Woodland Gem

With gorgeous gardens and its own bluebell wood, Yvonne and Peter Henness’ cottage is an idyllic rural retreat.

- ViVienne Ayers

Yvonne and Peter Henness were living near the New Forest when they both began hankering for a more rural lifestyle. ‘We owned a large detached property in Ringwood, and decided we’d like to find a house in a secluded, peaceful setting – our dream country home, in other words,’ says Yvonne. The couple had differing views as to the kind of property they wanted. ‘We visited the estate agent and just couldn’t seem to agree. Peter wanted something with a long drive and I wanted a thatched cottage. Someone in the office overheard us and said, “What about the house in the woods?”’