Our 40+ homes are spread all across the New Forest, in picture postcard villages like Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and Burley…where the pace is slow and the ponies roam free… To the wilder north of the Forest, near Fordingbridge, down to the glorious coastal walks at Milford and Keyhaven, on to bustling Lymington with all its Georgian charm.

Right at the end of the Beaulieu River, a glorious slice of luxury that feels wild and remote. Take a boat taxi upriver in warm weather to meals and drinks in Bucklers Hard. The Yacht Club next door does great food. Crabbing off the jetty is the best in the area. Dogs allowed.

Gins is within the National Park. It’s foresty interior is a short drive away. Walking in the forest is superb, especially the old forest – you can track the most ancient trees via GPS on your phone. Near to Gins is Beaulieu Palace, Church and museums, Beaulieu village is lovely too as is the walk from Bucklers Hard, Exbury Gardens. Further afield are the Lymington markets on Saturdays, the sea wall paths, the Lym’ Lido with it’s water assault courses (summer only). For foodies The Pig in Brockenhurst and Limewood Hotel – both extremely well regarded. Next door to Gins is the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. Its rather like a smart pub/restaurant. It’s takes 1 minute to walk there from the barn front door and has the most lovely view across the river. They are open for food and drinks at weekends all year. The New Forest area is 2 hours drive south of London. The city of Southampton is to the East, and Bournemouth is to the West but there are no major built up areas between. The New Forest is 300km square of beautiful forest and heathlands. It is coastal and The Solent is part of the English Channel. The small and agricultural Isle of Wight is part of the view from the beaches and coast to the south. The New Forest area is mainly flat with some rolling hills in the northern area. Walking and cycling here is particularly excellent. Tracks are well marked, have a good hard surface and you can detour to pass pubs and cafes in good distances for breaks. Horse riding is also excellent, bring your own or there are several good stables who offer forest rides or training. The area is sensitively managed by the National Park and Forestry Commission. There are over 4000 wild ponies, donkeys and cattle who live uncontained here and you will meet them on the roads and lanes. So travel carefully.