Oak Tree Cottage is a real gem, the epitome of a blissfully serene and idyllic escape for up to five guests in the thriving village of Burley. The village itself is a popular spot for the ponies and donkeys to gather, and you’ll often see them toddling past the garden and standing at the gate!
Nestled beside rich terracotta scalloped tiles, traditional pane glass cottage windows offer a peek inside to the enticingly inviting living space, which flows around the entire ground floor. On the left is a lovely sitting room framed by white wood panelled walls. A handsome poppy red feature wall houses a cosy log burner for nippy nights alongside a TV and DVD player. Opposite is a deep and stylish large leather sofa, adorned with throws and cushions, offering a relaxing spot to flop after a day out gallivanting in the forest. The other end of the room is set as a characterful snug area, with French doors begging to be thrown open in warmer months to let the sunshine and bird song in.
From the snug is a well-equipped galley kitchen with a picture window overlooking the garden. The cottage’s social space continues to flow into a charming dining room, oozing vintage country glamour in pastel green and grey shades. A painted dresser and chunky wood dining table with 6 cushioned chairs stand on stripped wooden floors opposite yet another log burner. There’s also a convenient downstairs cloak room.
Clamber upstairs and you’ll find a family bathroom and three good size bedrooms, which are as quaint as they come and teaming with plushness. Each room is fresh and bright with views through the trees where you can watch squirrels and birds at play. The bedrooms are infused with thoughtful touches and quality furnishings – brass knobbed single, twin and king size beds are dressed in gorgeous bedding, coordinating beautifully with carefully chosen painted oak furniture, pretty lamps and cast iron decorative fireplaces.
The enclosed garden is everything you’d hope for in this gorgeous cottage; mainly laid to lawn with a patio, garden furniture and BBQ for al fresco dining. Oak Tree cottage is surrounded by rich woodland and some neighbouring cottages. It’s the perfect spot to laze away the afternoon with the swoosh of trees, the scent of fragrant blooms and birdsong setting the scene.
If you want to bring your bikes, there’s storage at the cottage, but you really don’t need to as the village has one of the best cycle hire companies in the New Forest – Forest Leisure Cycling. Also in the village are a selection of character shops and some lovely pubs – The Queens Head and The Burley Inn both serve great food and tipples. For those with a deeper pocket, Burley Manor restaurant could be an option, or try out the delicious cafes – our favourites include The Old Farm House and The Cider Pantry – who also press their own cider which you can buy from their onsite shop.