Daisybank Cottage Shortlist*

Expect a sweet welcome at Ciaran and Cheryl Maher’s chic hideaway in the New Forest: home-made cupcakes are offered on arrival. B&B accommodation is in the main Arts and Crafts house and a prettily converted cottage in the garden. Cosseting bedrooms have a wide bed, plantation shutters and all the mod cons (iPod dock, Roberts radio, silent mini fridge, capsule coffee machine); a well-designed bathroom or wet room. Some cottage suites have their own patio with access to the garden. Before retiring for the night, place your breakfast order in the flowerpot outside your room; awake to an Aga-fresh full Irish or New Forest breakfast, pancakes or home-baked soda bread (special diets are catered for). Brockenhurst locals, the hosts have a wealth of knowledge about the area, including helpful advice on pubs and restaurants. 2 sitting rooms, breakfast room. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview). No background music. Garden. Secure parking. Children over 10 welcomed. 10 mins’ walk from village and station. 7 bedrooms (all on ground floor, some in Gardener’s Cottage, some ‘disabled friendly’). Per room B&B £100–£140. Closed for 1 week over Christmas period.