There’s so much to love about Apple Cottage, it’s luxurious and as cute as a button, with lots of thoughtful touches from the owners – which creates a wonderful home for your holiday. Take a look out of the window and you’ll often see the famous free-roaming New Forest ponies, donkeys, cattle, even the odd pig or two peeking over the cottage gate, staring longingly at the lush green grass of your garden to come and nibble – so please remember to always shut the gate!
Living space is split between two main rooms. At the rear of the cottage is a fresh, light and spacious kitchen diner. This is a new addition to the cottage and beckons guests to come and gather together. The convivial space sits under a vaulted ceiling, with an entire wall (the width of the house) of bifold doors with views across the pretty garden. A huge, chunky oak dresser, table and chairs sit on warm wood floors next to a shiny gloss contemporary kitchen. You’ll find this room generously equipped by the thoughtful owners with everything you could wish for on holiday – including a ginormous American style fridge freezer and coffee machine. The other half of the room is a generously sized family area, home to a set of stylish sofas, armchairs and 58” Ultra HD Smart TV.
Past the handy downstairs toilet and utility room, and into another generously proportioned social room, which the owners refer to as the Drawing room. The walls are painted in chalky neutrals against crisp white wooden shutters, creating a restful, relaxing vibe. A log burner is on hand for when the season turns chilly. Three large luxurious leather sofas standing on a cosy rug, and there’s another Ultra HD Smart TV for a chilled night watching films after an exciting day exploring.
Upstairs are three stylish and elegant ensuite bedrooms, each exuding luxury. Quality button and sprung handmade and upholstered beds stand on stripped floorboards, softened by beautiful rugs which coordinate with pops of colour, layers and textures from the soft furnishings. The master bedroom has a kingsize bed draped in a billowy duvet, fluffy pillows and a gorgeous throw. The next is a double bedroom and then there’s a third twin room.
Outside is the perfect retreat for al fresco dining, or maybe throw some steaks on the Weber BBQ? Bi-fold doors lead out to a patio with ample garden furniture. The gardens are mainly laid to lawn with well-established, pretty borders, planted with beautiful blooms against tall hedges and fencing. To the rear of the garden is a pretty pastel green summer house fronting another patio with a second collection of table and chairs, ensuring there’s always a spot to sit and relax with a glass of something cold in the sun.
The location of Apple Cottage is in the friendly village of Brockenhurst, where you’ll often be joined by the ponies and donkeys as you pop in and out of the shops. The village ‘high street’ is home to all the traditional shops of a bygone era. Think baker, butcher, grocer, delicatessen and ironmonger sitting alongside a well-known mini supermarket. There are a bevy of amazingly good restaurants, cafes and popular pubs in the village for a bite to eat. We love Rosie Lea’s Tea House for her divine cakes and naughty nibbles! For a hearty, well-cooked, delicious meal, pop in to The Huntsman.
Being in the centre of the New Forest, you’re well placed for exploring on foot, two wheels – there’s cycle hire in the village, or by car to the many attractions close by. Children will adore Paultons Theme Park – home of Peppa Pig World. The New Forest Wild Life Park is a great afternoon out, as is Exbury Gardens. For the more adventurous, an easy day trip on the ferry to the Isle of Wight departs from Lymington, a mere 15 minute drive away.
You’ll quickly feel right at home in Apple Cottage. It’s the perfect bolthole and antidote to escape busy lives and full schedules. A holiday here is all about old fashioned days out, walks in the forest with a picnic, smiling at nature and relishing the simple things in life before sinking in to a comfy bed for a blissful night’s sleep.