The Rotunda

Extraordinary Grade II listed apartment within Exbury Gardens on the New Forest coast with access to 200 acres of woodland gardens.

  • Sleeps 8
  • 4
  • 4
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Highlights

  • A truly unique Grade II listed apartment set within Exbury House, surrounded by 200 acres of world-famous woodland gardens.
  • Unlimited access to Exbury Gardens throughout your stay, with spectacular seasonal colour from spring through to autumn.
  • An extraordinary circular layout centred around a glazed rotunda with columns, arches and a dramatic domed ceiling.
  • Bold, artsy interiors filled with original artwork by the owners, blending classic country house grandeur with creative flair.
  • Four spacious bedrooms with super king size beds and individual bathrooms, ideal for luxurious group stays.
  • Shared outdoor swimming pool with diving board, heated from late May to early October, plus a tennis court within the grounds.
  • Idyllic New Forest and Solent Coast location, with walks, beaches, gardens and charming villages close by.
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You should know

  • The fireplaces are decorative only and not in working order.
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times while on the estate.
  • The swimming pool is shared with other guests and available from May half term to October.
  • Bedroom three’s ensuite is separated from the bedroom by a curtain rather than a door.
  • There is no BBQ, and the tennis court is well-loved rather than professionally maintained. Please BYO balls and rackets and use at your own risk.
  • Exbury House is part of a working estate, and occasional estate activity may take place.
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The details

Calling all garden lovers, architecture aficionados and anyone who dreams of staying somewhere genuinely out of the ordinary. The Rotunda is a one-of-a-kind holiday apartment set within Exbury House, right at the heart of the world-famous Exbury Gardens. With over 200 acres of woodland gardens on your doorstep and unlimited access throughout your stay, this is a place that feels utterly special from the moment you arrive.

Exbury House itself is a showstopper, remodelled in the early 20th century by Lionel de Rothschild and approached via a sweeping gravel driveway. Inside, The Rotunda sits on the first floor and is arranged around an extraordinary circular, glass-topped promenade. Columns, arches and a soaring domed ceiling flood the space with natural light by day, while subtle lighting transforms it into something truly magical by night. Rooms radiate outwards from this central space, creating an apartment that feels both grand and delightfully unconventional. The interiors are bold, creative and full of personality. Artwork by owners and artists Caroline and Nicholas de Rothschild adorns almost every wall, blending beautifully with classic country house features such as high ceilings, fireplaces, panelling and ornate cornicing. The result is a space that feels elegant yet playful, formal yet inviting.

There’s a generous lounge for relaxed evenings together, complete with deep sofas, vibrant cushions and big windows framing views across parkland and the Solent beyond. The vast open-plan kitchen-dining room is made for sociable stays, with a bespoke country house kitchen, oversized island and an oval dining table seating eight for long, laughter-filled meals. Even the utility room and cloakroom are spacious, stylish and blessed with garden views. Four indulgent bedrooms complete the picture, each beautifully styled and wonderfully spacious. Super king size beds, luxe bathrooms and far-reaching views ensure deeply restful nights, whether you’re staying with friends or extended family.

From spring rhododendrons to fiery autumn colour, The Rotunda offers a stay that changes with the seasons and never fails to impress. Guests can explore Exbury Gardens at leisure, enjoy the shared outdoor swimming pool in season and make use of the tennis court. Beyond the apartment, the Solent coastline is close by too, with bracing walks and big skies at Lepe Country Park, along with beach picnics and views across to the Isle of Wight. A gentle stroll brings you to The Royal Oak, a much-loved local pub serving hearty food in a relaxed setting, while Beaulieu village, just over five miles away, offers riverside walks, boutique shops, cafés and the much-loved Beaulieu Motor Museum. For waterside charm, head to Buckler’s Hard, once a historic shipbuilding village and now a wonderfully atmospheric spot for wandering, dining and watching boats glide along the river. Whether you’re drawn to gardens, coastline, forest walks or leisurely lunches, this enchanting corner of the New Forest makes it easy to fill your days, or happily do very little at all.

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per night

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