For sanctuary
In romantic cottages made for bare feet and late breakfasts, couples and solo sojourners pour cream into whiskey-spiked coffee, while dogs take up residence beneath frost-dusted windows.
Winter is for lovers. For the rib-tickling laughter that only happens when clouds burst above the hot tub and raindrops dilute homespun sloe gin cocktails that were months in the making. From bubbling backyard waters, dash indoors to the firelight where the smell of honey-glazed root veg wafts from the Aga and a handwoven basket makes an offering of woollen blankets. These hideaways are for couples in search of the Great British Snuggledown.
Once upon a time there was just one, a solo traveller who retreated to the seaside to paint in the window and dunk local shortbread into cups of cocoa. When quietude calls, going alone is sometimes the only thing that will cut the midwinter mustard. And so we make a case for luxury idleness: throw sticks for pups on beaches bare but for seagulls, set the table for a candlelit dinner for one, and sprawl out on velveteen sofas with the buttons to yourself.
The Sanctuary
Lymington, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Bordering the New Forest in Hampshire's Lymore Valley, The Sanctuary is an industrial luxury cabin with a hot tub, fire pit, and a pair of cruiser bikes for peddling to the beach.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests (+1)
From: £1,795 per week, £1,350 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Sauna, Jacuzzi hot tub, Kadai fire pit and cruiser bikes
Pepper Shack
Lymington, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A luxury cabin that feels like a winter cave, Pepper Shack is a moody home with a hot tub, pizza oven, and couples' bikes, made for romantic stays near the New Forest in Hampshire.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests (+1)
From: £1,895 per week, £1,450 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Sauna, hot tub, Kadai fire pit, outdoor pizza oven and two cruiser bikes
Tilda
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Woodland hideaway meets minimalist design at Tilda. Here, the gentle trickle of the River Allen and splash of jumping blue trout wash away any remnants of city living.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,650 per week, £1,250 per short break
Pets: One dog is very welcome, two well-behaved dogs on request.
Features: Hot tub and fire pit
The Sorting Office
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A gingerbread house with thatched roof set on the fringes of the New Forest which, from the outside, could very easily have been plucked from the pages of Hansel and Gretel.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,695 per week, £1,395 per short break
Pets: One small well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
