Forest Cottage is a picture-perfect 300 year old thatched cottage in the peaceful village of Pilley. Deep in the New Forest, the cottage provides a blissful escape for up to five guests to escape the stresses of every day life.
Its forest location is magical; expect to see all manner of playful woodland creatures outside your window, including timid deer tiptoeing through the heather. Think long woodland walks and lazy lunches, picnics and drinks in the sunny garden. As the season turns cold and the trees twinkle with ice, imagine roasts cooked in the cosy Aga and a family film by the fireplace.
Forest Cottage is ‘chocolate-box perfect’. Step inside the part cobb walls to a homely vibe of chunky beams and slightly wonky walls. Terracotta flagstones in the lounge are made cosy with warm rugs on which stand comfy sofas, and there’s an impressive exposed brick fireplace.
Cooks will fall in love with the country kitchen and enormous duel fuel Aga, featuring an impressive six ring hob and four ovens – perfect to whizz up a quick meal with fresh produce from the local farm shop! There’s a bright and spacious dining room containing a country style solid wood table to gather around for relaxing meals and maybe play some board games? You’ll also find a convenient utility room with washer/dryer and roomy fridge freezer. Typically with historic cottages, the crisp bright bathroom is downstairs, as is a separate cloakroom.
Venture up the restored steep cottage stairs to a cosy snug, perfect for those looking for a quiet space. There’s also an upstairs loo and three spacious bedrooms. Each bedroom has pale carpets and chalky walls with lots of sweet cottage windows that allow dappled sunlight to flood in. The master bedroom boasts a king size double bed made for lie-ins and dressed in crisp linens. A second double bedroom is equally welcoming, and the third single bedroom is a treat having a double aspect, creating a lovely light-filled space to view lofty trees and open forest beyond.
As you’d expect with a cottage steeped in history, its garden is a joy to behold. The private, enclosed garden has a lawn surrounded by mature plants, bushes and shrubs. After a day spent exploring, come ‘home’ and slip into a comfortable garden chair with a glass in hand and watch the sun set as birds sing and owls come out to play.
Upon stepping outside the front door, you’ll find yourself in a landscape of open forest frequented by the famous New Forest ponies, donkeys, cattle and vibrant wildlife. It’s a quick scoot down the lane for supplies from the village store or jump in the car for a brief three mile drive to Lymington. The busy Georgian town has two large supermarkets and a high street packed with independent shops and popular weekly street market, as well as a bevy of trendy eateries. But why not leave the car at home and take a walk for dinner? There are two fantastic pubs within a half hour walk: The Fleur de Lys and Monkey House, both celebrated for delicious food, warm hospitality and well-kept ales.
A stay at Forest Cottage in Pilley also means easy jaunts to the beach and coastal walking paths at Milford on Sea – gateway to the pebble spit leading to Hurst Castle. Originally built as King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, it’s a fascinating find having been adapted over the centuries as a prison, keep and most recently as a lookout and ammunitions store in WWII. Close by is the enchanting village of Beaulieu where visitors come from far and wide to view the ancient Abbey, Palace and world famous motor museum. For a super day out, take the ferry from Lymington Quay and spend a day exploring the Isle of Wight. If you have children, don’t miss a day out at the New Forest Wildlife Park in nearby Ashurst. Just a little further is Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World, voted the UK’s top family theme park on Trip Advisor.
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