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.

Do you dream of escaping to the classic thatched country cottage in a ‘far from the madding crowd’ chocolate boxy village? Then here you go! Cruck Cottage, named after its cruck (or curved) timber framework, is believed to be the oldest house in a very old village. It is also, possibly, the oldest cruck-framed cottage in Hampshire, but exact dates are lost in the mists of time – making it an idyllic destination for any architecture, history and cottage enthusiasts. Step into the past. Cruck Cottage is ageing gracefully at over 500 years old. And as it’s Grade II listed, all of its quirks and character have been carefully retained. These include wonky old beams, exposed brickwork, inglenook fireplace, traditional cottagey plank and latch doors, and sloping floorboards.

Location, location, location... There are adventures in all directions with the New Forest on one side and Cranborne Chase on the other - a National Landscape and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with chalk escarpments and ancient woodland to explore. Pull on your boots. There are footpaths to discover, perfect for dog wanders and pub walks. If you believe no getaway is complete without a good country inn, you are spoiled for choice. In the village there’s the excellent community-run Rose & Thistle. This thatched pub is only a gentle stagger away. It’s open Thursday to Sunday and much loved by the locals who recommend its delicious menus, including small plates and pub classics. There’s a circular trail across farmland to The Cartwheel Inn at Whitsbury, a friendly country inn. If you’re stocking up your cupboards, Fordingbridge is the nearest town, with an old- fashioned shopping experience, including bakers, butchers, greengrocers, plus pubs and cheese and wine bar. Rockbourne is also midway between the cathedral city of Salisbury and the market town of Ringwood for further forays.