The Master Builder's Hotel

A historic maritime village turned boutique hotel, with a deeply rural setting, lush river views and excellent food

Buckler's Hard is one of the most picturesque marinas on the south coast of England; yachts glide along the tidal Beaulieu River, the surrounding salt marshes teem with lapwings, godwits and other marine birdlife, and the river banks are flanked by Corsican pines and ancient twisted oaks. It's also the spot where several of Nelson's warships were built, their shipwrights living in the twin rows of redbrick cottages that still make up this tiny hamlet. Add to this an absence of cars, gently sloping lawns and the New Forest on your doorstep, and you have a stunning setting for The Master Builder's Hotel. If you arrive in the dark and wake to clear skies, the morning light on the water and the sounds of the river coming to life will lift even the most jaded of souls.

The team behind The New Inn and The Bath Arms have taken their winning formula and breathed life into a tired hotel relying too much on its postcard-perfect location. Its 25 rooms have been updated with exotic colours and fabrics, its restaurant revived, and – most impressively – its prices reduced. This would be a lovely place to stay even without the stunning setting. With it, it’s truly unique.

Highs

• The setting is magical, and unbeatable if you enjoy river life
• So much to do in the surrounding area: cycling, walking and kayaking directly from the hotel; beaches and watersports further afield
• Fantastic food, local wine, and in summer you can eat outside near the water
• Rooms in the main building are full of character and several have gorgeous river views
• Buckler's Hard is steeped in history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Britain’s maritime past

Lows

• This is a popular spot, and during summer the tranquility is broken by hordes of visitors (most of whom leave in the evening, though a few dine at the hotel)
• Walls and floors are thin, meaning sound carries between rooms
• The Classic rooms are quite small and housed in a newer annexe; their bathrooms do not have a window but they are cheaper