Palace Lane, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42

Introduced to the market for the first time in over 35 years, The Grade II listed Palace Lane Cottage is a truly extraordinary property steeped in centuries of history, positioned in the heart of the picturesque village of Beaulieu. Believed to have been originally constructed in the 17th century as a pair of adjoining cottages, the property has since been sensitively reconfigured into one charming and spacious dwelling which offers characterful living spaces, historic architecture and tranquil views in equal measure.

What truly sets Palace Lane Cottage apart is its remarkable relationship with the neighbouring 13th-century Cistercian monastery, Beaulieu Abbey. Constructed directly around a section of the original surrounding abbey walls, the cottage incorporates this nationally significant heritage into its very fabric. The ancient stonework also forms a natural boundary between the property’s front and rear gardens, creating a unique blend of history and landscape.

The accommodation unfolds across two levels, revealing a quirky and individual layout. On the ground floor, there’s a spacious sitting room whose fireplace is framed by locally sourced stone, including one decorative piece reputedly from the nearby Grade I listed Highcliffe Castle, further echoing deep ties to regional heritage. The adjacent dining room and generous kitchen/breakfast room are ideal for entertaining or cosy evenings in. A utility room, boiler room, cloakroom, and a versatile study/bedroom complete the ground level.

Upstairs, the split-level first floor is accessed via two separate staircases, one leading to the principal bedroom, bedroom two and the family bathroom whilst bedroom three and a further bathroom are accessed via a secondary staircase. This unusual configuration preserves the character of the original cottages. Bedroom three enjoys distant, elevated glimpses over the Beaulieu River, while views to the rear are across the local village cricket ground towards the vineyards beyond.

Outside, the gardens are a delightful mix of lawn and planting, divided by the original surrounding Abbey wall. The rear garden also offers direct access to the fields beyond, enhancing the sense of open space and community charm. A driveway accessed over a cattle grid provides off road parking and leads to a detached garage with additional storage.

The historic village of Beaulieu, set within the heart of the New Forest National Park, is renowned for its scenic charm and cultural significance. At its centre lies Beaulieu Abbey, founded in 1204 by King John, the remnants of which, including Palace Lane Cottage’s wall, still shape the village’s landscape today.

Beaulieu is superbly situated on Hampshire's rural coastline, where a tidal river winds it's way through the historic grounds of the Montagu Estate, and is one of the most exclusive and sought after areas in the New Forest. Home to the world famous National Motor Museum, this quintessentially English parish manages to marry timeless tranquillity with connected life. The Georgian market town of Lymington with its unparalleled sailing and yachting opportunities is only some 7 miles away, (Beaulieu also enjoys its own River Sailing Club) and includes a wide selection of boutique shops and restaurants as well as supermarkets and marinas.

Despite its pastoral charm with iconic roaming horses, donkeys and cows, the area is within easy reach of London (just over 90 minutes by train from Brockenhurst Station 5-5 miles away) and Southampton Airport provides a direct route to international destinations.

Independent schools include Walhampton, Durlston Court and King Edwards in Southampton only 13 miles away. Alternatively there are several excellent primary and secondary schools within easy reach, with the popular Beaulieu Village Primary School very close to hand.

Vendors Note:

I purchased Palace Lane Cottage over 35 years ago, drawn by it's charming character and unique architecture. With Beaulieu River, always whispering to our paddleboard, a mere minutes walk away, the ever changing estuary home to a a vast array of wildlife on our doorstep along the grassy walk to Timbrells Tide Mill, Beaulieu Cricket pitch forming our backyard, the welcoming Montagu Arms within crawling distance and the neighbouring Estate grounds/National Motor Museum to enjoy all year round (subject to necessary consents), it truly has been a magical home for the whole family. A short drive away, the property even benefits from a 1km stretch of private beach at Park Shore, for the use of Beaulieu residents afforded at the Montagu Estate's kind discretion. Our youngest daughter has recently finished her journey at Beaulieu Primary School, so a new chapter in our lives begins. It has been a huge wrench to put the property on the market but I take solace in knowing that the new owners are sure to fashion their own idyllic memories here and inevitably fall in love with this very special place.