Thorns Beach, Beaulieu, SO42

An extremely rare waterfront home with a private beach and slipway, set in one of the South Coast's most exclusive locations.

ABOUT THIS HOUSE
Privately held by the same family for over 70 years — House on the Shore is the kind of property that rarely surfaces. Not just because homes of this stature are few and far between, but because this stretch of South coast is one of the most discreet and tightly held in the country. Positioned at the end of a long, private road, the house lies hidden between open arable land to the north and an unbroken sweep of Solent shoreline to the south.
The views are extraordinary — clear across the water to the Isle of Wight, unspoilt and uninterrupted. Only a privileged handful of houses enjoy such proximity to the coast while retaining this level of privacy. The house itself sits beautifully within approximately 20 acres of grounds, with an elegant expanse of lawn rolling down to the sea wall and beach below. Behind the house, a sheltered garden wraps around the northern boundary, where you’ll find a floodlit tennis court, a 1950s-style outdoor pool, and a charming pool pavilion, recently refurbished and now serving as a relaxed guest annexe.

House on the Shore was commissioned around 1914 by Lord John Montagu of Beaulieu. Built in the Arts and Crafts tradition, it was designed with care and permanence in mind, using local Beaulieu brick, handmade tiles, and oak joinery throughout. The result is a home that feels at once grand and grounded — substantial in scale, yet warm in spirit.

The ground floor is beautifully arranged for both everyday family life and large-scale entertaining. A sunroom at the southern end opens directly onto the terrace and garden, its double doors framing wide views of the Solent. The drawing room and dining room are grand yet inviting spaces, connected by generous openings that allow guests to move easily between them. Both enjoy direct sightlines to the sea, as does the kitchen which is linked to a relaxed breakfast area that also leads into the sunroom.
There’s a more intimate sitting room for winter evenings, while behind the scenes, the original 1950s kitchen has been lovingly preserved — a charming link to the house’s past. It’s supported by a large larder, boot room, and laundry room, all practical but beautifully considered. In a delightful historical footnote, House on the Shore was one of the first homes in England to incorporate a garage into its original design — no surprise, given Lord Montagu’s pioneering passion for early motoring.

The bedrooms are spread across the upper floors, and everyone offers a window onto the surrounding landscape — either across the gardens, out to sea, or over the fields and woodland beyond. The principal suite is a standout: high ceilings, a private balcony, and a cleverly concealed dressing room that leads into a large bathroom with both bath and shower.
Several further bedroom suites provide luxurious accommodation for family and guests, with additional bedrooms and bathrooms tucked into the top floor — perfect for older children, visiting friends, or long summer stays.
At the western end of the house, an integrated staff or guest annexe offers a self-contained space with its own kitchen, sitting area, bedroom and en suite, ideal for live-in support or those seeking a little more independence.

ABOUT THIS AREA
Nestled at the heart of the New Forest National Park, both Lymington and Beaulieu offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich history, and understated elegance. House on the Shore sits within one of the most coveted pockets of this idyllic region — a place where the landscape feels as though it has been carefully curated by time itself, offering a rare combination of seclusion and access to the best of Hampshire’s countryside and coastline.
Lymington, a charming coastal town just a short drive from the property, is a quintessential English destination, renowned for its scenic harbour, boutiques, and the renowned Lymington Market. With its tree-lined high street and welcoming maritime atmosphere, Lymington is a place that marries the vibrancy of a thriving town with the tranquility of a waterside retreat. The Solent offers unparalleled sailing and yachting opportunities, with the Royal Lymington Yacht Club providing a focal point for the area’s many boating enthusiasts.
Just to the north lies the village of Beaulieu, where the river winds its way through the historic grounds of the Beaulieu Estate. Rich in heritage, Beaulieu is home to the legendary Beaulieu Abbey, Beaulieu River, and the world-famous National Motor Museum. Here, charming village streets are lined with ancient cottages, giving the area a timeless atmosphere. The surrounding countryside, with its wildflower meadows, ancient woodlands, and expansive heathlands, makes Beaulieu the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful yet connected life.
The beauty of the New Forest itself, with its iconic roaming ponies, ancient woodlands, and scenic heathlands, is a short stroll from the door of House on the Shore. For those with a love of equestrian pursuits, walking, or simply immersing themselves in nature, this area provides a perfect setting for outdoor adventures. Lyndhurst, the 'capital' of the New Forest, is nearby, offering an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, and cafes.
Despite its rural charm, the area is within easy reach of London (just over 90 minutes by train from Brockenhurst Station) and Southampton (23 miles away), ensuring that the city is never far when needed. Furthermore, Southampton Airport offers a direct connection to international destinations, making the area exceptionally well connected.