Master Builder's House Hotel

We have just come back after a 2 night stay and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our room was comfortable and breakfast exceptional! It’s a shame that the room was a bit small to have 2 chairs, which meant that one of us had to sit on the bed to watch tv which is not very comfortable when you are elderly like us! Otherwise a good experience .Margaret & Barry Glynn.

Tucked away at the southern end of the New Forest sits this moderate size yet impressive hotel bursting with history. Part of the former historic Buckler’s Hard Shipyard sits The Master Builder’s House, now converted into a quintessentially British hotel, portraying its naval history with open fires, comfy sofas and overlooking the scenic Beaulieu River. Rooms, which are named after ships built on site in years gone by, are comfortable and are within the annexed Henry Adams building. The rooms, like the hotel, are dog friendly. With sumptuous bedding and en-suite facilities these adequately appointed rooms are near to the car park, main hotel and integral Henry’s pub. The location is outstanding. Picturesque surroundings overlooking the boat yard and the river traffic travelling out to The Solent. Breakfast is freshly cooked and good standard. Staff are friendly and accommodating. The main lounge with large sofas and open fireplace is the focal point and a great place to have tea or a glass of wine whilst reading a book and looking out at the waterfront. However, be warned. This is a very popular wedding venue, and this takes precedence over everything as most of the hotel is off limits. As a resident guest you lose access to all the main amenities and are only able to access your room and the pub which is also open to the public and local ramblers. Whilst I was made aware of the wedding a week before our visit, I was not advised at the time of booking. This meant that despite paying the full nightly rate the main areas of the hotel were closed to me as a registered guest for half my stay - the very areas that had attracted me to the hotel. Having two types of customers at the same time and limiting access to one group but still charging the full rate is both disingenuous and simply unacceptable. Food in the adjacent Henry’s bar was hit and miss. The evening meal was very good; the Sunday lunch less so. There is a wonderful walk along the Solent Way to nearby Beaulieu (2.25 miles - about 40 minutes) through the edge of the forest and in the midst of all the local wildlife. All in all a pleasant two day stay in a beautiful area. As a hotel it is very good, full of history, friendly staff but if a wedding is in progress be prepared to take second place, not be able to access the full range of amenities but pay the premium rate.

This is our second visit to this hotel and we enjoyed every minute. It helped that we managed to pick a couple of days that were actually sunny. The location is lovely with an interesting historical background. The hotel itself is at the end of the historic houses. It also has it's own parking area which is separate from the nearby museum. There is an interesting walk to Beaulieu which at 2.5 miles takes between 45min to 1 hour. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful, and our room (at the top of the small house) was clean and delightful, but those stairs were steep. It is very likely we will be back.

Having stayed previously at the masters builders just for one night, an email offer prompted me to book a stay for my birthday. The communication, staff and the special treat on arrival of having been allocated the Bridal Suite was such a surprise. The staff are so friendly, efficient and welcoming, and the hotel, location and food just gorgeous. A lovely weekend in one of our favourite places to visit. We will be back. Thank you to all the team.x

Everything was excellent.

Everything

Lovely location, friendly staff , nice food , great breakfast!

We stayed a couple of nights to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary, where we spent our honeymoon! The welcome was touching. We had breakfast and evening meal in Harry’s Bar and the food was great. When they say “Dogs are welcome” it is an understatement! Dusty was given a comfy bed and welcome hamper with treats and poo bags (for which there was a bin in the car park.) All the staff were very friendly and helpful, I should make mention of the waiting staff who generously stepped carefully over or around Dusty and the two lovely greyhound guests who sprawled happily on the rug in Harry’s Bar. The weather was grim but didn’t mar the gorgeous scenery. Thank you Master Builders!

Staff were very helpful and polite especially alex when we arrived .

We only booked one night instead of two

An amazing experience and delightful stay. This was a returning visit and we cannot recommend this hotel more. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food in Henry’s is always delicious and the hotel has the most relaxing atmosphere. We will back again. Thank you for a fantastic birthday weekend.

lovely 2 day break in the new forest . Hotel at bucklers hard on a historical setting by river . All staff friendly and helpful. Hotel has wonderful decor in keeping with surroundings . Great breakfast , and evening meals in Henry,s pub with good service , need to book a table though .