A Riverside Respite in The New Forest: Master Builder’s House Hotel

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel

Encompassed by open heathland, idyllic forest trails and quaint winding rivers, the New Forest is one of my favourite hideaways in England in which to immerse myself in nature.  Whilst weekending here, you can expect to enjoy some pints in pretty pubs, stroll along some wonderful walks and see ponies…. everywhere! It’s a wonder we’re not all regularly racing down there; I did, however, spend one wonderful weekend in a charming hotel in this beautiful National Park. 

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel,

Let me tell you about it…

Settled in the depths of the New Forest and anchored on the banks of the Beaulieu river, lies the traditionally English Master Builder’s House Hotel. Bursting with history as the boatyard where old naval ships were built by Mr Henry Adams and his men, on first impressions the Master Builders oozes a very classic British ambiance whilst our room gave off a different, modern, beachy vibe.  

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Bedroom

There are two types of rooms at the Master Builder’s Hotel; the Luxury rooms in the main house which are all individually decorated and the newly refurbished Posh Classics in the Henry Adams wing which is where we resided. Before going into anymore detail about our room, I must mention about the coffee machine. As an avid coffee-aholic, to have our own private coffee machine in our room was a dream (I haven’t got round to purchasing one yet so they’re still a novelty for me!). After relishing in an extremely important coffee moment, followed by a rinse in the sizeable waterfall shower (with fabulously smelling provided toiletries), we played some music through the BOSE speakers included in the room and put on our glad rags for dinner. Just before heading down to the Riverview Restaurant, we also took advantage of the Elderflower spirit they left beside our bed to savour (/shot) a strong aperitif.

 

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Hall

La pièce de résistance of The Master Builder’s really was our dining experience. One word – WOW! We were served such delicious food with the most hospitable service we’ve ever experienced – so a special thank you to Christopher who made our evening so heavenly. The room in which we ate was the old office of Henry Adams himself and hence where he would keep an eye on his men, so as you can imagine – we had the best view over the grounds and the river. Dishes in which we had the pleasure of tasting included the Chicken Liver Pâté which melted in your mouth and the Spinach Veloute with Quail’s Egg; also so delicious. For our mains, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sweet Potato Risotto and my boyfriend had the best steak he’s ever eaten – even now he’s still raving about it! Finally, we both indulged in a delicious dessert each (I had the Treacle Tart and he had the Lemon Posset).  We had such a fabulous dinner with incredibly attentive service and outstanding food – so 5 stars for the dinner here at the Master Builder’s!

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Chicken Liver Pate

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Sweet Potato Risotto

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Steak

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel

After a super comfy night sleep, we headed down for breakfast and were absolutely spoilt for choice. The buffet was laid out beautifully, tempting me to devour everything! I managed to hold back and enjoyed scrambled eggs and beans on toast (I couldn’t pick one so had both) and finished off with a blueberry muffin. We had Christopher to serve us again and like the previous night, he was an absolute delight!

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Breakfast

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Breakfast

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Breakfast

After breakfast we enjoyed a sit-down in the lovely lounge which offers stunning views over the river and the sailing boats mored up there, with a roaring fire for guests to enjoy in the winter. There’s also the Yachtsman’s Bar and Garden which would be the perfect place to spoil yourself with some Prosecco and nibbles on a lovely summer’s day with friends. 

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, Coffee Machine

Thank you to Master Builder’s House Hotel; a delightful stay was had by both of us and we didn’t want to leave!

If you’re yearning for a traditional British weekend break to soak up a sprinkle of England’s alluring countryside, I highly recommend Master Builder’s Hotel – we will definitely have to return in the summer to revel in some drinks on the water’s edge. 

A Riverside Rest in The New Forest: Master Builder's House Hotel, The lounge

 

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