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 and is weather dependent.
Note: Close to the property there are several lakes for fishing.
Note: This property is strictly Thursday to Thursday bookings during the summer.
Reviews (12)
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Jane
. However, I needn't have worried. We enjoyed our stay so much that we are already planning to rebook. The house is indeed a little tired in places, however being a grade ll listed building there will be many rules and regulations to navigate regarding its upkeep, and this needs to be taken into account.. The house was clean, full of character and well equipped. There are many little touches that show that love has gone into the house, and many efforts to make sure that the guests are comfortable. Pros - A lot more privacy around the pool area than I was expecting, aka not as overlooked as it first appears. The owner was lovely, and very accommodating. Especially when it came to use of the pool! The aga was a big plus point for me, having grown up with one I loved cooking on an aga again, and enjoyed showing it to my children who had never seen one. The sitting room, contrary to the pictures, does not only have conservatory furniture - but also has armchairs and a sofa. The showers are remarkably powerful. The best I've seen in a long time. When staying in holiday homes we normally find "bath towels" that don't look big enough to be away from their mother. The ones in Downton Lodge are huge, fluffy and good quality. The location is superb, within easy reach of the beach, shops, local towns and plenty of places to explore. Cons - just the one... The lack of a washing machine! To be fair I did know there wasn't one available when I booked, but I hadn't anticipated how much I would need one. Due to the pool and having 3 girls I found myself doing quite a few "handwashes", and while this isn't the biggest deal in the world - it would be nice not to have had to. Maybe the owners could think about installing one? As there is space... All in all, we had an amazing break away in a tranquil, beautiful setting. Thank you to the owner Karen. We look forward to visiting again soon!
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Mark
Great position to explore the New Forest and the pool was a special treat.
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Deborah
We found the accommodation charming and spacious. Kitchen was well equipped. My only quibble (and itâs a very small one) was that it was advertised as dog friendly but the garden at the front was not enclosed and I could not leave the dog alone outside for any time. Good location lots of easy to reach facilities.