There’s so much to love about this gorgeous red brick cottage ensconced deep in the New Forest and surrounded by woodland just bursting with wildlife and nature. From the front door, you can step out on to open forest for a blissful break away from daily life. This is a holiday home perfect for walkers, cyclists and those looking for a base to explore the region.
1 Alum Green View is in the tiny hamlet of Bank in the centre of the New Forest National Park. It’s not a well-known destination for tourists, but those who are ‘in the know’ travel far and wide to dine on impressively delicious food at The Oak Inn, which is a couple of minutes’ walk along the lane.
The cottage has just been completely refurbished and guests will be smitten with the results. The owners have indulged the interiors with a calming contemporary feel. Layers of texture and harmonising shades create a stylish backdrop, enhanced by flawless craftsmanship. The bright and homely lounge has two plump sofas to flop on and relax after a day gallivanting, and there’s a large picture window to watch ponies and donkeys plod past or pause for a munch in the clearing outside. Two walls are adorned with built-in shelves dotted with books and a Freeview TV and DVD player, and the fireplace has a cosy log burner to snuggle in front of when it gets nippy.
There’s a handy downstairs loo and separate utility room which houses a washing machine and tumble dryer. Then comes a new large kitchen/dining room. This blissful space is in muted shades of blue and grey, and is uncomplicatedly spacious and the hub of the home. In the kitchen, budding chefs will feel at home with lots of counter space, a new hob, electric integrated oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. The dining area boasts a table and chairs for 6 opposite a wall of bifold doors which lead out to the patio and sweet cottage garden beyond.
Upstairs you’ll find a family bathroom with both a full-size bath and walk-in shower. There are two gorgeous bedrooms, each drenched in daylight. Whoever is in the double bedroom will love lazy mornings enjoying views across the forest from a big picture window opposite the bed. The seconded stylish bedroom, which enjoys two large windows along one wall, has a zip-link bed, thus allowing guests to choose for the room to be a king size or twin single beds.
Outside the garden is completely private and fully enclosed, providing a serene spot to relax surrounded by the sound of birdsong. Enveloping the lawn are lofty trees and borders planted with year-round formations of colour. To ensure you make the most of your time outdoors, there is a collection of garden furniture for a BBQ (provided) and alfresco dining. Or, simply sit under the ebony sky, as there’s very little light pollution here, and count stars with a glass of something lovely to sip.
There’s so much to see and do in the New Forest and the surrounding area. For those that love history, head to Beaulieu to see the Palace House, Abbey and whilst there, pop in and have a look at the Motor Museum which has regular exhibitions. This year they are celebrating the 50 year anniversary of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ including the famous car itself. King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress Hurst Castle, which has been extended over the years, is well worth the one and a half mile walk along a pebble spit from Milford on Sea. The historic National Trust houses of Mottisfont and Kingston Lacey are all close by and Stonehenge is an easy day trip.
The New Forest is perfect for family holidays. Children love the family theme parks of Paultons Park -home of Peppa Pig and the Alice in Wonderland based children’s theme park, Adventure Wonderland. Snowtrax in Christchurch is an all-year-round artificial ski slope with Ringo’s, ski bobs and a great adventure playground. And if you want a day at the seaside, head west towards Bournemouth for seven miles of blue flag award sandy beaches – just a half an hour drive.
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