Undercastle Cottage

About

Undercastle Cottage
Location is everything with this 5* Gold award-winning New Forest cottage. It’s in a wonderfully remote spot with the famous free-roaming ponies, deer and plentiful wildlife as your neighbours. Golf, horse riding and plenty of good eating pubs and restaurants are close by. Inside is packed with personality and opulence by the bucket load. Underfloor heating, vaulted ceilings, an open log fire, big comfy sofas and plentiful picture windows are on hand to soak up the gorgeous views and watch otters play in the river. A big plus is that Undercastle Cottage has 1100m of private fishing rights on the banks of the Hampshire Avon for some of the best year-round coarse and fly fishing in the country. For an additional fee, private fishing tutorage can be arranged if you’re a novice wanting to learn or would like to hone your rod action. There are two double bedrooms in the main house, with the option of an additional ensuite twin in the Fishing Lodge across the sun terrace. Forest walks and cycle paths run from the front door and days out include Stonehenge and the cathedral city of Salisbury to see the Magna Carta and retail therapy in the city’s swish boutiques. All the attractions in the New Forest are close by, and it’s just a half-hour drive south to award-winning sandy beaches, cliff top walks, Christchurch and Highcliffe Castle.

Living

Totally breath-taking, the double height timber framed living room is a spectacular space for relaxing in. A large red-brick open fire makes sure the room is super cosy in winter, whilst double glass doors open onto the terrace by the river meaning the outside can be brought in during warmer months. Two super-comfy sofas create optimum seating space whilst we just love the five (yes, five!) windows on the forest side that floods the room with dappled light.

Eating

The gorgeous kitchen and dining room are just perfect for entertaining, filled with everything you need to rustle up delicious meals for your loved ones, including an electric range-style cooker. The impressive round table lies next to the kitchen with views over the river whilst during the warmer months you can dine al fresco on the terrace – just perfect!

In addition, there’s a utility room next to the kitchen complete with large fridge, freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.                         

Sleeping

Sleep comes easily at this peaceful retreat, and you’ll find three lovely bedrooms to retire to at the end of the day. Upstairs in the main house you’ll find the pretty master bedroom with a vaulted, beamed ceiling and duel-aspect windows – one facing over the river, the other over the forest so the best of both worlds! The king-size wrought-iron bed is super-comfy, so you’ll easily float off to sleep with the sound of the river and the wind through the leaves. Downstairs is an adorably cosy double bedroom with river views, whilst the separate fishing lodge offers twin beds – perfect for those seeking a little seclusion.

Bathing

There’s a family bathroom upstairs in the main house with a romantic freestanding bath tub for two, whilst in the fishing lodge the en suite is a shower room. There’s an additional toilet downstairs in the main house.

Outdoor space

Set within three quarters of an acre of cottage gardens and surrounded by the New Forest, the outside space is about as idyllic and hidden-away as you could wish for. Within the grounds are three ponds which overflow into the river, whilst to the front of the house is a sun-soaked paved terrace complete with outside dining table and chairs, loungers and barbeque – just perfect for lounging on, watching the river slide lazily by and the grassy heathland beyond. Nature-lovers will enjoy the plethora of birdlife that visit, whilst you might also be lucky enough to spot an otter swim by.  

Fishing

If you like to fish, you’ll love the half mile of exclusive, private fishing available on the Hampshire Avon River. Famed for Barbel, Chub, Pike, Trout and Roach, this is an opportunity not to be missed – just remember to pack your own rods! There’s also a rowing boat available on request.

Parking

There’s plenty of private parking within the grounds of the property.

Babies and children

A cot and high chair can be provided on request. Please note that due to its waterside location children must always be supervised as the river and pond are unfenced.

Dogs

Up to two dogs are very welcome. We charge £30 per dog per week or short break.

WiFi

Undercastle Cottage is very remote, however 4G is readily available. You will easily be able to access emails from your phone with 4G.

In the Area

Lucky, lucky you! Arguably one of the most untouched, beautiful places in England, the New Forest is just incredible. There’s plenty of walks on your doorstep to wear out even the most active dog, whilst if you pop in your car you can explore the beautiful villages and lanes that meander throughout the forest – just watch out for meandering free-range horses and ponies! The community shop at nearby Woodgreen sells lots of gorgeous local produce, whilst there’s a range of fantastic pubs nearby, such as the Horse and Groom which is within walking distance. Horse-lovers might enjoy riding at Arniss Equestrian Centre or if you fancy learning a new skill, head to Insight Activities where you can learn all about woodland weaponry and release your inner Robin Hood!