In the uk we have the beautiful beaches and forests and here at Short Stay Homes we are lucky enough to have some beautiful properties located in some of the most desirable locations in the UK.

Christchurch is a beautiful coastal town where there is always something going going on – packed full of activities and local attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

Sandy beaches on the doorstep – click here 

Amazing restaurants, bars and coffee shops – click here

Boat trips & boat hire to the famous Hengistbury Head – click here

Paddle board hire – click here

And much much more!

The New Forest is famous for its beautiful scenery, natural beauty, roaming New Forest Ponies and its 140 miles of tracks and footpaths!

The New Forest is the perfect place for nature lovers or those looking to escape the city. You can Hike, cycle or horse ride your way round hundreds of kilometres of Forest.

Horse ride through the forest and feel at one with nature – click here

Visit The famous town of Beaulieu and check out the Abbey and the Motor Museum or even paddle up the river on a Canoe – click here 

Visit some of the cosy pubs – click here

Devon is known for its sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns and moorland. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture or some R&R, Devon is the place for you. This diverse and picturesque county has so much to offer.

Why not walk The South West Coast Path? Follow the coastline and take in the beauty of towering cliffs of the northern Exmoor Coast and rock formations on the fossil-rich southern Jurassic Coast. – click here

Climbing is an activity that is growing in popularity and Devon with its rocky boulders and different styles of rock is a great location to get started.

We have two properties located in the bustling market town of Christchurch – Quay House and Quay Corner.

Quay House can accommodate up to 15 people and Quay Corner can accommodate up to 10 people.

These properties as well as being rented out separately can also be booked together to make a larger property The Quays that can accommodate 25.

We have 6 properties in the heart of the New Forest, sleeping from 4 up to 29 guests.

Two of our properties are 300 year old thatched cottages perfect for a traditional English Country getaway.

Riverside Lodge is the most spectacular property, with our luxury cottage on the banks of the Hampshire Avon and sat upon it’s own small lake.

We have beautiful Eco House located in mid Devon, benefitting from having it’s own lake, being located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and only 30 mins from the Coast.

Blackdown Views can accommodate 12 guests and is set within 10 acres, in a beautiful rural setting with outstanding views from the balcony and veranda.

Short Stay Homes is delighted to announce that we have won a gold award  from the Beautiful South, Awards of Excellences 2020 – 2021 in the Accommodation category for Self accommodation of the year for our wonderful Riverside Lodge in the New Forest.

Riverside Lodge wins self Accommodation of the Year 2021

Great News

We are over the moon that the Riverside Lodge has been recognised by the Beautiful South Awards for the truly remarkable property that it is. This Gold awarded Lodge has given our guests so much pleasure and enjoyment over the years.

The Riverside Lodge in the New Forest

An experience of quiet and solitude in the most idyllic setting

It is one of the most memorable places for watching sun sets and the abundate wildlife, all from the comfort of a stylish open plan living space. We have added a permanent hot tub and Glamping pod for extra accommodation which has made the Lodge even more popluar. There is excellent fishing near the banks of our luxury cottages near Hampshire Avon and also on the small lake. Great woodland walks from the doorstep as well as easy access into the charming town of Fordinghbridge by car.

Open Plan interiors

Book some extras for your stay

• e-bike rental,
• wildlife camera hire or
• afternoon tea.
• Snap some memorable shots of the wildlife and hire a Nikon D600 SLR with a AF-S Nikkor 28-300 f3.5 5.6G Lens, just bring a SD card.
• Bring your horses as there are stables and a paddock available to hire.

Ducks line up to say hello!

Book well in advance for the Lodge

Plan your stay well in advance as it does get booked up fast but don’t worry if it is not available as we have many other lovely properties to chose from. From thatched Cottages in the New Forest, to an Eco Home in the Blackdown Hills in Devon. Not to mention our Georgian luxury mansion in the heart of the bustling estruary town of Christchurch in Dorset. Itself a winner of the prestigious Gold Award from Visit England.  You can see more information about them at Our Properties – Short Stay Homes

Wonderful sun sets across the Hampshire Avon and water meadows

For more information on the Beautiful South Awards check out their website page where you can see all the categories that they covered.  Home | Beautiful South Tourism Awards (beautifulsouthawards.co.uk)

What is the New Forest famous for?

New Forest Ponies

When you hear of the New Forest what does it a make you think about? There are many reasons why this unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest is famous.

When visiting the New Forest, you’ll be hard-pressed not to notice the adorable 4 legged locals – of course the ponies! The native New Forest ponies are one of the national park’s most iconic attractions, and can be seen roaming feely through the countryside, you will even see them in the towns and villages. And whilst sipping on your cold tipple in one of the local pubs you might have an extra visitor at your table there too!

The New Forest ponies are not just attractive additions to the landscape, but they are also crucial in maintaining the forest. As they have been around for so long they are an essential part of the local ecology, and their presence has transformed the New Forest into what we see today.

You are pretty much guaranteed to see the New Forest ponies when visiting, it’s estimated that there are now about 5000 ponies in the New Forest. This means that there are about 14 ponies per square mile. Wow! Of course ponies aren’t the only animals you can see in the New Forest click here to see if you can tick any of these off your list…

New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park really is a unique part of the UK, which lies within the county of Hampshire, on the south – central coast of England, and Is predominantly occupied by an area formerly just called the New Forest, approximately 150 square miles in size and once a royal hunting ground for King William 1 and his noblemen, in the 12^th century AD.

The unique blends of open heathland and ancient woodlands makes the New Forest one of a kind.

The National Park status, given in March 2005 was awarded to the New Forest and immediate surrounding area in recognition of the many qualities that the Forest holds. Although received with mixed feelings, the new status given will ensure the exciting and secure future that the area deserves.

New Forest food

Sample the fresh, local produce when visiting Thew New Forest. You will be surprised by just how many culinary treats you will find on your travels. When buying local produce you will not only be helping to support the local community but you will also be helping to make the New Forest as sustainable as possible.

Whether you will head to one of the farm shops, or taste some of the tempting treats at one of the café or restaurants where local fare is top of the menu you will be sure to fine a wide array of local produce on offer within the New Forest.

If you have a sweet tooth then you will  be spoilt for choice when visiting Burley Fudge Shop, the owners Chris & Jenny Tabb have lived in and around the New Forest for 30 years and since 1998 they have dedicated themselves on producing fantastic fudge and great customer service.

They make a wide range of fudge and can make anything tailored to your choice for that extra special occasion. There are also hidden gems of other sweet treats in store for you to spoil yourselves.

Or a visit to one of the many farm shops in or around the New Forest is a must, Hockey’s is a working farm which benefits from commoning right in the New Forest National Park. You can visit the livestock including alpacas and donkeys, sit in the fairy garden next to robins aviaries or enjoy breakfast on the lawn or under cover in the canopy or the in the vinery.

When it comes to the finer details when staying in one of our self-catering holiday homes you will find a fully stocked welcome hamper waiting for you, all our hamper products where possible are supporting local businesses who provide local produce. Find out more of what our hamper includes here.

Famous people

The New Forest is recognised for quite a few reasons, but not many people are familiar with the famous people that do or did have a connection within the New Forest.

Sherlock Holmes creator and author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is buried in All Saints’ Church near to Lyndhurst. Before he died, the author bought a house in the village as a place to escape and unwind. Interestingly parts of his novel ‘The White Company’ were set in the New Forest.

Florence Nightingale unquestionably the most famous nurse in history, who lived in Embley Park, Wellow from 1825 until she died in 1910. She is buried in St Margaret’s churchyard at East Wellow, on the edge of the New Forest.

Naturalist, wildlife enthusiast and TV presenter, Chris Packham was born in nearby Southampton but he grew up, and remains this day a resident of the New Forest. Chris is a passionate ambassador for the local environment and one of the top New Forest fans!

One of the most recent famous residents of the New Forest is Sir Ben Ainslie. The Olympic–gold medallist is a member of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and you can see his gold post box, from winning in the London 2012 games on Lymington’s High Street.

 Getting out and about

 There is plenty to see and do within the New Forest, something to suit each of you. Whether that be a casual walk exploring many of the beauty spots surrounding the forest, or a more structured planned route of walking the Breamore Railway line or maybe the Solent Way – Hythe to Hamble? The walking routes are endless in this beautiful area so be sure to have your camera at the ready!

You can find walks which are more suited for your fitness levels almost anywhere in the New Forest. If you are wanting a more casual route then maybe a casual stroll around the quirky Brockenhurst village or if you are the daring type then maybe you are wanting to set yourself a challenge for a more varied route? The Avon Valley Path route might be just what you are looking for, a long-distance route starting at the stunning Salisbury Cathedral.

Or if you are wanting to cover more miles in the day and you are a cycling fan, you have over 750 miles of off-road cycle routes and urban cycle paths to chose from in the Hampshire area alone. Why not experience the Lyndhurst to Burley cycle route, stop halfway to refuel in one of the quirky country pubs, indulge in a ploughman’s before setting off for the final leg of your adventure.

Maybe you will give the walking and cycling a miss for one day and head straight to the shops for some retail therapy, we all like treating ourselves from time to time right? The historic town of Lymington offers plenty for the visitors shopping in the New Forest offers you an extensive choice from independent art galleries and antiques to craft shops, local produce and designer clothes shops, this is just to name a few. There are plenty of places to keep even the most extreme shopaholic satisfied! The Georgian street is lined with independent shops and boutiques as well as some of the well-known high street favourites. There are also regular markets bringing with them many stalls selling local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, furniture, clothing, and jewellery.

So, all that is left on your list of things to do is to book a date in your diary to make the dream reality. It’s time to come and explore this outstanding area of natural beauty.

With a selection of our properties located within the New Forest you will have the perfect base for your itinerary to happen.

VisitEngland 5 Star Gold Award

Here at Short Stay Homes we pride ourselves in attention to detail in all our homes and ensure that the facilities and cleanliness is that of the highest standard. This has been recognised by VisitEngland who we are proud to announce has issued Quay House with a 5 star Gold award.

VisitEngland understands that quality is the key to success within the modern hospitality industry. For the self-catering sector to be successful and competitive both nationally and internationally, it is important that quality standards are set high and continue to improve. The self-catering standard is designed to help all businesses achieve success.

VisitEngland’s unique Gold award is given in recognition of exceptional quality within the star rating bands. This award helps customers find those extra special places where the owner and staff go the extra mile, whatever the size, style, or star rating of the business. To achieve an award, you need to demonstrate consistent levels of high quality in the five key areas identified as very important.

• Cleanliness
• Public Areas
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen

Eligibility for an award is triggered by the properties overall score meeting a minimum score in each of the critical areas listed in the bullet points above.

VisitEngland inspectors go over a property with a fine-tooth comb. This outlines exactly what holidaymakers look for & their standards of cleanliness. The star rating achieved provides our guests with the reassurance that they can expect a certain level of quality when staying in one of our holiday homes.

The assessors or inspectors are experts in their field. They provide valuable advice on improvements as well as upgrades to the property and its facilities. Having an official inspection of your holiday home can reveal aspects and elements to improve that you may never have thought of. Their experience and knowledge of the market in the self-catering field can be invaluable.

The VisitEngland rose sign is one that most travellers recognise. It is reassuring as it proves to our guests that we are a genuine home rental owner. It also shows that our property is of extremely high standards from the importance of cleanliness, the attention to detail on furnishings, décor and even down to your dining experience with the finest crockery.

Here is a snippet of how the assessor described our beautiful 6 bedroom listed Georgian Town House………

“The substantial Georgian house continues to be very well maintained to the exterior and is situated in a tidy garden with large terrace well-furnished for alfresco dining. The property is located close to Christchurch Quay, Priory and town centre amenities. Cleaners to be commended for the attention to detail evident throughout the property. Mirrors gleaming and the beds very neatly dressed with fresh linen. The kitchen units are carefully arranged which allows guests to locate all items with ease. Spacious, high quality accommodation.”

Our handy guide will help you spot and identify animals when staying in a New Forest Cottage. Remember to pack a good supply of water and snacks, or even a picnic to enjoy whilst you explore.  The Viewranger app is a great addition to find your way around.  Take a camera and snap some shots for your Facebook and Instagram pages too. An ordnance survey map is generally provided in your New Forest Cottage for you to use.

New Forest Ponies

There are around 5,000 New Forest ponies that are owned by commoners who have lived in the New Forest for generations. If you are staying near on in the Forest, then the New Forest Pony is the most likely animal that you will encounter.  Although they are used to people, they are not tame.  Please do not feed them as they are not able to digest a human diet and the food we eat can actually make them very ill.  Did you know that horses can die from stomach ache?  They are unable to be sick. Therefore, if they eat something bad for them the intestines become entangled, causing colic and death.   Their natural food is grass and the heathlands of the New Forest are ideal.

Donkeys

There a lot of donkeys of varying shapes and sizes near our holiday cottages. Donkeys particularly like hedgerows so can be regularly seen in the villages and towns. They tend to be more docile than the New Forest pony but beware, many lunches have been stolen by them and they are partial to an ice cream so best to stay and admire them from a distance.

Snakes, lizards and frogs

Adder or Grass snake, spot the difference!

Adder – only venomous snake in the UK and luckily very shy.  They will generally move away and avoid contact with people but can be seen basking in the sun. This image is taken in the New Forest when out walking last summer.

Grass – more common than the Adder, they have a distinctive yellow band around the back of their head.

Lizards – can frequently be seen particularly in sunny spots.  They can be extremely small and hard to spot due to their fantastic camouflage.

Cattle

Around 3000 cattle can be seen throughout the year grazing in the New Forest.  There are various breeds from Friesian to Highland.

Pigs

These are only released onto the forest during the Autumn.  They help to eat the acorns and nuts that would otherwise poison the New Forest ponies.

Deer

There are five different breeds of deer that can be spotted around the New Forest… see how many you can spot during your stay.

• Red
• Roe
• Fallow
• Sika
• Muntjac

There are also the more common squirrels, rabbits and badgers as well as some beautiful birds.  They all add to the abundance of wildlife that can be spotted when you are out walking, cycling or running in the New Forest.