Rooks Cottage

In the heart of the village of Pilley, Rooks Cottage sits among leafy lanes of the National Park and the open forest where ponies, cattle and donkeys graze. It’s a lovely little village, and this pretty red brick cottage for five guests and a furry friend ticks all the boxes for an effortlessly easy forest escape.

Inside soft neutral tones sit in harmony with its rural location. A crackling log burner in a huge inglenook fireplace for frosty winter breaks and plump sofas are made for sprawling after a day of adventure. The interiors are elegantly styled, with an easy flow between rooms encouraging spaces for togetherness or squirrelling away into the snug with a coffee and a book for some quiet time. There are three bedrooms, two king-size (one of which is ensuite) and one single. There’s a family bathroom, in addition to a ground-floor cloakroom.

Outside, the private garden has a paved terrace for those all-important holiday lunches in the sun and late-night suppers. A lush, raised lawn is framed by hedges, mature shrubs and colourful pops of seasonal blooms. There’s plenty of room for play, rest and recharge, with table tennis taking centre stage for holiday tournaments and leisurely afternoons relaxing at home. 

Pilley itself is surrounded by miles of footpaths and walks radiating into the forest and the surrounding countryside. The much-loved Fleur de Lys pub and The Walhampton Arms are both within a mile and well worth a visit for proper food cooked exceptionally well. And when the mood strikes for a change of scene from the forest to the coast, the sailing town of Lymington is just a short drive away, offering boutiques, delis and a vibrant mix of cafés and dining spots by the harbour.