There’s something very special about hammocks. Exotic, blissfully relaxing (once you’re properly positioned) and something I’d never associated with my own home – until I moved to Barnet.
My first experience of a hammock was as a student at a small party at an extraordinary house in Camden Mews built around a tree. After dinner on the roof terrace of raclette cheese (another first that night) we took it in turns to lie back in a hammock and admire the views across the rooftops. It was fabulous. As was a hammock outside a Mexican beachside cabaña I stayed in a few years later where you were gently lulled by the sound of the waves. Hammocks only ever seemed like rare and exotic treats.
However, when we moved to Barnet, inspired by neighbours who had a hammock and having been reminded just how soothing and comfortable they are, I treated my husband to one for his birthday. To be honest, I don’t think he has used it anything like as much as the rest of our little family – he must try harder! Strung between the apple and magnolia trees, it draws you into the garden and makes it feel even more like a haven. Lying there in dappled shade, gazing up through the leaves, life couldn’t feel much better. As long as an apple – or worse – doesn’t fall on your head.
Our weatherproof hammock came from Best Hammocks. It’s also worth buying the ‘Smartrope’ hammock rope fixing which made it really easy to hang.
