Homelands

Impeccably presented and tastefully furnished to a high standard, Homelands is a luxurious semi-detached cottage situated in the sought after picturesque village of Brockenhurst. It has received the coveted Gold Award from Visit England for 3 years in succession and in 2018, also won a prestigious ROSE Award in recognition of outstanding service excellence. The property has been stylishly decorated with excellent attention to detail throughout, incorporating a forest theme, creating a real home from home feel. The owners have thought of everything guests could possibly need, in order to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The accommodation comprises of a modern kitchen, large lounge/diner, three sizeable bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property is family friendly and benefits from private parking for two cars, secure storage for bikes and an enclosed garden to enjoy during the summer months.

Due to its fantastic location, Homelands is an ideal base for those families wishing to holiday without a car. Brockenhurst rail station (which is just a few minutes’ walk from the property) is just 90 minutes from London Waterloo and with the property so centrally located all essential amenities can be found within walking distance including an array of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants in Brockenhurst village centre.

Bikes can be hired locally, with excellent public transport links travelling all over the New Forest. Covering 218 sq. miles, the New Forest is an excellent destination for walkers and cyclists with many miles of cycle paths and walkways.

Homelands provides comfort, style and convenience and we have no hesitation in recommending this award winning property for a holiday in the New Forest.

Outside

To the rear of the property is a small, private, enclosed south facing rear garden mainly laid to lawn. Doors from the lounge open on to a patio with table, chairs and charcoal barbecue.

The local area

If you want a car free break, Brockenhurst is one of the best places to stay in the New Forest. It has a railway station in the heart of the village and branch line to the Georgian marine town of Lymington. London is just a 90 minute trip – perfect for a bolt hole weekend away.

Brockenhurst is in the centre of the New Forest. It’s a large, traditional English village displaying thatched cottages, quaint little lanes and gorgeous chocolate box picture perfect scenery. It’s a hotspot for visitors and locals to gather. It’s one of the largest villages in the area, yet its managed to preserve its countryside appeal and homely charm without the trappings of commercialism. The vibe in the village is a gentle pace of life akin to how a generation lived fifty years ago. There’s no huge superstore, instead you will find a large selection of shops selling everything you’ll need for a holiday including grocer, butcher, baker, village post office and chemist as well as an array of interesting shops selling beautiful gifts, books and hobby crafts.

The most famous residents of the village are the free roaming New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys. They are often seen around the village, at garden gates and in the high street peeping in to the shops in the hope of a carrot or two. Visitors love the novelty of shopping alongside four legged friends.

There are lots of great photo opportunities in and around the village. Head to the ford, known as ‘The Watersplash’ at the bottom of the high street. You’ll often come across ponies and donkeys stopping off for a drink on their way to graze on the open forest which surrounds the village.

During warmer months’ visitors can head to a pretty picnic spot at Balmer Lawn. There’s lots of grass to lay out on as well as a shingle beach with shallow water overlooking the Lymington River – a great family spot!

It’s worth taking a look at the oldest church in the New Forest – St. Nicholas Parish Church which dates back to AD737. The church yard is just as fascinating. You’ll see an enormous Yew Tree to the left of the south entrance porch, that’s estimated to be over 1,000 years old. This is also a great spot to see a thick carpet of bluebells in the spring. Not far from the high street is the village hall which has a busy calendar of events throughout the year for locals and visitors to enjoy.

If you fancy some horseback riding, Brockenhurst Riding Stables based at the New Forest Activity Centre just outside the village have a great reputation. To hire bikes pop into Cyclexperience at the railway station, they have a large choice of bikes, electric bikes, tandems, tag-a-longs and children’s seats. There are lots of trails, routes and tracks from the village for bikes rides or walkers wanting anything from a short stroll to a daylong hike out in to the forest – pack a picnic and off you go.

Brockenhurst also has a wonderful collection of coffee shops and cafes. Try Rosie Lea's Tea House & Bakery and The Buttery. There are super friendly pubs and restaurant’s serving great food, our favourites include The Snakecatcher, The Foresters Arms, Bistro 26 and a great Indian restaurant called Dynasty. There’s also a good fish and chip shop and Chinese take away.

Parking

For a maximum of two cars on shared driveway.

Additional information

Included: Bed linen, towels, WiFi, central heating (gas), electricity and extensive welcome pack. Travel cot (please bring own cot bedding), high chair and stair gate available on request. One basket of logs for wood burner provided in appropriate season. Children All ages welcome Pets Two dogs welcome. Must be over the age of 1 year old (unless agreed with the owner prior to booking) and dogs must be fully house-trained and well behaved. Please note there is a standard charge of £30 per pet per week. Bike Storage Available in garage Telephone For incoming and emergency outgoing calls only. No Smoking Beach Milford on Sea 8 miles, Highcliffe 10 miles Shops & pubs within a 10 minute walk in Brockenhurst village centre Golf Brokenhurst Manor Golf Course is just ½ mile away The New Forest Tour Bus stops nearby Short breaks available low season bookable anytime, mid and high season two weeks before Changeover Friday Check in times: 4pm Check out times: 10am Property: Self-catering holiday cottage