more about this place...

The interior style is country comfortable, easy-going and relaxed. There are the owners’ family photographs, animal portraits, rugs thrown on boards, florals and antique chairs.

Downstairs the living areas are open-plan. The kitchen, stuffed with masses of kit for cooking, is semi-open to the dining area where a rustic table seats up to eight and big glazed doors slide open to the terrace.

The sitting room is well set up and stylish. There’s a wood burning stove and enough armchairs and deep sofas, piled with colourful cushions, for everyone to lounge in, or squirrel away with a book. Off the sitting room, a playroom provides a kids’ escape space, with football table, TV and daybed. There are blackout blinds here and this is a useful extra bedroom.

Upstairs the bedrooms are big and bright. One has a super king, the other a king and a single next to it. Downstairs, there is a double bed with access on one side only, and next door, a twin or super king if they are made up together.

The downstairs bathroom has been fully renovated during lock-down and has been done well. The upstairs bathroom is dated but is fully functional, clean and sparkles. The water pressure is good for showers. Towels are fresh and fluffy and no shortcuts are taken for your comfort.

Outside the large gardens are mainly lawned, ideal for family games. They are also well-enclosed and should contain all but the most determinedly adventurous dogs. There’s a good barbecue and picnic table for eating al fresco – a great way to enjoy long summer evenings and spectacular sunsets. If you don’t fancy cooking, we’ve tons of suggestions for tasty places to eat out. Or we can help you find a caterer; just ask. The kitchen here is well set up for it.

If you need more outdoor space, simply hop across the cattle grid and turn left. The little lane beyond goes nowhere and is of the prettiest and most perfect kind. For family walks with the smalls, learning to ride bikes, toddling along and smelling the flowers – it’s the spot. Walk its length (about three minutes) and you’ll find yourself on the bowling-green-flat, pony-nibbled lawns of Pilley Green where local children play football and run around.

The owners Stephen and Louise were locals and they say that the village comes into its own in summer with gardens to visit (through the National Open Garden Scheme). They also recommend the old phone box as a must-visit – it’s now a community book swap facility.

All in all: Forest Edge is about the village life experience. This is a lovely, well presented holiday home that’s set up for families and in a great spot.

Best for

The house is best for groups of 10 adults, 2 children (in the single beds) and then 2 babies. All rooms (except bedroom 4) are suitable for travel cots.

Home Truths…

The upstairs bathroom isn’t the most luxurious, but it’s clean, water pressure is good for an invigorating shower and towels are fluffy.

There is a cattle grid nearby the cottage and you can hear it at night when the rest of the village noises die down. All windows upstairs are double glazed so you can shut the noise out if you want.

Steven and Louise, the owners, do come and stay in an annexe at the property, on their way to and from their boat in Lymington. They park outside the property and have their own access. The annexe does not over look the main house or garden at all, and they do not stay in during the day. In short – they’ll keep out of your way – but do ask them for local tips and info’. They’re very well informed!

Accessibility

You can park right next to the front door. There are two steps up into the house. The downstairs bedrooms and entire downstairs are on one floor with no steps. The bathroom is roomy and has bath and shower. No grab or hand rails are provided however.