If you like plain boring places with magnolia paint and a complete lack of character and soul then don't stay here. If, on the other hand, you like charm, character, quirkiness, colour and warmth, and you love animals and wildlife then don't stay anywhere other than here! The house is owned by a very lovely lady, who will go out of her way to make you feel welcome yet without being imposing, pushy, or in your face which to me is a rare find. The house is on the edge of the forest yet an easy 3/4 minute walk into the village centre. There are 3 lovely dogs who are friendly but don't bother you at all and are very well behaved,. There is an aviary with a variety of birds, and as other reviewers have mentioned, as we arrived a horse and little foal came nudging up to the gate hoping for food and were duly fed by the owner. Inside, the house is full of quirky character, with antiques vying for shelf space with various knick knacks and treasures and a wide array of paintings adorn the walls. Even the breakfast crockery was different, complete with painted chickens and carved caterpillars. I can't remember the last time I slept so well and both my partner and I were very sorry to leave. We will definitely stay here next time around and would whole heartedly recommend it.

Would like to finally be positive force,for a well deserved cottage,which I Frequently stay
at when I visit my son,who is studying at Brockenhurst College.I have found this cottage,to be marvellous..,thats the only way I can describe it.! the landlady " Miss Marcelle Fellows,' is exceptional,she has always made my stay memorable.,as Miss Fellowes,has a diverse range of knowledge,& topics of interests,which I find comforting. the cottage.is filled with all the 'Style of Country life,which I remember of my youth,up north,in the Yorkshire Dales., I would certainly reccomend it ,for its value,& location.Thankyou.,Miss Fellowes,hope to see you in soon.

As a touring musician I happen to spend a lot of my time in sterile B&Bs and hotelrooms which seem to look and smell the same wherever I go!
Well, it didn't take long for me to realize that Careys Cottage is different.
After having negotiated the hungry pony waiting at the gate (I swear it tried to nibble my violin case!) and admiring the dozen or so merriliy chirping canaries and budgies in the big cage next to the front door I was greeted by the very friendly owner and her three gorgeous dogs (who in the next few days were surprizingly patient in putting up with my violin practise.). I felt warmly welcome into a friendly home and was not to be disappointed:
My room was of a generous size and had a very efficient electric radiator in addition to the central heating, and although it was freezing cold outside my room was very cosy indeed. I have made very different experiences in British B&Bs in the winter in the past.

Breakfast was very good and the owner was so kind to allow me the extra bit of sleep in the mornings as I come home late after performances in the night. Great flexibility!

The biggest bonus of Careys Cottages is the location:

You walk past the budgies, negotiate the ponies, down the lane and there you are: in the middle of the forest with lots of beautiful walking an cycling right in front of your nose.
What was a work stay for four nights in the end I felt like a little holiday.
I have already arranged with the owner to bring my wife and three year old daughter next time I work in Southampton (15 min to city centre) as this is as good as a family B&B as I can imagine.

And all this you get for a very reasonable prize which you will find hard to beat in the new forest.

Highly recommended!

This B&B was what we hoped to find in our 3 day trip to the New Forest. An attractive unassuming cottage on a beautiful and quiet spot, with the forest virtually on your doorstep. Moreover, with ponies greeting you at the gate!

The facilities were basic but fine: comfortable beds, tidy rooms and a lovely breakfast.

We liked the dogs and were happy to be able to bring our own.

In contrast to some older comments to TA we would recommend this place, especially for dog lovers.

We plan to return in the near future.