Pepper Shack
Keyhaven, Lymington, 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 £1,895 per week, £1,495 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 - FeaturesThere is a hot tub, Kadai fire pit, outdoor pizza oven and two cruiser bikes
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Day: Friday or MondayArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am (see calendar for late checkout options)
- 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 little luxuries
- Private cateringDiscover your options for private dining and fully catered breaks.
- Additional extrasA handpicked selection of unique experiences are available at this property.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsEV charger locationsCheck mobile signalRecommend to a friend
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
Aero Power Boat
Adrenaline junkies and water babies will be in their element on holiday here. For days spent adventuring on the Solent, guests can exclusively hire the owner’s sleek “Aston Martin of the Seas” power boat on request.
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
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.
Unique extras
Enhance your stay with a unique experience from one of our preferred suppliers. From professional in-house chefs to luxury at-home spa therapists and wine delivered to the door, see what’s on offer for your bespoke escape.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which 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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Staycation in splendid isolation
Country Living
May 2023Britain´s best holiday cottages
The Telegraph
May 2023Best holiday homes in the UK
Conde Nast Traveller
May 2023A look inside The Fable x The White Company
House Beautiful
May 2023Britain´s best offbeat escapes
Country Living
May 2023Follying up the folly
Country Living
May 2023The hidden heart of Cornwall
Financial Times
April 2023A woodland fantasy
25 Beautiful Homes
April 2023
All Properties > UK > Hampshire > Lymington > 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.
