Made For Serious Relaxation..., Ringwood

New Forest. Sleeps up to 6

At Little Patch you'll be spoilt for choice; breakfast by birdsong, pottering to the pub, and supper under the stars; It is all served with a generous helping of the very smart, very chic, 'Hamptons' style.

The Hamptons is a place close to home for the owner who lives in Connecticut. She's bought items from her favourite US stores over so expect clever use of neutral fabrics and texture. There's a small outdoor cabana and wicker furniture and a second sitting room in the annexe. The views from the verandah are bucolic through the tree tops and down to the ponies on the water meadow.

The New Forest here is wilder than the southern National Park areas. You will see deer, ponies, and in autumn, pigs, wandering past. Try to walk from here at dawn and dusk & you'll get the drenched in Britain's best birdsong all the way.

Active folk may want to bike (on and off road) and horse ride locally. Water lovers will want to head to the New Forest Aqua Park, 10 minutes away & it's very good.

There are several good pubs near. For ingredients head to Hockeys farm shop for coffee and to cuddle small animals too. If you want the coast for a day, drive to Mudeford or Avon beach, both 25 minutes to the south.

** This property is available for rent with New Forest Escapes, who are a small local holiday cottage agency. Do contact us directly for best rates and availability a year in advance **

Inside
The cottage feels very foresty. It feels like it's in the trees, the canopy on one side and the hillside on the other, cocooning you in greenery, and with little car noise or tarmac road near, it feels more like a retreat than a holiday cottage.

The house is oak framed, and finished externally with black wooden boarding. The calm feeling of a nurtured nature fills the house. Nothing clashes here, it's very smart and in good condition. A smart oak framed glass extension has been added to the kitchen, which fills the room with light.

The kitchen and dining area are open plan, with a door onto the terrace for easy access to arranging outdoor meals. There are good SMEG appliances and everything is ship shape and readily set up for guests; including thoughtful touches like dried herbs beautifully labelled, pretty serving dishes and such.

The sitting room is a generous size for 6. There is enough space for everyone to be comfortable, with a deep sofa for 3, and best of all, a big picture window with broad bench seat right the way across it – perfect for reading a book, daytime naps, and generally vegging' out. The TV is 44". For those of you who love their neutrals and their textiles, you'll be inspired; huge embroidered cushions, linen upholstery, leather chairs, sheepskin and sisal rugs. Those who love retro, or educating their kids about life before the iphone, there's a new record player in the sitting room and a selection of records.

The three bedrooms all face the hillside. The views are full of greenery; bracken, holly and hedgerow coppice. You might spot ponies, deer and hear owls at night. The two double rooms are a good size. The smallest room is the twin toward the terrace, but it's still a good size. Do view the virtual tour for the full view.

There are two family bathrooms. The one nearest the twin room is the biggest and built by someone who likes to spend time luxuriating in a big bath. The second shower room has a really good size walk in shower.

Across the terrace in the annexe, is a good size second sitting room. It has another big TV, so is good for cinema nights, or if you need downtime to write a book, sketch, give the kids some space. It's a good multi functional space with a couple of sofas, poofs and a little and basic kitchen and small bathroom with shower and loo.

Upstairs in the annexe are two single beds accessed up a steep ladder. You are welcome to use these but not for an extra 2 people to stay overnight.

There is a small utility room and loo just off the kitchen for washing and drying kit.

Outside
The verandah wraps around the front of the house and there are two Adirondack chairs by the front door. This is the spot for the best view.

The view here is bucolic and gentle. From the house you can see down through the oak tree canopies and into the water meadow valley below. So in autumn you can see the naughty pigs on their explorations from time-to-time.

The terrace sits between the house and the annexe. There's plenty of room here for the outdoor table (seats 6). The cabana is part of the annexe and has a good wicker sofa which is well set in away from the rain, so you can relax outside here and enjoy the wilder weather in the dry.

Below the house and parking area there are 2 more wooden Adirondack chairs.

Sleeping
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1: With kingsize bed with feather & down duvet
Bedroom 2: With kingsize bed with feather & down duvet
Bedroom 3: Twin beds with feather & down duvet

Bathroom
Family bathroom: Large bathroom with bath, separate shower, sink and loo.
Shower room: Shower cubicle with sink
WC: Next kitchen via the utility room.
WC: in Annex

Garden: The kitchen room has double doors that open up onto a small terrace. To the left, with access from the kitchen door, is another terrace with a solid table for outdoor meals. This seats 8. Plus
There is a charcoal Weber BBQ for guests to use. The forest private garden is all about the cabana room and entertaining simply in style.
Kitchen: Neff electric oven and microwave / 5 gas hob / Large American fridge freezer with ice dispenser / Double butler sink / Washing machine / Tumble dryer / Dishwasher / Kettle / 2 Slice Toaster / Smeg Drip Filter Coffee machine / Cafeteria.
Mod cons: Hive heating / Roberts radio / Smart TV.
Parking: Parking for 3 cars outside the house.
Kids stuff: We have 1 travel cot (60cm x 115cm) and high chair. Kids plates, cups and cutlery.
Pets: 1 small calm well behaved dog for a small charge per stay


Home truths
The track to the house is gravel and in pretty good condition. The driveway is steep and you will need to take it steady to get up to the parking area.

The neighbours are sensitive about noise and yappy dogs, so please only stay here with a calm dog who is used to staying away from home.

Please make sure there is no loud noise before 8am, reduced noise after 9pm and just quiet conversation after 10pm.

There is an extra charge for logs and kindling to burn on the fire (October- March) but feel free to BYO!

Accessibility
The drive is steep and won't suit those who have very limited mobility.

Whilst you can park within 10 metres of the front door, there are 15-20 steps to climb up to get there. Inside the house is on one floor, as is the terrace and annexe.

Other things to note:

We want our guests to enjoy the use of the property and have a memorable time while staying with us. We have a few house rules to note, as follows;

- The property can not be used for parties or private events of any kind.
- No groups under the age of 25.
- Strictly no stag/hen dos or same-sex groups.
- Additional guests, are not permitted without prior approval.
- No music after 9pm or use of the pool after 10pm
- We must be notified of any pets at the time of booking. Dogs are subject to a charge per dog, per stay.

This cottage is located in Ringwood. The area's natural beauty can be seen at New Forest National Park and Moors Valley Country Park, while New Forest Museum and Bournemouth Aviation Museum are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Matchams Karting or Go Ape at Moors Valley Ringwood.