Pepper Shack
Lymington, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A charcoal briquette that could replace the winter cave of even the most highfalutin hibernator, ambience abounds at this luxury self-catering cabin in Hampshire. Sandwiched between the dog-friendly New Forest and coastal town of Lymington, Pepper Shack is a liquorice-hued hideaway made for couples seeking a hot tub retreat in Jane Austen’s county.
Introduction
Sharing county bounds with the real-life Watership Down, Pepper Shack is a burrowing place; a country nook so embedded in the landscape that you’ll expect rabbits to hop by the restored Crittall windows and pheasants to bow-hop across the garden (and they will, much to the dogs delight). Once the tumbledown timber shed of a genius shipwright, this luxury self-catering cabin near maritime Lymington is a place for would-be artists in residence to write a play, compose an aria, or practice mindfulness while poaching in the hot tub. Rustic and tactile, it's swathed in rural chic.
Inside
Happening where the moodiness of a contemporary gothic bolthole meets the rich sensory experience of setting down roots in a soot-dark space, this is a luxury hideaway where kumquat sofas and copper William Holland bathtubs glint from the shadows. A place for sleeping in late and topping brownies with sea salt, where couples’ revivals by the fire and making like sopranos and tenors in twin showers are the orders of the day. There's late-night feasts of fizz and Great British biscotti to be had in the four-poster, and fluffy bathrobes that make prima donnas of even the humblest country-going folk.
Outside
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness; those totemic words from John Keats’ ode to Hampshire take on a life of their own at Pepper Shack. City-fatigued dogs in need of a seaside sabbatical will chase long-legged waders on the Keyhaven Marshes, and two on cruiser bikes will whip through the New Forest like its resident wild ponies. Back at the cabin, come rain or shine, there’s only one thing for it — as long as the county's stately homes are standing, there’s reason enough for couples to fire pizzas in the garden before taking to the hot tub for a spot of stargazing while music croons from the inky abode.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,650 per week, £1,350 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThere is one double bedroom with a super king-size four-poster bed and one bathroom with twin Chadder & Co. showers. Outside, there is a covered extension containing a copper William Holland tub and brass shower.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, Kadai fire pit, outdoor pizza oven, two cruiser bikes, powerboat charter can be arranged on prior request
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms are welcome; one cot and one highchair are available.
- PracticalitiesThere is off-road parking for two cars at Pepper Shack. The bijou kitchen has an electric slide and hide oven with induction hob, Nespresso coffee machine, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, and a washer-dryer in the utility room. Please note that pheasants sometimes enjoy the enclosed garden, so please exercise due diligence if you are travelling with dogs.
- Homestay includesA welcome hamper of local produce, bottle of prosecco, iPad, Wi-Fi internet, two Sony smart TVs, Bose sound system, two cruiser bikes, Hunter wellies, books and board games, luxury linens, towels and fluffy bathrobes, and logs and kindling to get you started.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.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Lymington
With craft distilleries aplenty filling the air with aromas of juniper and orange peel, Lymington is a Georgian-come-Victorian maritime town with a salt-making history. Here, marinas burst with yachts, period cottages reinvent themselves as watering holes, and the nation’s oldest open sea water baths punctuate the township.
Getting there
- On the Map Pepper Shack is located between Lymington and Keyhaven in Hampshire on the south coast of England, close to the New Forest National Park.
- By Car From London, there is a journey time of just over two hours. Take the M3 towards Southampton, exit at junction 13 and head towards The New Forest before following the directions provided to the property.
- By Train You can take a train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst in one-and-a-half hours. Pepper Shack is 15 minutes by car.
- By Air Southampton Airport is an hour by car from Pepper Shack.
From the owner
“Pepper Shack was once a tumbling down timber shed where our neighbour, a creative genius inventor-type, built a state-of-the-art boat. When we went about renovating the structure, we did so with a local head and heart.”
With reclaimed bricks sourced from a local Lymore Brick Company and floorboards removed from a Victorian mansion from the village, Pepper Shack has been constructed from artefacts from local reclamation yards alongside contemporary touches. Our friend made the metal four-poster bed and we made the kitchen, and we splurged on the showers and deep copper bath. One-off pieces from antiques fairs give it an honest and rustic feel.
You could not be better placed to find both New Forest comforts and the freshness of the stunning Solent from Pepper Shack. The landscape that the cabin sits upon has been transformed from a working boatyard to a tranquil garden, complete with visiting pheasants! We have been partners in life and in business for over 25 years, pouring our ideas and creativity into this tranquil home that we hope will be the site of many happy memories for its visitors.
The Chamberlain Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Lymington with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Explore The New Forest
Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, the New Forest became a national park in 2005. It covers a mammoth 566 square kilometres, including one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pastureland and heathland.
To Do
Sailing Lymington Yacht Haven
Bareboat and skippered charters which cater for the beginner through to the experienced yacht master. A diverse fleet of Beneteau and Bavaria Yachts.
To See
Flora and Fauna
There are so many opportunities for wildlife spotting nearby, whether you visit the acres of woodland and open heath in the nearby New Forest, Keyhaven Marshes or simply bird and deer-watch from the comfort of Pepper Shack.
To Eat
The Gun Inn, Keyhaven
The Gun Inn is an independent pub owned and run by friends of the owners. With dishes created by The New Forest Chef, and all produce sourced locally and seasonally, this is the place for a memorable Sunday roast in historic surrounds.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
We´re so happy to be back. The design and attention to detail is wonderful, even the marshmallows and hot chocolate we discovered outside! We´ve had a wonderful Christmas despite the weather and I´m sure we will make our way back here again soon. A big thank you also for the dog treats which he found almost as soon as he got in the door!
What a birthday weekend! Wow, there are not many additional words to describe the bolt hole you have created for guests to relax within. Everything is luxurious, comfortable and completely tasteful. We were able to step out of ´life´ for 3 days, which has been invaluable. Thank you!
Thank you ever so much for a glorious place to stay and unwind. We´ve felt completely pampered over the last few days- how aromatic, quiet and utterly beautifully decorated. The sound of the grasses and trees just put me to sleep. Loved the outdoor bath too, a huge treat and a fabulous place.
This stay was booked for my husband´s 60th. One of the best birthday presents ever! Pepper Shack is beautiful and peaceful, just what we needed, thank you very much. We have done so many beach walks with our old dog ´Dodger´ we think he will sleep until we return.
Thank you for a wonderful time at Pepper Shack! The weather was against us but we couldn´t think of a better place to hold up against the elements! We will certainly be back!
We had a thoroughly glorious stay at Pepper Shack. The house book was very useful and contained a fantastic list of great local pubs. We relaxed the minute we walked through the gates- upon seeing the quirky outdoor bath and the way the outdoor lounge is simply an extension of the kitchen. I loved the fact that everywhere you look you find or see something new - from plants, candles, ´space masks´, and even a tin of treats for Milo our dog. A beautiful place to stay; we shall be back! Thank you.
We had left it late because of our own uncertainties! There were very few houses left that would take our dog. We needed a quiet time away together, and even our dog relaxed when he entered the grounds. Quiet, secluded, so clean. Worth every penny. We wandered off into another bubble for a few days and loved it. Even though it´s for two people, there is a perfect chance to have time alone because of the way it´s designed. We sat there in awe gazing at Pepper Shack´s beautiful design.
Pepper Shack is in a great location. So tranquil and secluded yet close to Milford on Sea and Keyhaven (a matter of minutes to drive to or a short walk) and easy to get to Lymington and the New Forest. We can’t recommend Pepper Shack highly enough. Thank you for a well-needed restful stay. We are already longing to be back!
We thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside the Pepper Shack for our evening meals; the outdoor space is really something to behold with the wildflowers and abundance of butterflies. We were very lucky with the weather and at times could be forgiven for thinking we were abroad.
It was a relatively last-minute decision to head south for a week or so but we didn’t have a clue where to go. After looking at the Unique Homestay website, we were instantly drawn to Pepper Shack. It was a combination of the quirkiness of the building itself and the sumptuous internal furnishings that drew us in. We booked it immediately with the incredibly helpful folk at Unique Homestays and of course the delightful owner.
What a relaxing stay! Such a beautiful, quiet place with so many thoughtful touches. Fantastic breakfast at The Lighthouse before a walk to Hurst Castle, really enjoyable. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for having us at Pepper Shack, despite the blustery and damp weather, we´ve stayed super cosy and comfortable in your relaxing home. The hamper of goodies was super delicious and we had a great Sunday roast at The Mayflower, such a top recommendation. We´ve really enjoyed exploring the local area and the edible and drinkable treats. It´s clear you have put a lot of love, care and attention into Pepper Shack, with so many fantastic details which enhance the stay.
We have very much enjoyed our stay at the Pepper Shack. This is our second visit to Keyhaven having stayed at The Sanctuary across the road in 2021. Pepper Shack is beautifully furnished and very comfortable. We enjoyed the hamper of goodies. Also a great location for walks, with many good eating places nearby too. We would come back for a third-time visit!
We´ve just had the most perfect stay and couldn´t have asked for more. Thank you for the delicious basket of treats for us and also our doggy! You have thought of everything and have wonderful attention to detail with all the little touches. Thank you, we cannot wait to return.
We are honoured to have been your first guests at Pepper Shack. To say we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay is an understatement (hence extending the stay). A peaceful paradise, away from the big city. Truly beautiful and we will be returning without a doubt. You´ve built a fabulous, luxury getaway here.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Pepper Shack 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.
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Best cabin stays in the UK
The Times
May 2023Snow white
Country Homes & Interiors
December 2024The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 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 2024
Collections > Honeymoons > UK > Hampshire > New Forest > Pepper Shack
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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.
