The Master Builder's House Hotel

The position here is hard to beat: lawns run down to the river, yacht masts flutter in the breeze and ancient woodland runs along the water. The 1729 house was home to the shipwrights who built Nelson’s fleet and several of their ships saw action at Trafalgar. These days peace reigns and the guest sitting room opens onto a smart garden, where gravel paths weave past colourful beds to tables for lunch in the sun.

Food is tasty and local (fish from the south coast boats, Hampshire meat, game from Peter Stagg estate) with pub classics served in Henry’s or an à la carte menu in the restaurant – both have terraces that drink in the view. Bedrooms, in the main house or in the annexe, are all a good size with Roberts radios, homemade treats, walk-in showers and Bramley soaps and lotions.

Hire the hotel’s Pashley bikes and head into the New Forest, launch a kayak on the river or simply enjoy lovely walks through the bird-filled woods.