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Little Lions Farm

(Ref. 1167943)

Ashley Heath near Ringwood, Dorset Show on map

5.0

Sykes rating

  • 5 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets: Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • stay (4)
  • property (3)
  • beautiful (3)
  • great (3)
  • well (3)
  • most (2)

5 Customer Reviews

  • "Wi-fi at times not working and in some rooms not at all."

    No info in red folder on how to use the log fire It was cold most evenings and needed to use radiators but only set to 14.5-was unable to increase the temperature when I asked shelagh she didn't know-she did provide a heater as we had a baby. Also no frying pan If these things could be sorted then that would be great but had a fantastic stay

    Reviewed by Marie5.0May 2025

  • "Little Lions Farm is in a great location to explore the New Forest and Dorset coastline."

    The property was spotless, very well equipped and surrounded by beautiful countryside. We were met by the host who is very friendly and accommodating. Hoping to stay there again in the very near future.

    Apologies Lesley for the delay in replying to you and thank you for your kind words. I have now done some research - LITTLE LIONS FARM is 300 years old. It was part of Lions Hill Farm which is the other side of the trailway. The cottage is described in the 1916 Somerley Estate sale as being part of Lions Hill Farm but in the 1921 sale of Somerley Estate it is not mentioned. So presumably Little Lions Farm was sold off during those 5 years. Lion’s Hill has the apostrophe in on some of the older deeds; earlier records show that it was called Lyon’s Hill. Or possibly even Lyne’s Hill as there was a long association since Elizabethan times of land ownership by a family of that name. However, descendants of the family who used to own Lions Hill Farm say that they understood it to be called that as the last lion in England was buried there. In 1858 Parliament brought in a Bill authorising the building of a railway. The Trailway is named after Charles Castleman who, with others, bought the land and built the railway running from Christchurch to Ringwood and on to Wimborne. Another paper shows that the railway was built earlier than this, in 1845. Sadly the railway, like many others, was closed down in the early 1960s. In August 2022 Waggy Tails Rescue purchased Little Lions Farm for an animal sanctuary. Helen’s House, the present property at Magna Road, is small and as so many more animals are in need of shelter a larger space was needed. In 2024 we had over 800 requests to take in dogs which we could not help. Also there is house building taking place, and more planned, all around Helen’s House creating more disturbing noise for the dogs and a much busier road outside. The trustees had looked for 6 years for a property before finding Little Lions Farm; with 17 acres it is perfect for a sanctuary, not just for dogs but horses, donkeys, goats, etc. After the pre-app procedure the planning officer told us that we could build an extension to the large barn which would be the canine accommodation. This was in Spring 2023 – so plans were made out in accordance with that recommendation, bat, ecology, tree, noise and other surveys done all at great cost to the charity, but in October 2024 Dorset Council refused our plans. The main reason was the objection by Natural England that we would walk the dogs on the heath – the other side of the trailway – and disturb the ground nesting birds. We made it absolutely clear to NE and DC that we would not walk the dogs on the heath, why would we with 17 acres at our disposal? But NE were insistent that maybe in the future, when there were “other people” in charge of the charity, they would walk on the heath. . . . . . . The heath is very small and we know that there are snakes there, but with the number of foxes and badgers around there is some doubt that there are any ground nesting birds. The Herpetological Trust, who own the heath, did not raise any objection. Having searched for so long for such a perfect property, the trustees felt we had to go to Appeal in the hope that the Inspector might have a clearer understanding of the situation. This may take many more months. So in the meantime, letting the cottage is the only income we have to pay the bills for the farm, and we are grateful to you for your custom. *** Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lesley5.0Apr 2025

  • "We were assisted on finding the property, which wasn't easy."

    Beautiful thatched cottage surrounded with beautiful countryside and walks . The owner had left a welcome basket with a wonderful supply of treats, both for the humans and dogs. There was everything for a great stay with blankets and towels for us and the dogs (separately) Comfy beds and well appointed kitchen. We had wonderful sunny weather and made the most of the garden . Definitely recommend

    So glad you had a relaxing time with us. Hope the dogs enjoyed it too! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jo5.0Apr 2025

  • "Lovely quiet break away, the cottage is beautiful!"

    The garden is a piece of heaven, my young children and dog thoroughly enjoyed it. I was able to relax completely, the garden is secure and the house is dog/child friendly. The accommodation was clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend Little Lions Farm. We intend to return to see the garden in full bloom.

    Amy your children were so beautifully behaved, I am glad you all enjoyed your stay. The garden is amazing - every week another shrub bursts into flower. Thank you for your kind words. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Amy5.0Mar 2025

  • "We were met by a very welcoming host who explained all we needed to know about the property."

    We appreciated the 'goodies' left on our arrival. The property was stunning - so well appointed and equipped. We loved living in an atmosphere of C17th century England. A fabulous stay/ Would it be possible in future to have a leaflet about the history of the property to satisfy us history buffs?!

    Very belatedly Linda I have done this and see above, it is there with all the details I can find with the deeds we have - sadly they are not complete. Thank you for the idea. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Linda5.0Feb 2025

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Summary

  • Three bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin, 1 x single
  • Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail, underfloor heating and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Dining room with log burner
  • Sitting room with log burner
  • Cottage is fully central heated with electric radiators in every room
  • Electric oven & hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, toaster
  • WiFi
  • Smart TV
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Logs provided for the log burner
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Private driveway parking for 4 cars
  • Enclosed front and rear garden with lawn
  • Three well-behaved dogs welcome - £20 pet fee applicable (per pet)
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 0.9 miles, pub 0.6 miles

Your home away from home

Ringwood 3.8 miles.

Little Lions Farm is a pet-friendly cottage situated in Ashley Heath, Dorset. This property is well-positioned to nearby attractions and amenities – with private driveway parking for four cars, Little Lions Farm is idyllic for a family and three dutiful dogs on a Dorset escape.

Step into your new haven after a successful day of scenic treks through the countryside, with nearby access to the Castleman Trailway and follow the exposed beams throughout the cottage to kick up your feet in the sitting room beside the log burner.

Whip up a delicious dinner in the kitchen, equipped with electric oven & hob, microwave, and fridge/freezer, then dig in at a wooden dining table for five beside a rustic log burner in the dining room.

The dishwasher is on clean-up duty, so you’re free to soak up the last few rays of sunlight with your pups in the enclosed garden.

Rinse off in the bath or walk-in shower, while the washing machine takes care of your laundry, before curling up in a double, twin, or single bed.

Soak up your local surroundings and treat the kids to a day at Go Ape Moors Valley, visit the Moors Valley Railway, then grab a bite to eat at the local pub – less than a mile from your property!

Venture a little further afield for Bournemouth to indulge in a beach day at Bournemouth Beach, dive deeper at the Oceanarium aquarium, stroll the Bournemouth Pier, then catch a show at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.

Take that short drive to Poole for Poole Quay, treat the history buff to the RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum, and relax with some entertainment at the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

Dorset is full of lovely beaches and the Poole beaches are the closest, with Studland, Corfe Castle and Weymouth further afield.

Countryside and seaside adventures sit at your doorstep when you book a stay at Little Lions Farm.

Please note: This property does not accept worker bookings.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.

View on map

Where you’ll be staying

RINGWOOD

Bournemouth 11.5 miles; Poole 16 miles

Ringwood is a historic market town placed within Dorset, on the western fringes of the beautiful New Forest National Park. Dating back to the Anglo-Saxon times and having been mentioned in the Domesday Book, Ringwood holds much history and has been hosting weekly markets since the Middle Ages. It now consists of a wealth of first-class shops, restaurants and bars, with the lovely Avon Heath Country Park on the outskirts. Astounding countryside and coastline is available right on your doorstep, with the New Forest and the Cranborne Chase AONB easily accessible, the southern coast plays host to a number of ever-popular tourist spots including the seaside resorts of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, all of which offer superb attractions, activities and entertainment to keep everybody occupied.

The cottage is set to the side of the farm, but there is no access to the farm land. Access to the Castleman Trailway is via the lane.
Please note - £20 per pet, per booking fee applicable
Please note: This property does not accept worker bookings.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas