Guests say
Downton Lodge is a characterful listed cottage in Lymington, appreciated for its spaciousness, rustic charm, and well-equipped kitchen. The heated outdoor pool is a highlight, and the property's location is ideal for exploring the New Forest. Guests have found the accommodation comfortable, with special mentions of the powerful showers and comfortable master bedroom. While some guests noted areas needing improvement, the overall experience is positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
The property generally appears tidy, but some guests have reported issues with cleaning thoroughness, such as leftover food and personal items from previous occupants. The bathrooms were noted to require more care.
The location is highly praised for its proximity to the New Forest and the coast, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.
The property is described as comfortable, with a spacious layout and very comfortable beds in the master bedroom. However, some guests found other beds less comfortable, affecting the score.
The pool is a standout facility, but there are mixed reviews on the maintenance and equipment provided. Some guests mentioned the lack of a washing machine and issues with outdoor furniture stability.
There is insufficient information regarding the presence of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness. Therefore, this score cannot be provided.
About this property
Resting on the edges of the New Forest National Park, on the outskirts of Hordle in Lymington, Hampshire, is this superb characterful Grade II listed cottage, Downton Lodge. Set over two floors and sleeping up to six guests, Downton Lodge is a fantastic setting filled with character for a family getaway to Hampshire, enjoying easy access to the beaches of Milford on Sea, Highcliff and the beautiful town of Lymington. Arrive at the property and take advantage of the ample parking, available on the private driveway or in the garage, before stepping into the entrance hall to discard any coats and shoes after your journey. Look forward to whipping up delicious home-cooked meals for your guests in the spacious kitchen/diner, which features a gas AGA and handy dishwasher, as your guests set the table and uncork a bottle of wine ready to tuck-in to the fruits of your labour. After a hearty meal, retreat on the wooden floorboards to the light and airy sitting room, where you can kick-back and relax on the sofa in front of your favourite film on the TV. Completing the ground-floor is a homely cloakroom, perfect for a quick freshen up before setting out for the day. When sleep calls, climb the stairs to the first floor where you can retire to one of three well-presented bedrooms, a double with en-suite bathroom, another double and a twin, all ideal for catching your rest. Wake-up and indulge in a hot soak in the bath, before joining your guests in one of two outdoor seating areas to savour an alfresco breakfast followed by a dip in the owner’s outdoor swimming pool nearby. Venture out into the local village, where you will find a small selection of amenities, including a well-stocked convenience store where you can pick up any essentials, a welcoming pub which serves tasty meals and local ales, ideal for those evenings where you don’t feel like cooking, and the picturesque Hordle Lakes, perfect for enjoying a walk or for fishing. Nearby, is the town of New Milton, where you will find the Forest Arts Centre which offers live performances and workshops and the interesting Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, where you can view the former champions extensive selection of bikes, followed by a coffee in the café or a browse in the craft shops. Just a little further is the charming market town of Lymington, home to the Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths, art galleries, the St Barbe Museum, and the scenic Buckland Rings. If you can tear yourself away, be sure to visit the town of Christchurch, well-known for its impressive Christchurch Castle ruins and the accompanying 12th century Norman House which rests alongside. Making for a memorable day out, head to the Red House Museum and Gardens which is set in an 18th-century workshops where you can peruse art exhibits, attend events and tour the gardens or make a splash with the kids at the Quomps Splashpark which has plenty of activities the family can enjoy. Short 2 and a half mile walk to the beach, Milford on sea. For an unforgettable stay in Hampshire, choose Downton Lodge.
Idyllically perched next to the New Forest National Park, is the village of Hordle, where you will find a well-stocked convenience shop, a park, a welcoming pub serving food, a fishing lake and a lush park, perfect for a picnic. Ideally located for exploring the beautiful surrounding areas, including the nearby town of New Milton, which is home to the interesting Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museums, which holds the former champions extensive collection of bikes.
Accommodation
Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
First-floor cloakroom with basin and WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with games area.
Gas central heating.
Gas AGA and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher.
TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, WiFi, selection of games.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 2 cars (1x in the garage and 1x on the gravel by back door) any additional parking is on woodcock lane first come first serve.
Front courtyard with furniture, rear garden with furniture and access to owner's swimming pool.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 0.8 miles, pub 1.4 miles.
Note: Swimming pool is available from May half term to mid September between 9 am and 5pm Monday to Friday, Note: Close to the property there are several lakes for fishing.
Note: This property is strictly Thursday to Thursday bookings during the summer.
Reviews (16)
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Alan
The actual armchairs (not in any photograph) are very old, but usable. The bath/shower room had a considerable leak from the mixer unit, leaking water all over the end wall. The second bedroom mattress was uncomfortable and should be changed. No iron No hair dryer No vacuum cleaner The door to the en-suite bedroom seemed to be locked. After four nights we realised the door required a very hefty push to open it. It should be made clear that the entrance to the property is by the five bar gate drive and not where the sign for Downton Lodge is. The property was clean and tidy but I think there is too much play on the listed building aspect. Considering this is a high end cost property it certainly needs some work. The main benefit of this property is the excellent heated swimming pool. Very clean and well looked after. A pleasure to use. We had a pleasant time and the property is in an ideal location for the New Forest and the general area. However, it is unlikely I will use Sykes Cottages again. I do not like wasting my time going through several groups of multiple choice questions several times only for the phone line to go dead at the last choice. The web site could not understand my need to change a single 'date'. ( We had to leave a day early ). Also, I do not like being 'pestered' by emails wanting to know how my first night has been and what to do when I leave. I was told by some very helpful ladies ( not Sykes ) that the emergency phone number was some considerable time out of date.
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Jacqueline
Despite this, we rarely saw anyone at the main house. As it is a listed building, it is tired in places, like many buildings of this age, but anywhere that truly matters is great. Modern bathrooms with powerful showers, beautiful master bedroom (please owner include photos on your listing), and fantastic pool. Also we were initially put off from booking as the photographed lounge furniture looked uncomfortable, however although basically decorated, the lounge also has traditional armchairs and a 2 seater sofa which were perfectly adequate. We also found the beds we used to be very comfortable but I understand this is very subjective. All in all we had a great stay considering the very competitive price we paid for a school holiday break.
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Anne
.. the table outside was hardly standing, the chairs were crooked. The equipement of the kitchen is not great either, not even a peeler, ... no washing machine! it was very disappointing!