Overlooking the Beaulieu River, Palace House has been the ancestral home of the Montagu family since the 16th century.
Beaulieu Abbey, founded in 1204, was dissolved in 1538 by Henry VIII and the square Great Gatehouse was given to the Wriothsley family who converted it into their home.
The monastic origins of Palace House can be seen in such features as the fan vaulted ceilings.
In the 18th century the house passed by marriage to the family of the Dukes of Buccleuch. The 5th Duke gave Beaulieu to his second son Lord Henry Scott as a wedding present. Lord Henry, grandfather of the present Lord Montagu, extended the house in the Victorian Gothic style.
Today Palace House is a mixture of ancient and modern.
Lord Montagu and his family live in the Victorian wing. The parts of the house open to the public contain mementos and treasures of the Montagu family. The family's coronation robes are on display in an ante room and ancestral portraits decorate the walls.
The major part of the former abbey forms a romantic ruin behind the house. The 13th century Domus with 15th century beamed ceiling and splendid wall hangings houses an exhibition of monastic life.
The local parish church was once the Monks' Refectory. Walks may be enjoyed in the gardens and by the Beaulieu River.
Beaulieu is also famous as the home of the National Motor Museum, one of the finest collections of motor vehicles in the world. It covers the history of motoring from 1894 to the present day. Over 250 vehicles are on display including world record holders, veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles.
Beaulieu Opening TimesDaily except Christmas Day. 6 May-30 Sept:10:00-18:00;1 Oct-25 May: 10:00-17:00 Last entry 30mins before close.
Tel: 01590 612345 Beaulieu Website
