For people fortunate enough to live in an area desirable for tourism with space to play with, converting an unused out-building into an Airbnb is a cost-effective way to generate income. For husband and wife, Sophie and Nathan, turning their garage space into a holiday let was an easy decision to make, living just over a mile away from the sea, in the coastal hamlet of Downton, near Barton on Sea, they are ideally placed to offer a beautiful staycation retreat.
The couple met over 14 years ago and between them have three girls, Robyn, India and Dixie, and a puppy called Billy.
Sophie says: ‘We met in the local pub – like many do! We just got on like a house on fire. We thought on paper it might not work because we have quite a large age gap, but it did – and we are still the best of friends to this day. We have different taste and interests in some things, but both really like being active. One thing we like to do together is go for a run around Keyhaven and Milford, and always end with a dip in the sea all year around. We also love running in the forest.’
The couple grew up in Hampshire - Nathan from Southampton and Sophie from Milford. Sophie says: ‘I’ve always adored this area and have felt so lucky to grow up so close to the sea and New Forest. I’ve lived in the village my whole life, so it just made sense to share it and have an Airbnb. I really like meeting new people and sharing my love for this area, often by the end of people’s stay, our guests feel like friends.’ She continues: ‘Our cottage, which is next to the studio, is a Grade II listed property and it was originally for the workers of Lee Green farm – so it’s been here since the 18th century. We had a double garage that we didn’t use too much and over the years, we decided to start doing it up and turning into a studio apartment.’
This garage was to eventually become The Nook - a quite hideaway, filled with little luxuries, a private outdoor space and hot-tub. With high, vaulted ceilings and roof windows, the property makes excellent use of the space, feeling light and airy.
‘We finished the studio last August, and like with everything, we were on a budget’, shares Sophie. ‘When we decided to do it up, one of the most important things for me was that it had a vaulted ceiling. We had to take the whole roof off but I wanted that wow-factor. This was where most of the money went. We did some of the work ourselves to stay within budget and got people in when we needed to. We started the work last February and it finished up in August. It took a little longer than we hoped but these things always do!’
With a love of interior design, Sophie was excited to have a new project after completing work in their own home. She explains: ‘Having stayed in lots of different places, I had a clear idea of what I like – I was so looking forward to putting in all these luxurious touches and little ideas I had. I wanted it to feel like a hotel and for people to walk in and see crisp white bed linen and everything in its place with the Roberts radio playing and creating a peaceful atmosphere.’
With a fully equipped kitchenette, enticingly comfy double bed, and cosy indoor and outdoor seating areas, it’s every bit the relaxing hideaway it’s listed as.
Rather than playing it safe with an obvious coastal theme, Sophie opted for a style more in-keeping with the traditional elements of their cottage whilst also drawing from the minimalistic Scandinavian interior design. There are some subtle hints to the locality of the Forest coast with the dark blue colour tones. It’s a mixture of contemporary and traditional – intimate and homely, with a neutral colour palette. Patterned tiles with bold colours make a visually appealing statement in the bathroom, which also boasts a wide rainfall shower.’
Sophie and Nathan have run a haulage and storage business for 14 years and both work from home. In their free time, they are keen musicians, which has inspired their décor choices as Sophie explains: ‘The artwork is all music related, we’ve got a really nice Fleetwood Mac poster and a guitar on the wall, and I chose a great picture of Brian May. I’ve also added an Isle of Wight festival poster from the sixties. Some people notice the music theme and we have a nice chat about it and sometimes it’s the reason they have chosen to stay which is sweet.
‘When guests arrive, I want them to feel as if nothing is a problem. I just love hosting, I think it’s what I do best. They tend to be busy couples from London wanting to escape. We do get the odd baby come and stay too, which is really nice.’
With an abundance of beaches only moments away and the New Forest just a five-minute drive, The Nook’s location is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet amongst nature with the lavish touches of a hotel. A great example of transforming a small building into a spectacular space for others to enjoy and to add value to your home.
Find out more about a stay at The Nook online at airbnb.co.uk
