Southern Bell

A unique holiday island home that includes two stylishly converted railway carriages, for a first-class break by the Hampshire seaside.

Lovers of the seaside and age-old tradition alike will adore a break at Southern Bell!  This quirky beach house includes two cosily converted railway carriages from 1874 and 1903, complete with the original carriage doors and featuring plenty of contemporary fixtures and fittings that provide everything you need for a calming coastal break.

Situated directly on the seafront at Hayling Island and enjoying bracing sea views, you'll be able to step straight out of your private gate and onto a blissful pebble beach, with miles of sand all around to explore...a real haven for families, groups of friends, and even the dogs!

Sleeping up to eight people and two well-behaved dogs, this stunning detached house may fool you at first glance into thinking it a thoroughly modern beach hut, with its cool, clean-lined and on-trend exterior.   However, step inside and you'll soon find plenty of the carriages' original features - not to mention bucket-and-spade-loads of character - fully in tact.

The single-storey, light and bright accommodation features five comfy bedrooms (two singles and three doubles), three of which are housed inside the original railway carriage.  There is an additional pull-out bed available for any extra guests.

One of the bedrooms comes complete with an en-suite shower room - perfect for washing off those sandy toes! - and you'll also discover a spacious bathroom with shower over.

Enjoy two stunning living areas, one situated inside the carriage and charmingly decorated with original features...you'll feel completely relaxed as you imagine chugging away along the coastline in First Class luxury, glass of wine firmly in hand!  

A second living area also features a well-equipped kitchen (complete with separate wine fridge and Nespresso machine), and a beautiful dining area, where you can enjoy plenty of home-made feasts as you look out to the sea and beyond through wide glass patio doors.

For an al-fresco treat, why not enjoy a morning coffee (or even afternoon tea!) in the enclosed patio garden, and listen to seagulls cawing overhead as the tide rolls in?

Meanwhile, you'll soon find you're only a short walk from an array of local pubs, restaurants and shops - oh, and the local harbour, complete with a sailing club for any watersports enthusiasts in your group.

Well-known for its windsurfing and sailing, Hayling Island is the perfect spot for you to try these activities for the first time, with lessons readily available.  Maybe book a relaxing boat trip instead, if you're still feeling timid!

Back on dry land, you can enjoy plenty of golf, cycling and endlessly scenic walks along the water's edge, or for a change of view, the nearby South Downs National Park.

Further afield, the city of Chichester has plenty to offer, or how about a waterside dining experience at bustling Portsmouth?  The New Forest, along with an array of National Trust homes and gardens, are also within easy reach for those with a taste for heritage.

So for a truly memorable island break, simply pack your sense of adventure, grab a few of your favourite people, and get ready to experience a whole new world of seaside luxury at Southern Bell!

Things to note

Travel cot and highchair can be provided on request, no smoking permitted, up to two well-behaved dogs are permitted upon prior arrangement.