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Two Sides Cottage

...rustic, quirky, countryside

  • 10+2 babies
  • 4+1
  • 2.5
#coastaljollies #countrysidepad #besidetheseaside #fabforfamiles #dogfriendly #spacious

This house is well set up for two families or those who want to give older and younger generations some space apart at bed time. The cottage is 200 years old and feels like it’s been in a time warp. The ‘other worldly’ feeling is rustic, shabby in places, colourful and eccentric. There is still a WWII Nissan hut and a ramshackle wooden stable in the garden.

Best of all… you can walk to a wild and quiet beach, through the fields – and be there in 25 minutes (or drive and get nearby in 1 min). Take a picnic and go all day. Track the ponies that live there, forage for samphire, dogs can roam. It’s totally glorious.

Children will love it here. The gardens are flat (ish) and both are well enclosed. You have to walk from one to the other, around on the lane. The walk to the beach is great fun, and the beach itself is particularly wild and great for adventurous kids. Take a picnic and go all day…

Biking from here is great. Don’t miss the Lymington Lido and 200m floating assault course, or wild swimming beaches at Milford on Sea. Keyhaven has great paddle boarding, there are several options for horse riding locally too.

Book from:

£171 / night

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What makes this place special...

Highlights staying at this house and in the local area...

All the essential details.

Here's your full run down of this place, inside and out...

Inside

The house with it's two front doors, is Grade II listed because there are some beautiful old windows, ancient floors, and plenty of architectural features throughout the house. Like many of the cottages of this era, not many walls are straight, and you need to stay here with a tolerant heart for the wonky and strange.

Your hosts have given the house a new lease of life. They've used and recycled pre-loved furniture and kept some of the old pieces, including an enamel bath which is marked. It's contentious to some, but it is clean - we give it a proper scrub each time! The furniture is simple, practical, with strong use of colour and pattern, thrown together in an easy-going manner. Kids will love the chest of fancy dress in the sitting room.

The house has two distinct halves, with the kitchen running the full width of the two cottages downstairs. The bedrooms are spit evenly with 4 sleeping on one side, and 4 on the other. There are 2 staircases leading to the bedrooms, dividing the upstairs space in half. It's perfect for two families, or those who want to give grandparents a quieter and more private area.

The kitchen is a really good space. The kitchen seats 8 around the main kitchen table is another table in the hall, so 12 can fit in one sitting. Little ones are well catered for with kit here: high chairs, cots, masses of toys and books, ride on car, flat lawns to play on, apple trees at the end of the garden to picnic under.

The sitting room here is lovely, but small. Nothing matches but it seats 6 comfortably, so you can't all get in for a movie without seriously squashing up. But it's perfect for the kids for a post-beach movie.

Bedrooms are all a good size and you can fit travel cots in all of them easily. The day bed downstairs is very comfortable and we can make up an extra mattress on the floor for you if you ask.
Floor plan

Sleeping...

Bedroom 1 Twin beds. Feather/synthetic bedding Views overlooking the front garden.
Bedroom 2 King Bed. Feather/synthetic bedding. Views overlooking the front garden.
Bedroom 3 Bunks and single bed. Feather/synthetic bedding. Views overlooking the back garden.
Bedroom 4 King Bed. Feather/synthetic bedding. Views overlooking the back garden.
Bedroom 5 Single bed downstairs. Feather/synthetic bedding. Views facing front garden.

Bathrooms...

Bathroom 1 Downstairs. Bath with shower.
Bathroom 2 Bath with shower.
Separate WC Upstairs.

All the rest...

KitchenKitchen table seats 6 plus second table set up for 12.
Infusion Ranger master 3 oven with 5 induction hob/ Fridge freezer / Microwave / Cafeteria / 2 Slice Toaster / Dishwasher / Washing machine / Tumble dryer / Iron
Mod ConsA Roberts radio / WIFI / TV with Sky
ConnectivityWIFI is ok, mobile signal isn't great, but you can make WhatsApp calls here.
Kids' StuffOne travel cot and one high chair are provided. There is also plastic crockery and cutlery. Travel cot size is 120 x 62 cm
PetsTwo dogs are welcome for a small charge. Garden is fenced but houdinis may escape.

Outside

There are two gardens, one back, one front. It's about 1/2 an acre in total. You have to walk around or through the house to get from one side to the other. Both are laid mainly to lawn. The front garden has the terrace and gets the most afternoon sun.

The garden is enclosed with hedges and fencing, but Houdini dogs will escape if they really try.

There is still a rather shabby, but original WWII Anderson shelter here which will bring back memories for some visitors. It's a reminder of the time-warp this place has been in until very recently.

The lane here is very quiet. It's single and a bit extra wide, so slow traffic only. Because of the school, it's in a 20mph limit area with no large traffic, but you can expect the odd tractor, passing.
GardenThere are lawns on both sides of the house (you have to go through the house or on the lane to get from one side to the other). On the other side of the house there is a bigger lawn next to the terrace with seating and parasol for the summer and a WWII Anderson shelter.
The garden is enclosed with a large hedge and gates.
Charcoal BBQ.
ParkingThree cars can park on the lane outside the house. There is a driveway at the back of the garden for you to pull off the road, this fits 2 cars, one behind another.

Home truths

Those who want perfectly clean velvet on their chairs will notice some smudges and marks. There are some genuine quirks around the house that haven't been made chi-chi. The stairs haven't been repainted, there are two patches of the ancient floor tiles (listed) are old and battered, but the kitchen, bathrooms, utility room and bedrooms are totally decorated and in good order.

The top bunk is high and doesn't have a lot of head height.

The house was decorated after a renovation in March 2021. The house is a solid wall construction from the early 1800's. The specialist eco lime wash that is used here on the walls discolours to a pale yellow when it meets with soot or salt. This is starting to happen in a very few places around the house.

The bath in the downstairs bathroom is a big old enamel tub. It's marked and well loved and the owners have kept it for environmental reasons. It is clean - we scrub it well - but the marks will be contentious to some.

The garden was sewn with new grass in March, at the same time there was a month long dry period. It has mostly grown but is still a little patchy close to the house. The garden isn't immaculate here, and rambles about over old cobbles and concrete paths.

Next door to the house is a very small 'nature nursery' for 2-5 year olds, and opposite is a small state primary school. Having spent considerable time at the house during school playtime, the noise here isn't loud or particularly obvious because the playground is on the far side of the school buildings, whilst the little nursery children are mostly chattery and also have other play areas. The area is generally very peaceful and even at school drop- off there is usually little traffic disruption. Both the school and nursery are closed at weekends. The nursery is open in the school holidays with limited hours.

One complimentary basket of logs will be provided for your stay (Nov - March). Feel free to bring your own for any extra.

Accessibility

The parking is right on the lane outside the house. There is a concrete path to the house and whilst there is a downstairs bedroom (on a very comfy large day bed) there is a downstairs bathroom in the utility room area. This is a a walk across the kitchen to get there.

The stairs are steep on both sides, so please be aware of this.

Booking Information

Included in your booking cost are: all bedding and linen, towels for the house, kitchen essentials, any baby kit you've requested and cleaning the house after you leave. We also supply some treats to get you going for tea when you arrive. Enjoy!

Arrival & Departure

Changeover: Mondays through summer
Arrive from: 4pm
Depart before: 10am

Payment Info

Deposit: 50%
Balance Due: 45 days before your stay
Security Deposit: £500

Location, location, location...

Click the map to discover more of the area...

Blink and you'll miss the hamlet of South Baddersley. Really it's just the school and a small collection of ten or so houses. The cottage is in the middle of it, just tucked off the two-way road onto a quiet side lane.

Whilst you're in the National Park here, you're not over the cattle grid, so whilst ponies won't be walking past the door, walk 1/2 km and go over the ford, and you'll find plenty in the lovely Norleywood hamlet. It also has an excellent rope swing and dog walks - but not much else!

For shops, head further into the National Park to Pilley Stores for the full eccentric New Forest experience (you can buy the papers, cake, some good veg, excellent cheese, Spam, and sellotape... all your basics! In summer they might have an old record player going and the locals dancing in the street. It's iconic.

If you want anything more, then head to Lymington which is probably closer. You'll pass the ferry terminal first, (where you can get COSTA) and it's fun to go as a foot passenger to the island for the day. Take bikes and cycle to the other side up the old rail trail.

Guests that have stayed here rate this place:

4.6 out of 5

Psst...find more real reviews on upfront reviews

5 * - Lovely property, very peaceful. It was warmly heated. We weren't cold. Bedding was very nice. My own opi... December 2023 Read More
5* Beautiful house, great size for a large family get away. Good location, easy to get to the ferry, and Lymin... May 2023 Read More
Lovely property for large family get together. The property has lots of character and charm and good location.... February 2022 Read More
Great stay loved the house and the country feeling. We had a few issues with heating but the team were very ve... December 2022 Read More

Guests that have stayed here rate this place:

4.6 out of 5

5 * - Lovely property, very peaceful. It was warmly heated. We weren't cold. Bedding was very nice. My own opinion is it would suit families better than simply adults which we were. The sitting room will only seat 5-6 adults comfortably. New Forest Escapes were exemplary. Helpful and quick to respond to enquiries. Pretty area although i felt footpaths are a bit limited.

Duncan December 2023

5* Beautiful house, great size for a large family get away. Good location, easy to get to the ferry, and Lymington town centre. Highly recommend.

Lauren May 2023

Lovely property for large family get together. The property has lots of character and charm and good location.

Lee and family February 2022

Great stay loved the house and the country feeling. We had a few issues with heating but the team were very very kind and responsive, thank you.

Paul and family December 2022

We enjoyed spending Christmas in this lovely cottage. Only 10min drive to Lymington!

Lauranne December 2022

We had a lovely stay at the cottage! It was perfect for a couple of families with lots of tucked away spaces so you are not on top of each other but also lovely communal spaces too. It was lovely and cosy and we didn’t want to leave. Thank you!

Jessica and family December 2022

A beautiful place to celebrate our birthdays. Lots of lovely memories made. Perfect for making and remembering special times. Cosy, comfortable and welcoming. Thank you x

The Thomas family Oct 2022

The house was perfect for us, comfortable beds and lounge, and a large kitchen with plenty of equipment. Communication was impressive and the cafetiere arrived very promptly!! The garden was very private, and the dressing up box a real treasure.

Helen Oct 2022

10/10 for our stay! Was such a beautiful home and great location, not far from the nearest town at all. We had a family of 9 of us and was a great space for all of us to get together. Would definitely recommend staying here for a large number of people.

Chloe & family September 2022

We had a lovely week here as a family. The house is well placed as a base from which to explore the surrounding areas and attractions including being a very short drive to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight. There is so much to do nearby. The children also loved playing with the toys and dress up costumes provided.

Sarah Sept 2022

Lovely quirky cottage in a great location.

Kelly & family September 2022

It isn't easy to find a house that can accommodate our large family at an affordable price, so we were delighted to discover this property was available at such short notice. Don't go here if you want a pristine luxurious place. Do go here if you want a comfortable fully equipped house and garden where everyone can be fully relaxed. The design of the house has areas where everyone can be together or have time alone. There were games for our grandson, a paddling pool, a wonderful train track and lego collection for him to play with. The kitchen itself had everything we needed which is quite something given that there are some keen cooks in our family. There were a couple of problems which were immediately resolved by the agents and the house owner phoned personally to check that all was well. The area is perfect to access The New Forest and surrounding towns. We went as foot passengers on the ferry to the Isle of Wight and used the bus when we got there- a great day. Bike rides were a real pleasure- the low speed limit makes riders feel safe, even on busy roads. We came away with memories of a great holiday!

Rachel & family August 2022

Beautiful, comfortable house with plenty of space. Great facilities and easy to contact host.

The Narkiewicz family July 2022

From the moment we arrived, we felt the tender magic pf this homely abode envelop us with its soothing yet decidedly robust ambiance. From the softness of the bedding - described by me as like a cloud wrapped in a mushroom - to the generous family sized trays, tables and welcome. It has been a delight. The only complaint is that the costume box should feature more adult sized outfits!

The Andrews family July 2022

Lovely stay, charming property in a picturesque location

Rachel June 2022

Wonderful vibes from the house. Great garden and location and everything provided for a really great family getaway! Thank you x

The Weiver family May 2022

We loved staying in this house. The garden was brilliant for the kids, the kitchen was a great cooking and entertaining space and there were plenty of bedrooms for the family to spread out it. The location was excellent for new forest access.

Sophie March 2022

A sweet cottage very comfortable for 10 people, all the amenities you need, great location & lots to do in that part of the world. We shall come back.

Bernard February 2022

Thanks for a great weekend. Cottage(s) perfect for a group of friends to hang out in . Comfy, well equipped - would happily return. Nice meals out at Monkey Brewery & the East End Arms. Thanks to Jan & Donna for helping with the heating & firewood etc and thanks for the celebrations!

Simon, Alex, Paul, Dan & Perry the Parson. November 2021

A wonderful house in a beautiful part of the world - we felt really at home and had a great weekend. Thank you!

Ow, Caz, Sal, Cai, Lia, Meg, Meg, Daz, Margaret (Otis & Cali the dogs) November 2021

Thank you for a great stay! We loved the cottage, our dogs enjoyed the garden. A magical reunion for 3 generations of our family after so many months apart. Thank you!

Moxley/Direito family September 2021

This is a very welcoming and homely cottage which is perfect with two families and with easy access to beautiful walks and local attractions.

Anna August 2021

The perfect house for two families coming together; accommodated five children, four adults and two young dogs beautifully. Brilliantly equipped, fab kitchen, everything we needed, a super easy place to spend an enjoyable and relaxing week. We loved the beaches, and the garden was fantastic. Highly recommend.

Susan August 2021

Such a great place - super location, very clean and the perfect set up for our large family catch up. The huge garden was great for the dogs to run around and for playing games! We had a wonderful stay.

Sarah August 2021

Thank you for such a wonderful stay. We have had lots of fun playing games in the garden, going for cycles and long walks. The doggies loved their first experience of the sea. Such a great location, and a great opportunity to spend some quality together.

The Riley Family Sarah, Riley, Hartley, Witney

“Great for a family where you need peace and quiet for half but not the other. Had a lovely stay.”

Richard and family June 2021

We know we love the New Forest area and have returned several times with family – there’s always something to do, no matter the weather. Two Sides is a really authentic, cosy cottage and comfortably contained ten of us and a dog without feeling like we were getting under each other’s feet. There is a fantastic utility/boot room, great for dumping muddy wellies/sandy towels (delete as appropriate depending on the season of your visit!) and a really handy downstairs shower that you can hop into straight from the beach.

Hilary May 2021

As soon as I walked into the large well equipped kitchen at Two Sides Cottage I knew that this was my kind of place! Six adults and four children were easily accommodated in the cottage - the sitting room is comfortable and cosy with a tv, games cupboard and dressing up box to entertain the children. The beds and bedding were really comfortable and the grandchildren enjoyed their bunk beds. We enjoyed Exbury Gardens and it’s worth visiting the area for its numerous (cheap) garden centres and nurseries.

Jane May 2021

The house is new to rent with us in May 2021. We have known the house for years and seen the love that's been poured into it during a total renovation during winter 20/21. We love the eccentricity of the configuration of this cottage and that old bakery is still very much as it was. Enjoy!

Rachel, NFE Founder April 10th, 2021