There was a bit of a traffic jam while heading to The Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, but nobody minded. We were giving way to the horses and donkeys that roam freely in the New Forest and who would argue with nature. It’s charming.
And so is the 16th-century Montagu Arms Hotel. This former coach house (then known as The Ship) is on Beaulieu’s attractive High Street by the beautiful Beaulieu River and the landscape could not be more appealing. A couple of majestic stone dogs flank the entrance – this hotel is dog friendly – and leads into a small reception of dark wood interiors.
A rather grand grandfather clock looks on as I check in at a welcoming reception where a fireplace and timbered ceiling create a relaxing ambience. This small area leads to a comfortable lounge and a high-end restaurant.
Who for
The Montagu Arms is ideal for friends, couples or even singletons (as I was) looking for a pleasant escape from reality.
Accommodation
There are 33 rooms, mostly in the main house and scattered around the gardens. Some have four poster beds, some have lead-lined windows with a view over the gardens. All are very pretty and bright.
However the highlight bedrooms are those that have been newly carved out of the chauffeur’s garage. They overlook the courtyard. I had one of those – the Hawthorn.
Spacious, light and area with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over a pretty garden. The spacious ensuite has a free-standing bath and a spacious walk-in shower. Outside there is a round table and parasol where I spent my morning sipping the early morning coffee while taking in the view.
Montagu Arms rooms carved out of the chauffeur’s garage.
Food & Drink
There are two restaurants. The high end wood pannelled restaurant Terrace Restaurant offering “flavours of the forest” is nside the main building. The cuisine is inspired by the bounty of the New Forest and served in elegant surroundings.
Its floor-to-ceiling window doors open up a rather beautiful terrace with a round garden and a lovely waterfall statue at its heart. Tables with parasols are dotted around this picturesque centrepiece.
Montagu Arms Terrace
I enjoyed a hearty fish and chips at the more casual restaurant Montys, next door.
Facilities
There’s great service of course, free parking and restaurants, however for a spa experience nip down the road for complimentary use of the leisure club at their sister hotel, Careys Manor.
How much
Courtyard Retreat at the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu which costs from £480 per night (two sharing, B&B). Standard double room rates start from £250 (two sharing, B&B).
Call 01590 624467 (montaguarmshotel.co.uk).
What’s Nearby?
The village and indeed all of the New Forest are available to explore. Hike, cycle, mingle with the horses and breath deeply. There’s also the magnificent National Motor Museum at Beaulieu – no ordinary museum – it’s a day out for all ages. I ended up spending three hours there.
For general information about the New Forest visit www.thenewforest.co.uk.
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