Godshill Wood, Fordingbridge, New Forest, SP6 2LU
Visit WebsiteIf you grew up reading Swallows and Amazons and Wind in the Willows, prepare to have your heart stolen by Undercastle Cottage. Set deep in the woods of the New Forest National Park on the banks of the Avon, this idyllic cottage, with its beautiful timber frame and thatched roof, is charm personified. With only free-roaming ponies, deer and wildlife for neighbours, it’s wonderfully secluded, too.
Inquisitive pups will love sitting by the French doors in the double height oak framed living room with views over the River Avon. In summer, throw open the doors to give them easy access to the terrace and the beautiful gardens.
There’s a cosy spot in front of the wood burner for pampered pooches to enjoy a snooze. But with underfloor heating beneath the chunky flagstone floors, their paws will be warm and toasty wherever they roam.
Located in the forest, the sound of nature is present all year round, and with ¾ acre of gardens to explore, the outside space is sure to keep any four-legged friend enthralled.
Stepping into the cottage is like stepping into an interiors magazine. Think architectural ceilings, sumptuous sofas, big brass beds dressed in marshmallowy duvets, and sociable spaces to cook and dine with scenic views through every window.
Travelling with teens who want their own hangout or grandparents who’d prefer to retreat to their own space at the end of each day? One of the bedrooms is located just across the terrace away from the main house.
Don’t leave without enjoying a blissful dip in the romantic freestanding roll top bathtub for two.
Overview
Inside, the highlight of Undercastle Cottage is the double height oak framed living room. It’s a truly spectacular space for relaxing in. A log burner provides warmth in winter, while in the summer months, open the French doors onto the sun drenched terrace. Two comfy sofas offer the perfect place to snuggle up. There’s a TV with a dongle for Netflix and Prime, a DVD player, radio and a collection of family games.
The open plan kitchen diner is fully equipped with everything needed to rustle up delicious meals. There’s a dishwasher, coffee machine, large Neff fridge with wine storage and freezer, and a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. A welcome hamper brimming with local goodies will be waiting for you to get your holiday off to a stress-free start.
When it comes to a peaceful night’s sleep, choose from one of two double bedrooms in the main house or the twin in the nearby fishing lodge. All feature restored antique beds topped with handmade mattress. There’s a family bathroom upstairs in the main house with a romantic freestanding roll top tub for two, whilst in the fishing lodge, you’ll find a modern shower room.
The cottage is surrounded by ¾ acre gardens offering plenty of space to play with your pup even if you choose not to venture further afield during your stay. The cottage also has 2,500 metres of private fishing rights, and was featured in the TV series Gone Fishing, with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse.
For The Dogs
Up to three dogs are very welcome to accompany you at Undercastle Cottage. Please bring all your own doggy equipment – bed, bowls, blankets, toys and treats – with you.
Price
From £296 per night, plus £35 per dog per stay.
Practicalities
Arrival & departure
Check in time: 4pm
Check out time: 10am
Parking
There is space for multiple cars on the private driveway.
Special Instructions
Please keep four-legged friends downstairs and off the furniture. A stair gate is provided to stop pooches from bounding upstairs.
The cottage is next to a sometimes fast-flowing river, and as the garden is not completely contained, it’s best to keep children and dogs supervised.
Located in the heart of the New Forest, Undercastle Cottage is surrounded by scenic dog walks, whether you want to set off on foot or head a little further afield in the car. The pretty town of Fordingbridge, on the banks of the River Avon, is 3 miles away and has lots of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. The George is a great dog friendly pub that even has its own doggy menu.