The Stable Yard @ Manor Bank Cottage

I must admit when I turned into the stable yard and saw the outside of the accommodation, I was a little anxious - it definitely looked a bit scruffy and in need of a coat of paint. However, once I opened the door, everything changed. Inside the place was beautifully clean and modern. Everything you could possibly want in what was really a studio apartment, and all sorts of thoughtful extras, like a mobile phone type charger, and a clip for sealing packets. The bathroom was also excellent with a beautiful walk in shower and great quality toiletries to use. Breakfast was included, although it turned out to be d.i.y. There was a choice of Cereals and a loaf of bread in the cupboard; the fridge contained fresh eggs, local bacon, butter, jam & marmalade and a pint of milk. There was also copious amounts of tea and coffee. I really wished I hadn't had to leave so early so that I could have had a full breakfast, unfortunately this time, it wasn't to be. Really hoping I can find the time to stay there again - maybe for longer.

As previously mentioned, the first look of the accommodation was worrying. The table and chairs outside had seen (much) better days, and a bit of tidying up of the doorway and step would have helped. Everything else was great!!

Lovely and clean, comfortable bed ,everything you need for a weekend away. Great breakfast items. Toiletries Perfect

Easy to find from the instructions (and a virtual drive beforehand using Google Streetview). This converted outbuilding is tucked away from the owner's house, quite private and very quiet apart from joyful birdsong in the trees and hedges around. The room was clean and tidy, with everything I needed. Breakfast for two mornings was already in the fridge (bacon and eggs to cook oneself), with a couple of small fruit yogurts, and there were jars of marmalade, jam, Marmite, to go with the bread and spreadable butter provided, as well as a choice of healthy breakfast cereals and plenty of milk. This part of the New Forest is away from the touristy areas, so it was quiet, and lovely to see new-born foals on the heath close by.

It was nice to sit outside with a drink after my long drive and listen to the birds, but the small, foldable slatted wooden chairs and weathered matching table-for-two in the tarmac yard were not very comfortable. A couple of tubs of flowers, as well as larger outdoor furniture, would have made all the difference as a welcoming and relaxing space. At night, there is no light to find the bathroom without turning on the main light. Fortunately I had a torch with me. A plug-in night light, activated by movement, could be a solution.

Good quiet location

The room and bathroom were a big size. It was unusual to have the breakfast items provided but you used the small kitchenette to cook it (eggs and farm shop bacon) with bread for toast, butter, spreads, yogurts, cereal and milk. This was good for us as a full size fridge is provided so we are out 1 night and cooked a basic meal in the next night. The items provided were a high quality and plenty for us. The accomodation had its own entrance and parking spot so was easy to come and go and get plenty of privacy. The house had lovely grounds with colourful trees etc. It was a great base for a couple exploring the New Forest and with the long drive to the property was well away from the road (which wasn't a main through road anyway). There was a welcoming pub a few minutes by car or 15-20 mins walk, which was cosy and served lovely food (B&B note suggested stick to basic pub fare like pie and burger). We had a good clear information sheet to remind us of rules on recycling, check out procedure, WiFi code (which was very good), how breakfast worked and local attractions and eateries etc. The hostess was very welcoming and the whole site was just lovely and had a relaxed vibe.

While I didn't mind cooking breakfast and need facilities to cook as don't eat out every night and access to a fridge for cold drinks etc. The breakfast items was missing sausages and tins of beans or tomatoes for those expecting to be able to cook a full English breakfast. Considering the price I would have thought that this could be accommodated. To be fair the welcome email before our visit only mentioned eggs, bacon and continental items.

Light. Airy. Spacious. Had everything we needed

It was exceptionally good

Great location for exploring the area. Overall great for 2 nights. Breakfast ingredients inclusion, plus tea, coffee & milk, very much appreciated.

Layout of room could be better, sofa too large for room, and cooking hob right next to bed so not ideal use of original space.

Perfect location for bike rides. Really well equipped facility and to a very high standard

Nothing