Tilda
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Emerging from the Hampshire landscape like an ink-wash painting, Tilda is a study in harmonious contrast. A noir silhouette against nature's canvas, this woodland cabin with a hot tub is tucked away in the New Forest, fusing contemporary design with rustic serenity. With rejuvenation in mind, at this restful retreat the River Allen's gentle murmur replaces the city's clamour.
Introduction
With its clean-line aesthetic and shadowy timber exterior, Tilda subtly recedes into the dappled light beneath the trees; inside, serenity holds court. Close to the New Forest National Park and Salisbury, this thoughtfully crafted self-catering cabin invites guests to shed life's frenetic rhythms and attune themselves to nature's unhurried cadence. As seasons shift, so too does Tilda's character. In winter, it's a snug haven for fireside contemplation. Come summer, large doors open to blur the divide between garden and home, transforming the hideaway into a sun-streaked pavilion where forest becomes an extension of the living space.
Inside
A haiku of design, Tilda's considered interiors are a masterclass in curation. With a monochromatic femininity, in this botanist's lair wood panelling and charcoal walls play with light and shadow, while raffia rugs soften pale floors. Succulents punctuate the space; Marie Kondo-esque shelving houses curated ceramics and books. A woodburner stands before checkerboard tiles; a single-pane deep-set window seat for two provides a cinema screen au naturel. Gilt-framed oil paintings and an antique piano act as gentle counterpoints, as does the zen bedroom, a cocoon of oatmeal tones and diaphanous linens, woodland lullabies the only serenade.
Outside
The south-facing garden unfurls like a wild tapestry, native plantings giving way to the River Allen's untamed banks. As twilight descends, the hot tub offers a perfect vantage point for celestial observations. Nearby stands a fire pit, promising evenings of flickering flames and slowly roasting fare. Beyond Tilda's immediate orbit, the New Forest National Park and Cranborne Chase beckon with myriad adventures, from trails along the River Avon to pockets of woodland. For those seeking the freshest of suppers, the neighbouring Damerham Fisheries offers the tools and tutelage to transform novices into pro fly-fishers.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 2 guests
From £1,550 per week, £1,150 per short break - Bedrooms and bathroomsThe master bedroom has a super king-size bed, doors opening out onto the wraparound decking and en suite bathroom with standalone bath and walk-in shower. There is a WC in the utility room and an outdoor shower.
- FeaturesHot tub and fire pit
- PetsOne dog is very welcome, two well-behaved dogs on request.
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyBabes-in-arms are very welcome. A cot and a high chair is available on prior request.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for two cars on the private drive. The kitchen is well-equipped with a Neff oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment and dishwasher. A washing machine is available in the utility room. Please note, there will be someone on-site every Monday at 3pm to tend to the garden and check the hot tub, however will endeavour to be discreet.
- Homestay includesWelcome hamper of local produce, luxury bed linen and towels, fire pit, kindling and firewood to get you started, Smart TV, recipe books and board games...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 questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Salisbury
The tallest cathedral spire in the whole of the country, half-timbered Tudor houses and medieval walls make up the pretty, historical city of Salisbury, the perfect base for exploring southern England. Close by, Stonehenge is a must-see for visitors to this part of the United Kingdom.
Getting there
- On the Map Tilda sits on the River Allen near the New Forest National Park, just four miles from the village of Fordingbridge, 13 miles from Salisbury and 20 miles from Bournemouth.
- By Car The property is just two hours down the M3 and M27 from central London.
- By Train The nearest train station is Salisbury, 13 miles away from the cabin.
- By Air International airports can be found at Bristol and Gatwick, both around two hours' drive away.
From the owner
“Expect total privacy and nothing but peace and quiet in this cabin close to the New Forest National Park, and within touching distance of Cranborne Chase. A genuine escape from the rat race, it provides the perfect getaway from it all.”
The first time we visited the cabin we fell in love with its peaceful, private setting in this beautiful natural landscape. It's a world away from daily routines and city noise and the perfect spot to simply kick back and do absolutely nothing if you so choose. If you're lucky, you might spot deer as dusk falls, while in the morning, birdsong will ease you into the day.
At the bottom of the garden, you'll find a small stream; it's a tributary of the River Allen and home to our local ducks and fish. We don't recommend swimming in it, but we wholeheartedly encourage you to enjoy it as we do, with a glass of wine in hand, watching the wildlife that it attracts.
It's not just the lovely garden and cosy house that make it easy to relax here. The cabin couldn't be better located between Cranborne Chase (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the New Forest, along with being close to the coast, so for those seeking exploration you'll certainly not tire of things to do!
Equally, feet up weekend stays with hot tub eves and long book reading mornings with coffee in bed are encouraged! Whatever your escape looks like, we hope you find it here.
Annette and Jörg
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Salisbury with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
La Lambretta, Fordingbridge
A fantastic and authentic Italian restaurant not far from the cabin where fresh pasta reigns above all. Marco, the owner, will ensure you feel like a long lost friend from your moment of arrival. Booking advised.
To Do
Damerham Fisheries, Fordingbridge
Located right next door to the cottage, this still-water and chalk stream fishery offers a fantastic opportunity for both novices and experienced fisher-folk to experience fly fishing at its very best.
To See
Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury
A centre of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly, Salisbury Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece in southern England. The tours of the towers and tombs are highly recommended.
To Do
Jane Austen´s House, Chawton
Step back in time to 1816 and wander in the footsteps of one of England´s most notorious writers. This pretty Hampshire cottage is where Jane wrote all six of her novels and is one of the most important literary sites in the world.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
What a beautiful house - cosy, luxurious and uber stylish! The setting is quite wonderful, lovely walks all round and we especially loved the firepit at night. Thank you, we cannot wait to return.
Blessed to have seen darting kingfishers, egrets and herons, and a young deer across the water. Its been an incredibly restful stay in this beautiful retreat – an escape to return to we’re sure. Thank you for sharing this treasure with us.
Thank you so much for the wonderful stay at your beautiful cabin. It really was a magical week. Your home is perfect! I loved the post-modernist vibes and looking at your interior design! What a peaceful retreat. We hope to come back very soon.
We had a lovely time thank you. The whole place is amazing and a credit to you. The only feedback is that it´s made us not want to go home! We will definitely be back soon.
We had a great stay at Tilda and were really impressed by the quality of the property and with the organisation from Unique Homestays. Would definitely use your company again. Thank you!
Beautiful location. Peaceful. Cosy. Excellent and stylish facilities. The hot tub and outdoor seating area were superb. Being able to have a view even if it was raining. The owners communicated with us personally and were extremely helpful and friendly. Fantastic attention to detail in the Cabin, so much love and care everywhere.
This property is well-deserving of its place in the Unique Homestays collection of properties. The location is beautiful and the garden is very thoughtfully done.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Tilda 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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The best UK winter cabins
The Times
December 2021Snow 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 > Tilda
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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.
