Sleep@Sea Keyhaven

An off-grid stay with a refreshing difference in a vintage 1970s sailing yacht, furnished in retro style and moored in a secluded Hampshire lagoon.
 
If you're going to Sleep@Sea, choosing the right location and atmosphere is vital.   
 
Ideally, you'd find a tranquil space on an unspoilt coastline, with a soothing backdrop of epic sunsets, star-sprinkled skies, historic sites, and abundant wildlife.
 
All this is exactly what you can expect from Shelduck in Keyhaven, an off-grid vintage sailing yacht moored in a blissfully remote lagoon by the New Forest National Park, and close to the foodie haven of Milford-on-Sea.
 
Boasting majestic views of Henry VIII's ancient fortress, Hurst Castle, Keyhaven Marshes is also a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest that thrives with nature and bird life.
 
Even your journey to the retro-styled yacht is something special... since Shelduck can only be accessed via timetabled ferry, or a mile-long walk along Hurst spit.
 
And once you've reached the private wooden pontoon on which Shelduck is moored, you may feel as though you've entered a 1970s time capsule. Resembling a quirky floating caravan, the cosy onboard accommodation is ideal for two adults - or up to four, if you get on really well!   
 
There's a comfy L-shaped sofa to relax on, with colourful throws and soft cushions, and a cheerful galley that features patterned tiles, a double cooking plate, and a collection of retro saucepans. Though if you don't feel like cooking, why not ask the friendly owners about hiring a private chef, or food-to-boat catering services, instead?
 
This is off-grid, back-to-basics living, so your seafaring retreat is free of distracting Wi-Fi, and there are also no traditional bath or shower facilities on board (why not bathe in the sea for a refreshing natural soak, instead?)   
 
Yet you'll find that each of those basics have been carefully thought about, for bundles of simple comfort - warm bedding, a kettle, an eco-compost loo on your private pontoon, and a supply of cold running water. 
 
There's also a hearty porridge breakfast hamper, generous stocks of tea and coffee, and a coolbox pre-loaded with ice blocks, so you can chill that wine immediately!
 
Enjoy a glass over a lively game of Scrabble or cards - both provided - or use the binoculars to spot the comings and goings of the local bird-and-sea life. If you've brought your kayaks or paddle boards with you, you can explore the sparkling lagoon and its many creeks to your hearts content...  
 
...or even paddle up to the local pub for a tasty lunch! Otherwise, simply head up to the deck with a good book, and soak up the sunshine.
 
You'll also receive a visitor pass to Hurst Castle as part of your booking, which is a perfect excuse to turn back time even further. Wander through the 16th century dungeons and gun ramparts, before stopping for coffee at the castle café, or indulging in a scenic seafront picnic.

Things to note
 
Check in from 2pm - 4pm, check out by 11am. Stay for 2 nights at the weekend, or 3 nights mid-week. Access to and from the yacht is via ferry and floating wooden pontoon, so for safety reasons it is not suitable for children or non-swimmers. Please pack as you would for a traditional camping holiday - light and smart, and with plenty of warm clothes! There is no Wi-Fi on the boat.