Inside Beaulieu’s 17th Century English Country House Hotel

30.10.2023 - 21:32 / forbes.com

Sat next to an estuary opposite Beaulieu Abbey and Lord Montagu's home, Palace House, The Montagu Arms Hotel, is a boutique bolthole at the heart of Beaulieu village on the southeastern edge of the New Forest National Park.

Bearing just 33 bedrooms, it offers simple, cozy country glamour with comforting, solid interiors, wood underfoot, oak paneling, and carefully positioned, minimal classic touches — a self-assured nod to the British countryside.

Once a meeting place for farmers, The Montagu Arms Hotel is a short walk from Hatchets Pond and the beautiful hamlet of Buckler's Hard (once a bustling shipyard) and the National Motor Museum — housing legendary Formula 1 Racing Cars and land speed record breakers.

In 1079, the hotels' backdrop, the New Forest National Park, was the Royal hunting ground of William the Conqueror and a favorite of Henry VIII, with over 140,000 kingly acres of oak, ash, beech, and endlessly romantic heather-hugged heathland.

Home to the largest area of lowland heathland remaining in Europe, it is adorned with roaming celebrity ponies and snuffling pigs — and with its close proximity to London, the New Forest is perfect for an overnight battery charging, leaf crunching, and Shinrin Yoku forest bathing detox.

A winding descent down stone steps and pathways with well-stocked flower borders leads you past a kitchen garden, manicured croquet lawn, and a sculptural splashing fountain as you enter The Montagu Arms Hotel through an enviable conservatory.

It is pleasingly symmetrical, painted fresh and chalky with modern cream colors, sophisticated Chinese lamps, comfy sink-back armchairs, large open fireplaces and an autumn floral display.

At the top of the tree, its duplex Hayloft Barn Suites are ensconced by stately gardens where you can spread out and sink into deep feather cushions or glug a decanter of 'drink me' sloe gin.

Inside, you'll find timber floors, reclaimed beams, a hand-crafted super-king-sized bed and a private terrace with sweeping views of the croquet lawn along with a large walk-in drench shower, twinned marble sinks, and a double-ended freestanding bath. Along with little extra perks like hand-delivered tea and coffee to your room each morning.

Faithful hounds are not only welcome but become part of the decor (just like the two stone dogs who grace the entrance steps) with a new toy, dog bed and Beco Pets Doggy Hamper, ready and waiting in the room.

There are two main dining options at The Montagu Arms Hotel — the well-reviewed Michellin-starred Terrace restaurant serving a sophisticated menu in a grand, stately, high-ceilinged room with thick opulent drapes, traditional dark oak furniture, and crisp white linen.

Or kick back in the muddy boots and wax jackets,