THE RETREAT
OUR STORY
The Retreat at South Tunley Hall Farm was born from our vision for a dilapidated cattle barn that was in dire need of structural attention. Constructed from salvaged materials in the 1950s, post-World War II, the barn had outlived its purpose of housing pigs and later cattle. We saw the potential for an ideal holiday rental property and embarked on creating a new two-bedroom, self-catering holiday cottage. Nestled within the Grade II listed curtilage of the quaint 17th-century hamlet of South Tunley Hall Farm and perched on rising ground above the charming Tunley Brook, the location is truly idyllic.
In March 2024, the old barn was demolished, and construction of The Retreat began. We selected building materials that would provide a striking contrast to the farm and the adjoining 17th-century stone barn. Modern handmade-style bricks, reminiscent of the original farmhouse, and locally sourced modern cut stone were chosen to match the traditional farm buildings, marking the blend of new and old elements within the historic farmstead.
Designing the internal layout proved to be quite the conundrum! Initially, we envisioned a traditional layout with the living area on the ground floor and the bedrooms upstairs. However, after thorough deliberation and design reviews, we decided to reverse this, which turned out to be a fantastic decision.
The upstairs living area now offers an open, spacious, and airy ambiance, with stunning views of the surrounding fields and abundant natural light streaming through the large Velux windows. Retaining the original 17th-century stone wall as a key feature has added unique character, beautifully blending modern and historic elements.
The ground floor bedrooms are cozy, modern, and warm, complementing the overall design perfectly. What we initially thought might feel odd has resulted in a harmonious and functional layout that works wonderfully.
We welcome you to The Retreat and hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Since its inception in 1667, South Tunley Hall Farm has witnessed countless changes, and we can only imagine what it will look like in another four centuries time.
