Imagine this. A luxury country house hotel nestled in the heart of the New Forest, where you awaken to those famous wild ponies grazing on the front lawn.
If this sounds like your particular slice of heaven, you will find it all, and more at Balmer Lawn Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Brockenhurst. Not only is the setting really quite extraordinary, you will also enjoy fine dining, contemporary accommodation and a truly relaxing experience.
The history:
In the 19th century, Balmer Lawn was built – and, at the time, became a pillar of the local community as a hunting lodge.
During World War I, the hotel was commandeered and became an army hospital. It supported the community through many of the subsequent challenges and events throughout both WWI and WWII, before being re-transformed into a hotel in the late 1940s.
In 1997, Alison and Chris Wilson acquired Balmer Lawn – and, have worked hard to refurbish the hotel into a tranquil home-from-home for their guests.
Our experience:
We visited in late September, the weather was a bit hit and miss, but nothing was going to spoil this wonderful location. Especially so when you find your hotel surrounded by so many wild New Forest ponies happily grazing on the front lawn. It’s a stunning scene.
Balmer Lawn Hotel offered us a very warm welcome. Our room was contemporary yet stylish, roomy with breathtaking views, and it was so peaceful, even though the hotel itself was busy, there was a constant air of calm which we loved.
This charming, dog-friendly hotel boasts 54 rooms, Beresfords fine-dining restaurant, The Lodge Restaurant and Bar which is equipped with outdoor heaters, fluffy blankets and cosy seating, and a spa with an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi to make sure you completely switch off and unwind.
In Beresfords Restaurant, we enjoyed a delicious meal, chosen from a menu full of locally sourced, nature-inspired dishes to give you a taste of New Forest culture. Dishes we particularly enjoyed and would recommend are the Twice Baked Smoked Chicken Souffle (warning – this is a hefty size for a starter, make sure you’re hungry!), the Pork Tenderloin was particularly delicious, and for dessert the Strawberry and Cream which we shared and we scraped that dish clean!
Unfortunately, we only stayed for one night, we could have easily stayed two or three and next time we will.
Balmer Lawn Hotel is the perfect place for a family getaway or a couples retreat, make sure you stay next time you visit the New Forest, and tell them we sent you.
Review and images by Angela Riches
Some images supplied
