Fido Family Friendly Places

This wonderful property has to be experienced first-hand. A labour of love by the owner, who occupies the original station, this fully renovated carriage will provide a memorable and exciting holiday for up to four guests.
This 1922 carriage couples modern design with touches of historic charm. The open plan living space has a sofa, two armchairs, a TV and a fully equipped kitchen. Both bedrooms have new furnishings with en-suite shower rooms and the light fittings in the living area are from the Orient Express.
Horsebridge Station was one of the stops on the Sprat and Winkle line after which the carriage got its name. With patio furniture for four and barbecue, enjoy the feeling that the train stopped just for you.
At the end of the station drive you’ll find the charming John O’Gaunt pub, a delightful place for a drink before or after a stroll along the famous Test Way, which follows the course of the railway line just 100 metres from the station.
There is ample parking, a play area for children in the garden, which is also suitable for a dog to run around. Table tennis is available on request. There is a resident friendly labrador, and Coco the cat.
Stay for a week or more to truly experience the magic of The Sprat and Winkle Railway Carriage for yourself.

This super, unique, detached beach house includes two converted railway carriages, one of only a few to be seen along the south coast and enjoys a fabulous location directly on the seafront. Step onto the pebble beach via your private gate from the enclosed garden and enjoy miles of pebble/sandy beach – a haven for all ages, including children and dogs all year round! From the front it is deceptive, having been substantially extended, but once you approach the side entrance, the original features can be easily seen. Inside, the traditional carriage doors remain, and many of the rooms are set inside the former train carriages. Southern Bell offers tastefully styled, light, and airy holiday accommodation for families - with an enclosed patio garden, plenty of off-road parking and a short walk from the local shops, eateries/pubs, and harbour/sailing club. Hayling Island is renowned for its kitesurfing and sailing activities and local paddle - boarding and windsurfing lessons are available close by. Every year there is a national kitesurfing event, and a plethora of sailing and nautical activity can be seen along the coastline. Many activities can be enjoyed locally, including golf, fishing, cycling, boat trips and scenic walks along the water’s edge or along the South Downs National Park which are within easy reach. Chichester with its beautiful cathedral, festival theatre, pedestrianised shopping, leisure centre, Roman Villa and Goodwood or Fontwell races is worthy of a visit. Visit Portsmouth with waterside dining, ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, designer outlets, leisure facilities, Spinnaker Tower, Historic Dockyard including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, or the maritime history at Southampton. Winchester, with its cathedral and abbey, and The New Forest are within easy driving distance. Plenty of National Trust homes and gardens can also be discovered nearby. Beach 5 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

This detached, boutique-style, single-storey holiday property offers well-presented accommodation and makes an ideal retreat for couples or families looking to enjoy the delights of The New Forest right on their doorstep. There are two double bedrooms and a third bedroom with two single beds. Lawn Lodge has its own private parking and enclosed, lawned garden, and is adjacent to the owner’s renowned hotel, where guests can enjoy complimentary use of the extensive leisure facilities, including a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool (outdoor pool - summer only), air conditioned gym and terraces/grounds. There is also a spa treatment centre (prices on enquiry), bar, two restaurants, and breakfast is offered at a discounted rate.
The ever-popular New Forest is a haven for wildlife with many ponies roaming across the heathland, extensive walks, cycling and riding routes. There is plenty to do in the area for all ages, all year round, including Beaulieu Motor Museum, Bucklers Hard, Marwell Zoo, New Forest Wildlife Park and Southampton with its maritime history, to name but a few! It is only a 10-minute drive to historic Lymington, with waterside dining, boutiques and ferries to the Isle of Wight. Lawn Lodge is also within easy reach of many beaches, including Sandbanks, Poole and Bournemouth. Beach 5 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Offering superb sea views, this spacious home is situated in an enviable position along the sea front and boasts a large heated outdoor swimming pool. This holiday cottage, attached to a self-contained annexe which is occupied by the owner, is ideal for couples or family get togethers. Summer evenings can be savoured relaxing on the large patio - perfect for relaxing and enjoying an aperitif! Hayling Island is renowned for its sailing activities and windsurfing with lessons available close by. Every year there is a national windsurfing event and a plethora of sailing and nautical activity can be seen along the coastline. Many activities can be enjoyed locally, including golf, riding and boat trips, and scenic walks along the South Downs National Park. Chichester, with its beautiful cathedral, festival theatre, leisure centre, Roman Villa and Fontwell races, is definitely worthy of a visit. Visit Portsmouth with waterside dining, ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, designer outlets, Natural Museum, leisure facilities, Spinnaker Tower, HMS Victory or the maritime history at Southampton. Winchester and The New Forest are within easy driving distance. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

This pretty, detached, ‘chocolate box’, thatched holiday cottage lies a few miles from the Dorset coast, on the edge of the New Forest National Park which is hugely popular for excellent walks, cycling and horse-riding routes. There’s also golf available nearby. The cottage is an ideal retreat for families, with many character features and a hot tub in the garden’s summer house. There are plenty of thoughtful extras for guests’ enjoyment, including six TVs, Bluetooth stereo and Wi-Wfi. Enjoy sandy beaches at Mudeford, Bournemouth and Poole, or visit Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and Lymington. Burley and Christchurch are just 3 miles away. Shop ⅓ mile and nearest pub 80 meters. Village has three good pubs in total.

Set within the pretty village of King’s Somborne, The Old Meeting Hall is an attractive, single-storey property sitting next door to the owners pretty thatch cottage. It has been converted to a very high standard, offering stylish and comfortable accommodation for a couple. The private hot tub is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day out exploring this beautiful area perfect for any time of the year. Or, why not relax in front of the cosy wood burner. A pub serving delicious food and local shops are a few minutes’ walk away.
For keen walkers and cyclists, the Test Way and the Clarendon Way are on the doorstop. For the fishing enthusiasts, the River Test is the pre-eminent chalk stream and has exceptional clarity of water which is prized by fly fishers the world over. Physically, it is the longest, 39 miles from source to estuary. Historically, it is generally regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing. This area is also where the yesteryear TV programme ‘Wurzle Gummidge’ was filmed.
The Meeting Hall offers immaculately presented, light and airy open plan living/dining/kitchen area, tastefully decorated and furnished with relaxing tones, practical tiled flooring and high ceilings. The double bedroom has a lovely wrought iron bed and trendy en-suite digital shower room. The sound of gentle flowing water can be heard alongside, which runs through the owners pretty gardens at certain times of the year. This lovely holiday home is an ideal country escape and the perfect place to explore the historic cities of Winchester, 9 miles, Salisbury, 18 miles, and the maritime city of Southampton, 16 miles.
The nearest town is Stockbridge, 3 miles, with its abundance of independent specialist shops including tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, many serving local produce, as well as art galleries, craft and gift shops, clothing and traditional butchers. The prosperous market town of Romsey is 7 miles, and being the larger of the two towns, it has all of the above and more. Romsey also has an independent department store, supermarket and a magnificent Norman Abbey dating back to 907AD. Just outside the town and set in extensive parkland is the 18th century mansion of Broadlands, the former home of Lord Palmerston and the late Lord Louis Mountbatten. Broadlands is open to the public July and August, as well as hosting a range of shows, concerts and events throughout the year. Other places to visit within an hours drive include Mottisfont Abbey and Rose Garden (National Trust) Hillier’s Arboretum, The New Forest National Park, Beaulieu Abbey and Motor Museum, Exbury gardens, Stonehenge, Wheyhill Hawk Conservancy, The Army Flying Museum, Highclere Castle, Marwell Zoo, Portsmouth Dockyard and the many beautiful beaches of the South Coast. Shop 200 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This peaceful countryside cabin offers the best of both worlds. A quiet and relaxing holiday, yet also a location with heaps to do nearby. Newtown is only a few miles away, with tea rooms, bistros and lovely restaurants should you fancy a bite to eat. Kites Nest has lovely views across the countryside, with a woodland sat behind it. Here you can sit on the terrace or in your private hot tub with the sounds of nature all around you.

Sitting on the valley slope, this handcrafted wooden lodge perfectly soaks up the sun as it sweeps through the valley and enjoys simply stunning views of the tranquil countryside surrounds. The lodge sits at the top of a large grazing field. At any time of the day your wish for a countryside experience can be fed with the sight of farm animals in the field. Children staying here will be in heaven! What’s more, the lovely owner is happy to show you around his farm. Lambing, feeding lambs or calves can be arranged on request.

Stay in and listen to the sounds of red kites flying overhead from their nesting sites in the woods behind, while at night hear the hypnotic hoot of owls hunting in the darkness. The natural murmurings of this secluded location offer a real sense of wild serenity. Explore these woodlands by day with a path direct from the lodge. The lodge is effortlessly chic, while the sweeping glass creates a gorgeous panorama of the valley below. Full central heating and a log burner would make this a perfect winter break. Kites Nest is the perfect place to get away from it all.

Its central location in Mid Wales makes it well placed to visit much of Wales’ itself with the beaches of Aberdyfi, Snowdonia National Park, The Shropshire Hills, and even The Brecon Beacons all within an hours’ drive. Romantic or birthday packages are available if requested via the owner.
Kites Nest (QU7488) can be booked with Barn Owl Lodge (QU7487) to accommodate up to 10 guests.

In the picturesque Welsh Village of Caersws, The Old Moat Lane Station is a lovingly renovated former agricultural building, now available to rent as a self-catering property for up to ten guests. Boasting high ceilings, a spacious courtyard and garden, and ultra-modern amenities throughout, The Old Moat Lane Station is the perfect holiday cottage for families, pairs of couples, and any other group looking to take in the rugged beauty of this part of Mid Wales. The Old Moat Lane Station is a handsome contemporary property which enjoys rural views throughout.
The main living space is an open plan living room with high ceilings, soft furniture, and a pleasing contemporary décor, where guests often tend to congregate in front of the Netflix-enabled Smart TV or peer out of folding doors onto the outdoor patio space. Like the kitchen, this space benefits from underfloor heating throughout. On the same level, the kitchen is kitted out with everything you need to prepare meals for the loved ones who you are sharing the house with, as well as a Smart TV and your own coffee machine, plus a dishwasher. The dining area is also integrated in this large open space, to enjoy meals, or a great spot to share a few beers and relax at the end of the day. On the same floor the cottage benefits from a double bedroom, with a double bed. There is also a wet room next door with underfloor heating. The remaining four bedrooms are located on the first floor, a double room with two single beds and Smart TV with the family bathroom next door and an ultra-lush slipper bathtub. The second bedroom being the master with king size bed, and en-suite featuring a walk-in rain shower. The remaining two bedrooms are doubles both with double beds, one with an en-suite shower room. All four bedrooms, benefit from tons of natural light giving an airy feel with fantastic views of the countryside. Outside a spacious lawn is great for romping around, plus a patio with garden furniture for enjoying a glass of wine, and a BBQ or simply watching the sun set over the distant hills.
With uninterrupted rolling greenery stretching into the distance, this is a dreamy spot to spend downtime alone or with friends and family. Popular with families and friends, older parties and younger pairs of couples, this is a versatile house which is well equipped to cater for keen ramblers hoping to explore the Welsh hills, families hoping to enjoy some relaxation and downtime and explore the surrounding areas. You are just down the road from the owner’s farm Porth Farm. Porth Farm is a picturesque Farm with a Sunflower area, Maize Maze, a farm walk, and a PYO Pumpkin field which is open in October. This is a great way to occupy the children and see how a real farm operates. The owners have big plans to expand and create a farm shop and café for guests to visit coming soon…
Situated on the banks of the Severn between Llanidloes and Newtown, Caersws is the perfect location to stay and explore mid Wales from Powysland Museum in Welshpool to Treasure trails, scenic rail tours, castles, and many cycle routes there is so much to see and do. There is a village pub, supermarket, local shops and takeaway restaurants all within proximity. Choose to stay at The old Moat Lane Station and enjoy all that this part of mid Wales has to offer.

Tucked away on the outskirts of the quaint village of Llandyssil rests this charming barn conversion, The Granary. Set in a rural location and boasting a fabulous contemporary yet traditional interior, The Granary is the perfect base for your next group retreat to the countryside.
Stepping down into the property from the hallway, you’ll be delighted by the light and airy décor of the open-plan kitchen/diner, beautifully appointed with a modern shaker-style kitchen set alongside a grand wooden dining table fit with elegant upholstered chairs, taking centre stage in the room, offering the perfect sociable space to indulge in some culinary delights with your loved ones. Settle down for the evening and unwind with a leisurely seat on the plush corner sofa, warming the room with the electric fire as you enjoy a movie marathon under the rustic exposed wooden beams that decorate the ceiling above, before heading outside to end each day in style with a luxurious soak amongst the bubbles in the hot tub, soaking in the peaceful settling. As the day draws to a close, prepare for bed with an invigorating rinse in the contemporary family bathroom before tucking the kids into bed in the twin bedroom, fabulously appointed with high-vaulted ceilings. Completing the ground floor is a spacious kingsize bedroom, ideal for guests with limited mobility, and fit with it’s own TV so you can drift off to the sound of your favourite show. Climbing the stairs, you’ll find a stylish bathroom, boasting an elegant freestanding bath to add a touch of luxury to your break, alongside the remarkable master bedroom, intimately tucked away under the sloped ceiling, providing a peaceful and romantic setting to rest your head. Wisk your loved ones away on a rural retreat with a stay at The Granary.
Venture into the town of Montgomery to access the rest of your amenities, including a convenience store and numerous eateries, visitors can also enjoy touring the once-glorious ruins of Montgomery Castle before visiting the unique Cloverlands Model Car Museum. The large town of Newtown isn’t far and history fans will benefit from exploring the fascinating Textile Museum, admiring the pieces in the Oriel Davies Gallery, or venture on a trek to the renowned Brimmon Oak. Venture into the national reserve of Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and embark on its numerous hiking and cycling trails, including the Onny Meadows and Carding Mill Valley routes, go riding through the Blue Remembered Hills Bridleway or try something different and take part in air sports and archery at The Long Mynd. Travel a little further to the town of Welshpool where more historic landmarks await, along with the famed Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, a steam engine that provides visitors with exciting journeys through the Welsh scenery. With so much to see and do in Powys, Pentre Farm Cottages are a great getaway for all the family. Pub and restaurant 350 yards.

This peaceful oasis feels a million miles from the megalomania of the modern world and provides the perfect tonic from the stresses and strains of everyday life. This often-overlooked part of Wales has plenty to offer with a vast array of beautiful countryside to explore. What’s more, its central location makes it well placed to explore much of Wales itself with the beaches of Aberdyfi, Snowdonia National Park, The Shropshire Hills, and even The Brecon Beacons all within an hour’s drive.

However, you may simply want to relax and unwind in this gorgeous natural setting with just the birds and the bees for company. Sitting on the valley slope, this handcrafted lodge perfectly soaks up the sun as it sweeps through the valley and enjoys simply stunning views of the tranquil countryside surrounds. There are plenty of lazier outings on offer with a path from the lodge itself meandering towards the ancient woodland behind. What’s more, Newtown is only a few miles away, with tea rooms, bistros and lovely restaurants should you fancy a bite to eat

Nestled alongside ancient woodland, the lodge sits at the top of a large grazing field with a variety of animals wandering past from sheep and their lambs to calves and horses. The animals are separated from the grounds of the lodge but provide a charming outlook as they amble cheerily through the meadows. Visitors are welcome to witness the farming activities on the owner’s farm. Lambing, feeding lambs or calves can be arranged on request. When you take a second to stop and listen, the air is infused with a soothing babble of the Brechan brook and the chatter of woodland birds in the trees.
The site’s natural value is reinforced by the blossoming population of barn owls and red kites. Endangered red kites are seen flying daily overhead from their nesting sites in the woods behind, while at night hear the hypnotic hoot of owls hunting in the darkness. The natural murmurings of this wild location offer a sense of wild serenity, which is seldom found.
Romantic or birthday packages are available if requested via the owner.
Barn Owl Lodge (QU7487) can be booked with Kites Nest (QU7488) to accommodate up to 10 guests.