Guest testimonials
Exceptionally secure property for our grandchild and dogs. The garden and swimming pool were fantastic and well used during our week of glorious weather. The best property we have stayed in as a large group in the UK I just wish I’d booked another week!
We have stayed here before with the family and it has everything we need for ourselves and our grandchildren. It’s great to be able to walk into the New Forest to see all the animals and to the local pub for Sunday lunch.
Forestkeepers is a great property for multi-generational family holidays. We had a great time, our adult children and our grandchildren loved it!
The celebration weekend is over and our stay at Forestkeepers was amazing. Everyone had a good time, the house met all our expectations and beyond. The bedrooms were spacious with extremely comfortable and well sized beds. We were welcomed with a fire lit in the lounge, and a superb welcome pack. We would definitely love to come back. Thank you so much for your service!
Our stay was beyond wonderful, perfect and amazing! We are hopeful that this home will remain as a rental in 2025 because we would love to return. Thank you again for this memorable family reunion. You all have been so pleasant to work with. I will use your services again.
Forestkeepers is a magnificent house, beautifully appointed and offering everyone something. It was fabulous! The beds were incredibly comfortable, the linens were lovely, the AGA was a treat to cook with, and the pool, trampoline and zipline were much used! I will most definitely try and book again next year.
It was a 5* lovely lovely home. Spacious, comfortable, well equipped, generous hamper & provisions. Superb facilities! Our kids loved the pool, the zip wire, the games room. We loved the comfortable home feeling and that there was so much space. Our dog loved the huge garden and treats! Thank you
The house was perfect and there was a lot of attention to detail, there was nothing missing. We have kids and a dog, so this was the perfect house for us! Thank you so much!
I can thoroughly recommend the property and also the brilliant help we had from the staff at Unique Homestays who answered all my questions in advance and ensured we chose the perfect property to celebrate my 70th birthday and my daughter´s 40th.
I just wanted to say what a wonderful place Forestkeepers is. We had an amazing time, the space was perfect for a family celebration with my daughter, her husband, and two small children (3 and 8-months) myself, my partner, and my son and girlfriend. The pool was warm and was a great hit with everyone. There was a slide and swing which proved a hit with my 3-year-old granddaughter. The village pub was excellent and just a few minutes walk away and we can thoroughly recommend Hockey’s for lunch as well as a source of ingredients for the barbecue. The property was immaculate when we arrived.
Forestkeepers is a magical place! The outside space leads directly onto the footpaths and the house is just beautiful. It´s so comfortable and spacious; we loved the cinema room and we definitely want to return!
Read more reviews on TrustPilot and Google or hear from the owner
Forestkeepers
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Up to 12 guests (8 adults and 4 children)
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Children and babies are welcome.A guardian of the New Forest for over 100 years, this luxury self-catering home is an adventurous retreat for families where imaginations will soar. A bespoke treehouse, zipwire and outdoor swimming pool await discovery within the grounds, while a garden gate leads straight into the National Park, begging for wild swimming and picnics in woodland glades. Forestkeepers will ingrain in childhood memories for a lifetime. Read more...
Allows babes in arms
Allows children
?Pets - check restrictions
Wi-Fi
Swimming pool
Cinema room
Games room
Real fire
TV
Barbecue
Pub within walking distance
Cot
Highchair
Football pitch or goals
Sound system
Xbox
Trampoline
Treehouse- More
Introduction
Trundle over a cattle grid, wend up the drive beneath ancient trees, arrive at Forestkeepers and feel the pressures of life lift from your shoulders. All around, nature takes centre stage and while birds serenade from the canopy and butterflies dwindle on flowerheads, a ripple of excitement will tremble through the little adventurers in the group; the promise of garden delights begging for cannonballs and elaborate reenactments of dungeons and dragons. A self-catering home designed entirely around family enjoyment, ensuring peace or excitement for every generation.
Inside
Suspended ferns, organic hues and subtle botanical prints fuse together to create an elegant interior which seamlessly blends with the outside world. The country kitchen, all terracotta tiles and red brick arches, is the true heart of the home; busy breakfasts with towering plates of toast and thick raspberry jam, fresh scones and sumptuous roast dinners all carry delicious aromas through the house, tempting little hands to slip over the counter to discover leftover treats. On cool winter evenings, gather blankets and popcorn for a vintage family movie marathon in the cinema snug.
Outside
Created with fantasy and adventure in mind, children are sure to rush out the door to the garden before the grownups have stirred enough to even boil the kettle. A treehouse wrapped around an enormous fir tree and its adjoining 30 metre zipwire is sure to capture attention for riotous giggling and outlandish games, while the swimming pool invites underwater swimming contests and rubber rings. Surrounded by the majesty of the New Forest National Park, the garden's loaded flowerbeds are packed with colour throughout the year and dinner tables hide in pretty, secluded courtyards.
Forestkeepers has five bedrooms across two properties. The main house has four bedrooms, two of which are en suite, and the annex has one bedroom with an en suite wet room.
Bedroom One
First floor double bedroom
The master bedroom sits on the first floor, with balcony overlooking the garden, super king-size bed and en suite bathroom with overhead shower.
Bedroom Two
First floor double bedroom
With a zip-and-link bed, the second bedroom features an en suite shower room and dual aspect views over the garden.
Bedroom Three
First floor double bedroom
Bedroom three, also on the first floor, has a king-size bed and bay window looking out over the grounds. It shares the family bathroom with bedroom four.
Bedroom Four
First floor childrenīs bunk bedroom
With four bunkbeds, bedroom four is perfect for children. It shares the family bathroom with bedroom three.
Family bathroom
First floor family bathroom
The family bathroom includes a bath and a separate walk-in shower.
Bedroom Five
Ground floor annex double bedroom
Including a king-size sleigh bed, the annex bedroom also includes a small kitchen and walk-in wet room with door to the pool.
- PricingFrom £3,995 per week, £2,995 per short break for up to 12 guests
An alternative group size of up to 6 guests is available during selected periods at a reflective rate - FeaturesHeated outdoor swimming pool heated April - October inclusive), treehouse, zipwire, trampoline, football goals, netball hoop, games room with air hockey and arcade machine, cinema room
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - FamilyChildren and babies are welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is parking for up to three cars in the garage port and further parking for up to four on the paddock behind the garage. The country-style kitchen includes an Aga, large fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. The annex kitchen includes an electric oven and hob, undercounter fridge and coffee machine. There is a separate utility room with a washing machine, tumble dryer and separate WC on the ground floor. The swimming pool is heated from April to October, however the water temperature will depend on the air temperature at the time of your stay. Please note that the annex is not available when booking the smaller group option
- Private cateringWhether you're looking for a fully catered stay or a one-off meal for a special occasion, discover your bespoke catering options
Explore private dining - RestrictionsFireworks are not permitted in the grounds
Arrivals & departures
Arrival time: 4.30pm
Departure time: 10am
Other information
Fresh produce
- Local brown sourdough loaf
- Dorset apple cake
- One dozen eggs
- One dozen quail eggs
- Honeycomb
- Two bottles of locally brewed cider
- Milk
- Chutney
- Biscuits
- Vert mustard
Please note - the owners strive to source the best produce for your welcome hamper, however, the contents may vary slightly depending on the season and amount of people comprising your party.
Those all-important little luxuries
- Freshly cut flowers
- Luxury handmade soaps
- Luxury bed linen and towels
- Pool/beach towels
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Firewood, coal, kindling
- A selection of breakfast and herbal teas
- Ground coffee
- Instant coffee
- Olive oil
- Bluetooth speaker, Sonos system or similar
- Board games
- Use of arcade machine, treehouse, trampoline
- Football goals, netball post
- Hairdryer
- Parking permit for the local town
- Condiments, dried herbs and spices
- Dog biscuits
- Recipe books
- Informative house-book guide
- Stairgate
- Crayons/paper/craft equipment
- A selection of baby toys
- Childrenīs story and nursery rhyme books
- Crockery and cutlery for infants
- Highchair/s
- Cot
House book - your property and destination guide
Together with the owners, we've collated everything you'll need to make the most of your experience, from insider tips on local gems to practical property information, all in one digital house book, shared the moment you book.
The New Forest
Abundant wildlife, woodland trails galore and a picturesque coastline rich with salt marshes, chocolate box towns and smuggling tales; the New Forest National Park encompasses the very best of England in just 566 stunning squared kilometres.
Getting there
- On the map Forestkeepers sits within the New Forest National Park, just two miles east of Fordingbridge.
- By car The property is just over two hours down the M3 and M27 from central London.
- By train The nearest train station is Salisbury, 13 miles away.
- By air International airports can be found at Bristol and Gatwick, both around 2 hours' drive away.
“Forestkeepers is the most amazing family home and we love it dearly; it is an honour to be able to share its unique location and seclusion.”
Built around the 1930s, the foundations of a much older residence are evidenced at the end of the back garden, where one of the New Forest Agisters used to live.
The New Forest played an important part in both the First and Second World Wars. During the Second World War, not only was the New Forest home to rapidly constructed airfields and an experimental bombing range, it was also the temporary home to thousands of allied troops, together with all types of military hardware and radar equipment, under the cover of the forest's oak and beech trees. Our house was apparently used as a school during this period and perhaps you can imagine some of the rooms as small classrooms - although it would be hard not to be distracted by the cacophonous bird noise from the surrounding trees!
There is a fantastic walk/cycle trail that leads from Frogham to Fritham (stop for lunch at the amazing Royal Oak pub). It is a remote area of open heathland where rare birds nest and ponies graze undisturbed but you'll see plenty of evidence of the Ashley Walk bombing range and this important part of the history of the New Forest.
Luke
Discover the best destinations, experiences and restaurants to visit during your stay in The New Forest. A larger selection of recommendations will be available in the property's digital house book.
To Eat
The Stables Tea Room, Hyde
Forgo the mess of family breakfasts at home and skip down the road for a hearty brunch at The Stables. With a veranda for al fresco coffee sipping and cake devouring no matter the weather, it also serves as the perfect pitstop adventure.
To Do
Hengistbury Head
Jutting out into the English Channel between Bournemouth and Mudeford, this ancient monument is fit to burst with white sands, pastel-hued beach huts and stunning walks with views out to the horizon.
To Eat
The Foresters Arms, Frogham
Good food, great ale and a wine list to complement the locally sourced menu, and this inn within walking distance of Forestkeepers is sure to be a favourite for Sunday roasts and evening drinks in the sun.
To See
The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
On the regular circuit for London´s West End shows, the Mayflower Theatre is the largest across England´s south coast. An absolute must for musical lovers.
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Can I walk to a pub from Forestkeepers?
Yes. You can walk just over half a mile to The Three Lions or a little further to The Royal Oak North Gorley.
Is there any flexibility with the pet restrictions?
The owner is happy to consider additional dogs on prior request. Please get in touch should you wish to bring more than two dogs to the property.
Can the pool be heated outside of the stated availability window?
Due to the heating of the pool being reliant on the ambient air temperature, it is not possible to heat the pool outside of the stated months.
How far is the annexe from the main house?
The annexe is located on the other side of the swimming pool, approximately 10 metres from the main house.
Below are a selection of features in which Forestkeepers 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.
complete an image bank request
The best woodland stays in the UK
The Times
October 2023September escapes
The Telegraph
September 2021Wild at heart
25 Beautiful Homes
August 2026The entrepreneurs cashing in on the Ģ1.3tn wellness holiday boom
The Telegraph
August 20265 waterside stays to book
Country Living
August 2026Time to cool off
The Times
July 2026Broad horizons
Harperīs Bazaar
July 2026The Times art critic’s favourite holiday homes with artful interiors
The Times
July 2026
Related collections
Collections > Cottages with fireplaces > UK > Hampshire > New Forest > Forestkeepers
