, and it really is such a joy to share it with those that stay.’
lymorenewforest.co.uk/durns/
