Our favourite coastal holiday cottages

Beach-huts-Christchurch

We all long to discover outstanding little gems by the sea. Watch the waves tumble in and laugh at seagulls chatting in squawky banter. The New Forest is lucky to be able to offer both a countryside and forest retreat with the coast on your doorstep. Seashore walks on stormy winter days are just as wonderful as summer swimming and sandy sandwiches during the warmer, sunny months. Below are just a few of the amazing properties in our portfolio that are minutes to the sea – one even has its own beach!

Beach-huts-Christchurch

7 Admirals Court, Lymington – A harbour hideaway  

Admirals Court is right on the water’s edge, overlooking Lymington’s town quay, cobbled street and lively harbour. From the lounge, large picture windows overlook mariner life and provide the optimum vantage point for people watching and life on the Quay. The high street, boutiques, restaurants, eateries and food shops are all within a couple of minutes’ walk. You’ll find this perfectly placed holiday pad stylish and beautifully furnished. There are two bright and sunny double bedrooms with king size beds, a well equipped kitchen and large lounge diner.

Search for more cottages in Lymington here.

 Lymington-harbour

Holmlea, Keyhaven – A coastal cottage within a few minutes’ walk of Keyhaven Nature Reserve 

Pretty Holmlea is in the immensely beautiful hamlet of Keyhaven -most well-known for its yacht club, harbour and departure point for the Hurst Ferry (well, it’s a little boat actually). The ‘ferry’ chugs past the marshes and wildlife of Keyhaven Nature Reserve and out to King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress – Hurst Castle. The refurbished cottage is absolutely gorgeous and beautifully furnished throughout. Another highlight of this lovey home is its huge, sunny garden. Beautifully tended with a large expanse of lawn bordered by blooms, trees and shrubs, it boasts views to the fields beyond. Perfect for lazy days and al fresco dining.

For more about cottages in Keyhaven, click here.

 

Shingle Beach House, Milford on Sea – A bird’s eye view of the bay 

Perched on the clifftop, Shingle Beach House offers guests a spectacular bird’s eye view across the bay and famous rock formations of ‘The Needles’ on the Isle of Wight. Wake up to the sights and sounds of sea from the master en suite bedroom. The same view can be enjoyed from the large, sun-filled living room, which has French doors on to a balustraded balcony with steps down to a pretty, landscaped garden. There’s private, gated access to the clifftop, enticing guests to explore well marked walks, pathways and steps down to the beaches below. The village of Milford on Sea for pubs, provisions and artisan shops is just a ten minute walk away. Milford on sea has become a real foodie hotspot, with two of the New Forest’s best restaurants, Verveine fish market and restaurant and La Perle, on your doorstep.

Search for more cottages in Milford on Sea.

 

Sowley Gate House, Sowley – Your own beach in the New Forest National Park!

A home to relax, unwind in and enjoy the surroundings, which include free roaming New Forest ponies grazing along the shoreline. The huge, sunny garden is surrounded by the privacy of open forest and farmland, but the beach at the bottom of the garden is the real showstopper–think BBQ, blankets and inky black skies for star gazing! In the house are 5 twin and double bedrooms, 2 of which are on the ground floor. Downstairs is a spacious sitting room, with a wood burning stove for cosy winter nights and French windows onto the terrace and lawns. There’s a separate dining room with fantastic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, a well equipped kitchen and large utility room.

Sowley-Gate-House

Click here for more about Sowley village.

 

Quay Corner, Christchurch – Visit Mudeford Spit and the most expensive beach huts in Britain

Quay corner is a former Georgian vicarage in the pretty town of Christchurch, on the Dorset Hampshire border. The refurbished house sleeps 10 in six bedrooms and features a large dining room, separate lounge, lots of thoughtful mod cons and a lovely lawned garden. Its fantastic location will really appeal. Tucked away on a side street in the historic town centre, you’ll find lots of good quality restaurants, pubs and sightseeing within a two minute walk. Best of all is its proximity to the working harbour of Mudeford Quay (great for fishing and crabbing with the kids) and Mudeford Spit, for soft, sandy beaches and swimming. Take the boat ferry across Christchurch harbour entrance and you’ll see gorgeous, colourful beach huts. One of those very huts became Britain’s most expensive, when it went on the market for £270,000! A ten-minute drive east brings you to Highcliffe Castle. The stately castle was home to famous retailer, Harry Selfridge, and appeared in the popular television series, Mr Selfridge.  Steps at the rear of the castle car park lead to the unspoilt, completely natural, sandy/shingle beach of Highcliffe – not a café, nor fish and chip shop in sight!

More about Christchurch here.

Find your perfect coastal cottage here.