Cottage Lodge Owners Aim for 100% Sustainability

Cottage Lodge Hotel, the number one rated hotel in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest, has been bought by Maurizio Redaelli and his wife Francesca Mannone, who have ambitious plans for the 16-room boutique property, including turning it into the first 100% sustainable hotel in the whole of the New Forest.

Comments Maurizio, who has worked in the hospitality industry for almost 25 years, “We are both excited and delighted to be taking over Cottage Lodge Hotel which has gained such a fabulous reputation over recent years both for its fantastic location and outstanding customer service. We intend to take it to the next level, and we have a dream to make Cottage Lodge 100% sustainable.

“We have started working with local companies who are supplying us with everything from soaps and shampoos – we are now using refillable dispensers – to cider and shortbread, plus meats from the village butcher, to minimise our carbon footprint.  And, whilst it is more expensive, we think it worthwhile when you consider the bigger picture, and we believe that this is something that our guests will value and appreciate.”

Over time, Maurizio and Francesca intend to redevelop the rooms at Cottage Lodge, though the unique beds carved from fallen New Forest trees and made by a local wood sculpture will remain.

Cottage Lodge has three dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor, two of which have their own access to a small, private courtyard, with an outside tap for washing off muddy paws.

The hotel is a short walk from Brockenhurst Station, which is just 89 minutes from London, and there is a bike hire centre in the village, making car free stays a genuine ‘green’ option (there are also special trailers available for children and dogs).

The open forest is within minutes of the hotel’s door, and there are a selection of free walking guides available from the hotel’s reception.

Overnight stays cost from £40 per person (two sharing a room) in one of the property’s smaller bedrooms, or from £55 per person in a larger room with a four-poster bed. There are also family rooms, where younger children can share with their parents.

Prices are based on two people sharing a room and include full English breakfast.

For further information call 01590 622 296 or visit www.cottagelodge.co.uk.