Forestkeepers
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A guardian of the New Forest for over 100 years, this luxury self-catering home is an adventurous retreat for families where imaginations will soar. A bespoke treehouse, zipwire and outdoor swimming pool await discovery within the grounds, while a garden gate leads straight into the National Park, begging for wild swimming and picnics in woodland glades. Forestkeepers will ingrain in childhood memories for a lifetime.
Introduction
Trundle over a cattle grid, wend up the drive beneath ancient trees, arrive at Forestkeepers and feel the pressures of life lift from your shoulders. All around, nature takes centre stage and while birds serenade from the canopy and butterflies dwindle on flowerheads, a ripple of excitement will tremble through the little adventurers in the group; the promise of garden delights begging for cannonballs and elaborate reenactments of dungeons and dragons. A self-catering home designed entirely around family enjoyment, ensuring peace or excitement for every generation.
Inside
Suspended ferns, organic hues and subtle botanical prints fuse together to create an elegant interior which seamlessly blends with the outside world. The country kitchen, all terracotta tiles and red brick arches, is the true heart of the home; busy breakfasts with towering plates of toast and thick raspberry jam, fresh scones and sumptuous roast dinners all carry delicious aromas through the house, tempting little hands to slip over the counter to discover leftover treats. On cool winter evenings, gather blankets and popcorn for a vintage family movie marathon in the cinema snug.
Outside
Created with fantasy and adventure in mind, children are sure to rush out the door to the garden before the grownups have stirred enough to even boil the kettle. A treehouse wrapped around an enormous fir tree and its adjoining 30 metre zipwire is sure to capture attention for riotous giggling and outlandish games, while the swimming pool invites underwater swimming contests and rubber rings. Surrounded by the majesty of the New Forest National Park, the garden's loaded flowerbeds are packed with colour throughout the year and dinner tables hide in pretty, secluded courtyards.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 12 guests (8 adults and 4 children)
From £3,795 per week, £2,850 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are four bedrooms on the first floor; one with super king-size bed and en suite bathroom with bath and overhead shower, one with super-king zip-and-link bed with en suite shower room, one with king-size bed and one quad with two bunk beds. There is also a family bathroom with bath and walk-in shower on this floor, along with a separate WC on the ground floor. In the annex is one further suite, with king-size bed and wet room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHeated outdoor swimming pool (available from the end of March to mid-October), treehouse, zipwire, trampoline, football goals, netball hoop, games room with air hockey and arcade machine, cinema room
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4.30pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome. One cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to three cars in the garage port and further parking for up to four on the paddock behind the garage. The country-style kitchen includes an Aga, large fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. The annex kitchen includes an electric oven and hob, undercounter fridge and coffee machine. There is a separate utility room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and separate WC on the ground floor. Please note that the annex is not available when booking the smaller group option.
- Homestay includesLuxury hamper of local goodies, Ultrafast broadband, Magimix espresso machine, Sonos speakers, LG Smart TV with Sky and Netflix, Xbox and games, DVD player, gas barbecue, iPad, luxury bed linen and towels, recipe books...House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RestrictionsFireworks are not permitted in the grounds
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
The New Forest
Abundant wildlife, woodland trails galore and a picturesque coastline rich with salt marshes, chocolate box towns and smuggling tales; the New Forest National Park encompasses the very best of England in just 566 stunning squared kilometres.
Getting there
- On the Map Forestkeepers sits within the New Forest National Park, just two miles east of Fordingbridge.
- By Car The property is just over two hours down the M3 and M27 from central London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Salisbury, 13 miles away.
- By Air International airports can be found at Bristol and Gatwick, both around 2 hours' drive away.
From the owner
“Forestkeepers is the most amazing family home and we love it dearly; it is an honour to be able to share its unique location and seclusion.”
Built around the 1930s, the foundations of a much older residence are evidenced at the end of the back garden, where one of the New Forest Agisters used to live.
The New Forest played an important part in both the First and Second World Wars. During the Second World War, not only was the New Forest home to rapidly constructed airfields and an experimental bombing range, it was also the temporary home to thousands of allied troops, together with all types of military hardware and radar equipment, under the cover of the forest's oak and beech trees. Our house was apparently used as a school during this period and perhaps you can imagine some of the rooms as small classrooms - although it would be hard not to be distracted by the cacophonous bird noise from the surrounding trees!
There is a fantastic walk/cycle trail that leads from Frogham to Fritham (stop for lunch at the amazing Royal Oak pub). It is a remote area of open heathland where rare birds nest and ponies graze undisturbed but you'll see plenty of evidence of the Ashley Walk bombing range and this important part of the history of the New Forest.
Luke
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in The New Forest with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
The Stables Tea Room, Hyde
Forgo the mess of family breakfasts at home and skip down the road for a hearty brunch at The Stables. With a veranda for al fresco coffee sipping and cake devouring no matter the weather, it also serves as the perfect pitstop adventure.
To Do
Hengistbury Head
Jutting out into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford, this ancient monument is fit to burst with white sands, pastel-hued beach huts and stunning walks with views out to the horizon.
To Eat
The Foresters Arms, Frogham
Good food, great ale and a wine list to complement the locally sourced menu, and this inn within walking distance of Forestkeepers is sure to be a favourite for Sunday roasts and evening drinks in the sun.
To See
The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
On the regular circuit for London´s West End shows, the Mayflower Theatre is the largest across England´s south coast. An absolute must for musical lovers.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Forestkeepers is a great property for multi-generational family holidays. We had a great time, our adult children and our grandchildren loved it!
The celebration weekend is over and our stay at Forestkeepers was amazing. Everyone had a good time, the house met all our expectations and beyond. The bedrooms were spacious with extremely comfortable and well sized beds. We were welcomed with a fire lit in the lounge, and a superb welcome pack. We would definitely love to come back. Thank you so much for your service!
Our stay was beyond wonderful, perfect and amazing! We are hopeful that this home will remain as a rental in 2025 because we would love to return. Thank you again for this memorable family reunion. You all have been so pleasant to work with. I will use your services again.
Forestkeepers is a magnificent house, beautifully appointed and offering everyone something. It was fabulous! The beds were incredibly comfortable, the linens were lovely, the AGA was a treat to cook with, and the pool, trampoline and zipline were much used! I will most definitely try and book again next year.
It was a 5* lovely lovely home. Spacious, comfortable, well equipped, generous hamper & provisions. Superb facilities! Our kids loved the pool, the zip wire, the games room. We loved the comfortable home feeling and that there was so much space. Our dog loved the huge garden and treats! Thank you
The house was perfect and there was a lot of attention to detail, there was nothing missing. We have kids and a dog, so this was the perfect house for us! Thank you so much!
I can thoroughly recommend the property and also the brilliant help we had from the staff at Unique Homestays who answered all my questions in advance and ensured we chose the perfect property to celebrate my 70th birthday and my daughter´s 40th.
I just wanted to say what a wonderful place Forestkeepers is. We had an amazing time, the space was perfect for a family celebration with my daughter, her husband, and two small children (3 and 8-months) myself, my partner, and my son and girlfriend. The pool was warm and was a great hit with everyone. There was a slide and swing which proved a hit with my 3-year-old granddaughter. The village pub was excellent and just a few minutes walk away and we can thoroughly recommend Hockey’s for lunch as well as a source of ingredients for the barbecue. The property was immaculate when we arrived.
Forestkeepers is a magical place! The outside space leads directly onto the footpaths and the house is just beautiful. It´s so comfortable and spacious; we loved the cinema room and we definitely want to return!
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Forestkeepers and Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
The best woodland stays in the UK
The Times
October 2023September escapes
The Telegraph
September 202125 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 2024
Collections > Luxury Homes with a Private Chef > UK > Hampshire > New Forest > Forestkeepers
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
