What’s The Forge like?
This stylish one-bedroom holiday let can be found in a peaceful village location. The single-storey property has everything you need for a short break, including access to an enclosed garden. Ingham is approximately a 15-minute drive from historic Lincoln.
How dog-friendly is The Forge?
Good, although no special provisions are provided. The garden is secure – as long as the front gate is closed – but it’s worth noting that The Forge is attached to another holiday let, Farriers Cottage. Access to this is via The Forge’s garden so be sure to check the gate is closed before letting your dog roam free. Nosey pets will also enjoy keeping an eye on the neighbours from the large, low-down windows. Look carefully in the above picture to see Ernie and Stan peeping out! There are no extra charges for dogs to stay.
Tell me more about The Forge
This spacious one-bedroom property has recently been converted so everything still feels fresh and new. You enter into the stylish open plan kitchen/living area which has underfloor heating throughout. The decor is very on trend too, with exposed brick walls, feature beams and dark kitchen cabinets. A breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the living area, which is dominated by a Chesterfield-style corner sofa and huge chandelier. There are pops of mustard throughout, as well as funky canvas art on the walls.
From the living space, you head into the carpeted bedroom, which has dark panelled walls, glass bedside lamps and – in keeping with the rest of the cottage decor – a feature bed frame in a bold shade of mustard. A skylight above the bed ensures the room stays light and airy (there is a blind to cover it up at night) and there’s also a huge Rococo-style mirror. A mustard ottoman and large closet provide plenty of storage space, too. The bathroom can be found just off the bedroom, with a double-width shower and funky vinyl floor.
While there is WiFi at The Forge, it isn’t the speediest so bear that in mind if you’re planning to work or stream lots of shows. The property is quite overlooked by the neighbours too so could really benefit from some additional blinds or net curtains. But if you’re lucky, you will see the Red Arrows zooming about during your stay. The famous aerobatic team is based at nearby RAF Waddington. Just be prepared for the fact they are LOUD!
What’s the food like at The Forge?
This a self-catering property so you’ll need to bring your own, but a few basics were ready and waiting for us, such as tea, coffee and milk. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook up a feast and if you’re not a fan of washing up, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a dishwasher. One cleaning tablet is provided for each day of your stay. There is also a washing machine and tumble dryer.
If you don’t fancy cooking, Ingham has two great pubs, both of which are dog-friendly. The Black Horse Inn is literally a couple of doors away from The Forge, while The Inn on the Green is less than a five-minute walk. At the time of our visit, both pubs only served food from Thursday to Sunday. There was also a visiting fish and chip van on Wednesdays and a Thai food truck at weekends. Check the village noticeboard for more details!
Are there resident dogs at The Forge?
No, but you are sure to meet plenty of local pooches when you’re walking through the village. It seems like almost everyone in Ingham has a dog! All the owners we encountered were very friendly and welcoming, which was lovely.
Where are the best dog walks near The Forge?
Ingham itself is a lovely village to explore on foot. Turn left out of The Forge and you will find a church and the lengthy High Street. Turn right and you will find yourself in The Green, pictured above, which runs in front of the village hall and shop. Keep your eyes peeled for the traditional red telephone box that’s now a book exchange. Lincolnshire County Council recommends a 3.75-mile circular walk around Ingham and neighbouring Coates.
Plenty of lovely walks can be found closer to Lincoln too, and there are some fantastic country parks and open spaces to explore. Hartsholme Country Park, with its lake, campsite and cafe, is a real treat and Boultham Park is great for dog walkers, too. There are three massive open spaces – or commons – surrounding the city too, including the 100-hectare West Common. This was once home to the Lincoln Racecourse and horses still graze on the land.
What Ernie and Stan loved about The Forge
Having some secure outdoor space, all the great walks on the doorstep
What I loved about The Forge
The stylish decor, the quiet location (when the Red Arrows aren’t zooming overhead!), the lovely village
How to book The Forge
Overnight stays start from £125. It’s well worth following owner Mary-Jane on Instagram as she often posts special offers for both The Forge and neighbouring Farriers Cottage. For more information or to book, visit the Sykes Cottages website.
