Bailey Cottage, Bursledon

Hampshire. Sleeps up to 8

Resting in the quaint village of Bursledon in Hampshire is Bailey Cottage, a picturesque four-bedroom cottage, converted from an 18th century boatbuilder’s dwelling. Offering stylish accommodation for a family or group of ten guests and one well-behaved dog, wanting to explore the South Coast, the property lies a stone’s throw away from local amenities, attractions, and the beach, whilst a short journey from the city of Southampton and the national parks of New Forest and South Downs. Start your break in the open-plan living space, featuring lofty vaulted ceilings with Velux windows, offering a light-flooded social hub, where you can prepare meals, dine, socialise, and relax in front of the woodburning stove; here you will be welcomed by state-of-the-art appliances and a welcome hamper full of local goodies to ease your self-catered stay. If you’d prefer some peace and quiet, head into the sitting room, housing an open fire and Xbox, or delve into one of many books on offer in the snug-come-library space. There’s even a games room in the property, where you’ll find a pool table, table tennis, air hockey and a selection of games, ideal for entertaining the entire family, especially the little ones of your group. To the rear of the property, you’ll locate a private patio with a hot tub in tow, ideal for relaxing in after a busy day of adventure or gathering around the outdoor furniture with a bottle of wine. When sleep calls, head up the staircase to the first floor to discover two spacious super-king-size bedrooms, both with Eve memory foam mattresses, and a twin bedroom; one of the bedrooms benefits from an incredible dressing room with endless storage space for your belongings, served by the incredible family bathroom, with generous corner bath and separate walk-in shower, with a heated towel rail for added comfort, whilst the other has a separate en-suite shower room. The second floor has been designed with younger guests in mind, with a choice of twin or double bedroom with zip/link beds, complete with Velux windows so you can admire the outside world from your bed. Come morning, plan to explore your surroundings where you’ll find three local pubs within walking distance, the Jolly Sailor, offering a discount to guests of Bailey Cottage, with outdoor seating along the riverbank, The Vine, and The Navigator, all of which serve excellent food if you feel like taking a night off from cooking, while you can also enjoy pretty riverside strolls and a visit to the restored Georgian windmill. The small local Bursledon train station provides links to Southampton and Portsmouth, excellent for shopping, museums and learning about the history and heritage of the cities, with Southampton offering an interactive model of the Titanic, which departed from Southampton in 1912, at its SeaCity Museum, while Portsmouth's historic dockyard is home to warships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, as well as the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the D-Day Story Museum. There is a selection of beaches along the south coast within driving distance, and you can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards on the river, take some lessons, and practise your water sports skills. For a family-friendly day out, Paulton’s Park, home to Peppa Pig World, is not to be missed, while several great country parks and Marwell Zoo are all within a short drive. Walkers and cyclists will relish their location, a stone’s throw from the South Downs National Park, where you will discover chalk hills, wooded areas, and excellent stargazing opportunities, as well as being close to the New Forest National Parks, where you can discover a diverse selection of wildlife and enjoy incredible birdwatching opportunities. Bailey Cottage is a wonderful property, with endless opportunity to explore Hampshire and the South Coast.