The Old Pump House, Forest of Dean - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

This secluded, woodland getaway is the perfect choice for a family looking for a peaceful spot in the forest. A short drive from Lydney and the Forest of Dean, it offers a tranquil hub where you can unwind after taking advantage of all the activities available in the area.

Hidden away down a country track which meanders through the trees, you will find the cottage set within its own enclosed garden. When you step from your car you are immediately enveloped in calm with only nature and wildlife for neighbours, including local wild boar.

Entering through the large wooden double doors you can leave your walking boots and jackets in the entrance hall. Here you can find games to enjoy outdoors in sunnier weather and it is worth looking up to appreciate the open brickwork and beams which you will find throughout the cottage. Stepping into the spacious living room you will notice the large open fire and comfortable sofas welcoming you to relax after your journey. The adjoining kitchen has a large oven/hob and a dining table to enjoy meals and make plans for the following day. Large traditional glass doors open to the patio from here letting you bring the fresh country air indoors.

Up the wooden stairs, you find the king-size double with a characterful curved window with views across to the pond and surrounding trees and a beamed vaulted ceiling. Along the landing are the family bathroom and separate toilet room, and two twin bedrooms.

The Old Pump House is set in a wonderful, enclosed garden which is a haven for wildlife. The trout pond at the rear is also home to ducks which you can sit and watch throughout the day. Picnic tables on the patio outside the kitchen allow you to take meals outside and a smaller garden table and chairs at the front is the perfect space to try and spot the wild boar hidden in the surrounding trees. With nothing to interrupt your thoughts but the sound of birds and gently flowing water, the tranquillity of The Old Pump House is unmatched.
Ground Floor

Entrance Hall:
The front double doors open into the high entrance hall with space to keep footwear and coats.

Living Room:
Through into the living room are the open fire and large comfortable sofas with enough space for everybody to relax. If you have brought your laptop there is also desk space with chairs. Soft lighting is provided by the table lamps and feature windows looking out to the lush greenery of the forest and garden. These can be opened to let in the enjoyable sound of birdsong. Heated wooden floors will keep you warm in the colder months. Wooden stairs with an open stone wall lead up from here to the first floor.

Kitchen-Diner:
The adjoining kitchen is a light and airy space with large traditional glass doors out to the patio. A dining table is a focal point in the centre of this space with surrounding worktops providing the perfect setting for preparing group meals. The large oven and hob, crockery, glasses and expected essentials make this a home-from-home. With a dishwasher and washing machine, keeping house is a breeze letting you spend more time together as a family.

First Floor

Bedroom One:
To the right of the landing, bedroom one has a king-size double where you can lie and look out through the large, curved window to the pond and forest in the mornings, catching a glimpse of birds as they fly past. With an open brick wall and a high vaulted ceiling with wooden beams, this is the perfect space for parents to get away from it all. A reading chair, bedside tables and lamps give gentle lighting and space to unwind. There is storage space, a sink, and a full-length mirror to check you're ready to head to the local pub for an evening meal.

Bathroom:
Along the landing, past the top of the entrance hall, is the family bathroom. With a large shower, and bath with a skylight above and traditional white units it has everything you need. A separate toilet is next door to help make getting ready for a day out easier in the mornings.

Bedroom Two:
This twin room has traditional wooden beds with a shared bedside table and lamp. A chest of drawers with a mirror gives space for storage and a window between the beds provides glimpses of the trees and pond beyond.

Bedroom Three:
At the far end of the landing is the second twin room. With a quirky window above the door, this room mirrors bedroom one with a curved window being the focal point. Opening this window, you can hear the gently babbling brook which feeds into the pond. There are two bedside tables and lamps, and a dressing table with a mirror. Completing the room are coat hooks, a wooden hanging rail and a sink.

Outside

The outdoor space and location of The Old Pump House are the icing on the cake. The enclosed garden is fenced and gated to keep wild boar out and the gravelled access provides space for up to three cars to park. Two seating areas let you bathe in the woodland views and give space to eat meals outside together on picnic tables on the wooden decking. A charcoal barbecue (please bring your own charcoal) lets the head griller show off and cook up a feast. Surrounded by woodland, you can only hear the sounds of nature and the splashing of ducks in the trout pond.