Welfare Cottage

Visit the Sandy Balls website here

***************************************************   2025 DATES    *****************************************************

We invite you to apply for the non-welfare slots for 2025 in either the Vista Lodge or the Garden Cottage. The demand was so great for both lodges that, out of fairness to everybody, those who were successful in 2024 (either paid or through welfare) cannot apply for either cottage for 2025. Every other member can apply but again, out of fairness, if you and your partner both apply, and are both successful only one slot can be taken up.

Please be mindful that some of the more popular slots (summer and school holidays) had over 20 people applying for them in 2024 so your chances of a break are less likely in these periods.

Occasionally welfare slots that aren't filled do become available at short notice and will be advertised via global email. Anyone can apply for these, including those of you who had a stay in 2024 but preference will be given to those who have not attended before.

The cost of staying at either cottage will be £300 off-peak and £350 peak (see attached spreadsheet). If you wish to take your dog to the Garden cottage there will be an additional cost of £45 (up to two dogs) to cover the deep-clean cost after your stay.  Please state this at the time of booking.

***PLEASE REMEMBER YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBING MEMBER OF THE FEDERATION TO APPLY***

Booking process:

1. Open the spreadsheet here to see available dates.

2. Email the Federation Mailbox with the choice of date AND cottage - You can only choose one slot.

3. Closing date for emails will be 0900 hours on Monday 30^th September. Any emails received after this will not be entered into the ballot.

4. On Monday 30^th September the slots will be chosen. Where more than one person has applied for a date a randomizer will select the successful applicant.

5. Successful applicants will then be notified by email within a few days and given a reference code with booking details for their specific break. Due to the number of applicants you will not be contacted if you were unsuccessful.

6. Payment will be open for 28 days however if you cannot pay within this time your slot please let us know.

7. Any dates that are not selected will be advertised on this page of our website.

There are still some remaining 2024 dates below...

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Garden Cottage:

In March 2015 we purchased a welfare cottage for use for our members with welfare issues allowing a much needed break in a time of need. Additionally, the cottage has been a marvellous opportunity for members to enjoy a short 3 or 4 day break at a vastly reduced cost. The welfare breaks are allocated via an application process with your Federation Rep.

The Vista Lodge was such an overwhelming success that we purchased a second welfare cottage within the same resort. The Garden Cottage is in a secluded area of the site with a small terrace and garden. Our Garden Cottage also allows you to take up to two dogs. Both cottages have 2 bedrooms; a double, twin and sofa bed so can both sleep between 4 and 6 people.

• Open plan living
• Two bedrooms (double has an en-suite) and a sofa bed in the lounge
• Modern, well-appointed kitchen
• Large grassed garden with BBQ
• Bed linen and towels
• Central heating, wood-effect burner and instant hot water
• Complimentary early check in from 3:30pm
• Complimentary use of the gym (over 16s)

Amazing walks, challenging hikes, fabulous fishing, energetic bike rides, horse riding or a round of golf, it’s all at Sandy Balls. Great for everyone - couples, friends, families, walkers, cyclists or outdoor enthusiasts. The village has excellent onsite facilities including an exciting activities program, entertainment every weekend and every day during the school holidays, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, soft and outdoor play areas, pub, village store, restaurant, The Retreat hair & beauty salon and a Cycle Centre for all your two wheeled needs!

Please note that this lodge is dog friendly and there is an additional cleaning fee of £45 if you wish to take your four legged friend on holiday too!

If you are bringing your dog(s) then please state this at the time of booking.

More pictures

Vista Lodge:
NOT dog friendly

We've teamed up with Sandy Balls Holiday Village on the edge of the New Forest National Park to offer members exclusive breaks in a Premium Vista luxury lodge, sleeping four to six guests.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in beautiful surroundings or an action-packed break, the award-winning, five-star holiday village has it all.

The Premium Vista lodges are luxury retreats situated on the escarpment of the 120 acre estate, with stunning views across the Avon Valley. They are a real home from home with features including: 

• Open plan living
• Two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge
• Modern, well-appointed kitchen
• Hot tub on balcony
• Bed linen, towels and two bathrobes
• Central heating, wood-effect burner and instant hot water
• Complimentary early check in from 3:30pm
• Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Avon Valley
• Complimentary use of the gym (over 16s)

Amazing walks, challenging hikes, fabulous fishing, energetic bike rides, horse riding or a round of golf, it’s all at Sandy Balls. Great for everyone - couples, friends, families, walkers, cyclists or outdoor enthusiasts. The village has excellent onsite facilities including an exciting activities program, entertainment every weekend and every day during the school holidays, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, soft and outdoor play areas, pub, village store, restaurant, The Retreat hair & beauty salon and a Cycle Centre for all your two wheeled needs!

More pictures

No more dates left in the Vista for 2024...

If you are interested in any of the above dates please email the office here. These slots will be allocated on a first come first basis.

Phone calls or any messages left on our voicemail will not be considered. You will not be able to apply if you attended either cottage in 2022 or are not a federated member.

Once you have your unique code please contact Sandy Balls on 01425 651225 providing your name, collar number, date and unique code. They will already have your name for the allocated date you have chosen so they will check this with you.

Please note that you will need to present your warrant card as proof of who you are when you check in at Sandy Balls so you must be a serving, federated member at the time of your stay.

Please keep an eye on the website as there will be short notice availability on some breaks when the welfare slots are not filled by a welfare case.

If you have a query over welfare availability please contact your local rep or the Federation Office.