House & Gardens

The House

Step inside and you’ll be smitten with the warm, friendly vibe of Undercastle Cottage which sleeps up to six guests – four in the main house and two in the Fishing Lodge.

The walls and ceilings are a tapestry of exposed beams and warm woods which happily mingle with the comfort of underfloor heating beneath chunky flagstone floors. Undercastle Cottage displays quality and flawless craftsmanship bathed in natural light flooding through the vast posse of quirky windows with inviting views of fields and woodland. Each room is a blend of colour palettes in natural hues punctuated by pops of colour and filled with carefully chosen furnishings, unique pieces and creative design. Think architectural ceilings, sumptuous sofas adorned with cushions and throws, big brass beds dressed in marshmallowy duvets and sociable spaces to cook and dine with views to die for from every scenic window.

The Living Room

The double height oak framed living room is a truly spectacular space for relaxing in. A handsome log-burner provides warmth and cosiness in winter; in the summer months the French doors open onto the sun drenched terrace by the river, allowing the interior of the cottage and nature to seamlessly merge. Two super-comfy sofas create optimum seating space and natural light floods in from the double aspect windows. There’s a TV with a ‘Dongle’ for you to access iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime etc., a DVD Player, radio and a collection of family games such as dominoes, Scrabble and jigsaws.

Eating

The gorgeous handmade kitchen and dining room are just perfect for entertaining, filled with everything you need to rustle up delicious meals for family and friends including an electric range cooker. The impressive round dining table lies next to the kitchen enjoying views over the river and during the warmer months you can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace. In addition, there’s a dishwasher, coffee machine, large Neff fridge with wine storage and freezer and a utility room with 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 dual-aspect windows –one facing over the river, the other over the forest. The sumptuous king-size antique iron bed is luxurious, so you’ll easily drift off to sleep with the gentle babbling of the river and the “twit twoos” of the owls. Downstairs is an adorably cosy double bedroom with river views. The Fishing Lodge is completely self-contained yet only a few steps from the main house, and perfect for guests wanting a little privacy. It’s an enchanting ensuite bedroom flaunting sumptuous comfort from two antique cast iron single beds dressed in fluffy duvets and crisp linens. Huge patio doors on to a private sun terrace and a large picture window provide sublime views of the river as it ambles downstream. Mod cons in the Fishing Lodge include a smart TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a little fridge to keep your milk nice and fresh.

Bathing

There’s a family bathroom upstairs in the main house with a romantic freestanding roll top bathtub for two, whilst in the fishing lodge, the ensuite is a shower room. There’s an additional toilet downstairs in the main house.

The Fishing Lodge

The Fishing Lodge is the answer to guests looking for a little privacy – extending sleeping arrangements from 4 in the main house to 6 guests in total.

The Fishing Lodge is just a few steps from the main house and enjoys its own private sun terrace with seating and a table. Inside is big and roomy with twin beds – perfect for grandparents, teenagers and friends and family who may want a private space for a little alone time. There’s a spacious ensuite shower room and plenty of mod cons in the bedroom area including a mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and a smart TV. Although, the meandering downstream river views from huge patio doors and the riverbank window on the adjacent wall provide an awesome alternative to the telly, and the perfect spot for sunsets and stargazing.

The Garden

You’ll be in raptures over the views in the ¾ acre of gardens which includes three ponds fed by natural springs overflowing into the river. To the front of the house is a sun-soaked paved terrace complete with outside dining table and chairs, loungers and barbeque all surrounded by cottage garden blooms and lush manicured lawns. Expect to see woodland creatures including deer, badgers, foxes, birds of prey and flashes of brightly coloured kingfishers skimming the river. The sound of nature is present all year round with choruses of birdsong and the zip of dragonflies patrolling Undercastle Cottage’s ponds and riverbank. The best way to view it? Pour a glass of your most favourite tipple, kick off your shoes and sink into a squishy sun lounger and appreciate the quintessential beauty around you.

Fishing at Undercastle Cottage

For the fishermen amongst you, you’ll love the half mile of exclusive private fishing available on the Hampshire Avon. Famed for its large Barbel, Chub, Pike and Trout, this is an opportunity not to be missed – just remember to pack your own rods! There’s also a rowing boat available upon request. Click here to visit our Fishing and Tutorage page.

The River and Rowboat

You can swim in the river however it can be extremely dangerous when fast flowing or during bad weather. Even on calm days, the river is cold and very deep, so only strong swimmers should go in. There is a two-seat kayak at the cottage for guests to use. Plus, a rowing boat from 1st March to 30th October.

Parking

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

Babies and children

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

Dogs

Up to two dogs are very welcome. We simply ask that you keep them from climbing on the furniture and they are only allowed on the ground floor. A stair gate is provided accordingly. The charge is £30 per dog per week or short break.

Wi-Fi

Although the cottage is remote, it does enjoy good 4G reception on most networks and wi-fi connection through a dongle which can also access iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime etc.

Welcome Hamper

Mother Nature provides an amazing pantry in the New Forest; providing inspiration for local artisans and producers to create scrumptious delicacies and provisions. Guests of Undercastle Cottage are gifted a hamper full of goodies which include freshly baked bread, home-made butter, free-range eggs, cheese, biscuits, cakes, chocolate and freshly squeezed apple juice, local cider and beer.