About this property
Pretty detached thatched cottage, bursting with charm and character, with direct Forest access in the tranquil hamlet of Bank just outside of Lyndhurst.
Nestled under its pretty thatch, Japonica Cottage has been lovingly set up to offer spacious and comfortable accommodation for eight guests, with the option of a double sofa bed for occasional use. Situated on a quiet lane where New Forest ponies amble along outside, the cottage has direct Forest access and offers walking and cycling routes right from the front gate, with a cosy country pub just around the corner.
Inside, a well-equipped country kitchen with separate utility leads into the lounge/diner, complete with beams and inglenook fireplace, now home to a turntable and record collection for guests to enjoy! A second lounge has doors leading out into the garden and plenty of comfortable seating including a sofa bed. A twin bedroom, with additional truckle beds under, and family bathroom with beautiful stained-glass window crafted by a local artist, completes the downstairs accommodation. Upstairs the master bedroom has a vaulted, beamed ceiling, and the third bedroom can be made as a single or twin using the truckle bed. There is also a second bathroom off the staircase tucked into the eaves. Outside the tranquil garden has a large lawn for families and pets to enjoy, with an outdoor dining area on the terrace, barbecue and pretty summer house.
The tiny hamlet of Bank is set within the New Forest National Park, with its free roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys, and miles of tracks to explore on foot, bicycle or horseback. The local pub is extremely popular for drinks and dining, whilst nearby Lyndhurst has a fabulous selection of shops, boutiques, pubs and cafés. During the summer season, the New Forest open air tour bus also passes through Lyndhurst - a great way to hop on and off wherever you choose. Lyndhurst is home to the New Forest Heritage Centre and Museum, which tells the history of the area and offers information on local walks and cycle paths, and bikes can be hired in the village. Other local attractions include the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Longdown Activity Farm, New Forest Wildlife Park, Paulton’s Park, nearby Furzey and Exbury Gardens and Calshot Activity Centre.
Accommodation
ground floor
Entrance through back door into kitchen with storage for coats and shoes. Range cooker with electric oven and induction hob, larder fridge and dishwasher.
Steps down to utility room with microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Lounge/diner with comfortable seating and Smart TV. Dining table with seating for six. Door to front of property.
Family room with seating including double sofa bed for occasional use, Smart TV, desk area and French doors leading onto the garden terrace.
Bedroom 2 with twin 3ft beds and 2ft 6in truckle beds under (please advise bed configuration at time of booking), wardrobe, drawer unit and Smart TV.
Family bathroom with bath, walk-in shower cubicle, basin, WC and heated towel rail.
Steep and winding stairs to first floor from lounge/diner
Bathroom with bath and shower over, wash basin and WC.
Bedroom 1 with 5ft king size bed, wardrobe, TV and DAB Digital radio.
Bedroom 3 with 3ft single bed and 2ft 6in truckle bed under, wardrobe and console table.
Outside
The large peaceful garden surrounds the cottage, with a spacious patio and outdoor dining set with sunshade and gas barbecue. The garden is mainly laid to lawn, with seasonal shrubs giving all year-round colour and mature trees hugging the boundaries. A pretty summer house named “Plum Cottage” offers an additional spot to relax in with a good book and a sundowner! Seating at the front of the cottage overlooks the lane for pony spotting opportunities.
Parking
There is parking for three cars on the private driveway.
Additional
Included: Bed linen and towels (guests must provide their own beach towels if required), oil central heating, underfloor heating in some rooms, internet and Wi-Fi. Mobile reception is generally reasonable, although please check with your provider prior to booking.
Pets: Two dogs accepted. Must be over the age of one year old (unless agreed with the owner prior to booking). Dogs must be fully housetrained, well behaved and kept downstairs and off the furniture. Please note a £30 pet charge per dog per week applies.
Children: All ages welcome. Highchair and travel cot available on request (please bring own cot bedding).
Bed configuration: Please advise us at time of booking if you require use of any of the truckle beds or the double sofa bed in the lounge.
EV Charging: Not available at this property.
Bicycle Storage: Inside lockable garage.
Short Breaks: Available anytime outside of school holidays, no Sunday arrival.
Local facilities: Local pub The Oak at Bank two minutes' walk. Shops, pubs, restaurants and café’s in Lyndhurst: 1.5 miles. Beaches: Shingle beaches can be found at Milford on Sea and sandy beaches at Highcliffe 14 miles, and Bournemouth/Boscombe beyond.