Pictures of Calbourne

About Calbourne

Calbourne is a lovely old place that has long been a natural haunt of artists from all over England who are drawn by the unspoiled and picturesque beauty spot. Winkle Street is perhaps the showpiece of Calbourne. It has an enchanting terrace of stone cottages all dating from the 18th-century. The access to the street is dominated by an octagonal gatehouse of flint structure which guards the entrance to a lovely Georgian mansion, the heavy iron entrance gates are hung on small octagonal stone piers that almost perfectly match the charming gatehouse. The pretty cottages all have delightful front gardens that in summer show a riot of colourful flowers and plants, these tiny gardens face the glistening waters of the Caul Bourne, it is a idyllic scene that has been painted by noted artists such as A.Heaton-Cooper (1864-1929). The main street of the village winds steeply past a sloping green towards the 13th-century village church which houses many treasures including a commemorative brass of 1383.

Interestingly, of the villages other buildings, the Sun Inn, a handsome red brick building, has a model railway in the grounds next to the pub car-park. It is a constant delight to visitors of all ages.

Calbourne is situated close to Brightstone Down and the Westover forest is closeby, so too, are the many picturesque coves and bays that fringe this pleasant holiday island.