CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The sun setting in Bratley Wood in the New Forest; ferns carpet the forest floor; wild horses are a familiar sight in the Forest; sit back and relax with a fine glass of English wine by the wood-burner at The Pig in Brockenhurst; 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey is a conserved ruin on a vast scale.
Perhaps it's the diversity of magical vistas that range from ancient woodland to open heathland and stretch out to a 26-mile coastline encompassing mudflats and saltmarshes. Or maybe it's the free-roaming ponies that languidly graze the countryside and wander indolently alongside the roads. Whatever the reason, there's a certain sense of the exotic in the New Forest, and travellers venturing here can't fail to feel a sense of getting away from it all' thanks to the area's unique culture, its laid-back atmosphere and exceptional scenery.
Established as a royal hunting forest by William the Conqueror in 1079 for the pursuit of 'the beasts of the chase', his ownership of the area extended to banning local communities from using the forest to graze livestock, forage or hunt. It wasn't until 1217 that the rights of the people were restored, with the Charter of the Forest allowing common rights over grazing and use of the land. These days, this ancient tradition of commoning' still exists, and the livestock seen here now may look wild but are actually owned by a community of latter-day commoners.
The New Forest is best known for these wild-roaming animals and its wealth of outdoor activities. But it has much more besides, with a rich seam of historic attractions, myriad shopping opportunities in its charming towns and villages and an incredible diversity of local food and drink, of which the area is rightly proud. Look out for the New Forest Marque', which is awarded to produce with a clearly defined local provenance.
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS
From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place
Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE
In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance
Bohemian Rhapsody
An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton
The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain
European HERITAGE B&Bs
Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...
STAR SALES
A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots
Textile designs by artists
Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s
Period DRAMA
A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life
An artist's RESIDENCE
Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery
Carefully Curated LIVING
This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques
