Beaulieu Palace House

Beaulieu Palace House stands beside the Beaulieu River in Hampshire, south-east England. Built in the 13th century as the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, it was later bought by Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton, after the monasteries were dissolved. The house remains in the hands of his descendants, the Barons Montagu of Beaulieu. Over the centuries it was enlarged in the 16th and again in the 19th century, becoming a Gothic country house. King James I visited six times during his progresses, once receiving the Venetian ambassador Antonio Foscarini here in 1613.

The house is worth the journey for its long history and royal connections. It shows how a medieval gatehouse grew into a grand Victorian home while keeping its Gothic character. James I’s stays and the audience with the Venetian envoy show its importance in the 17th century. The current Lord and Lady Montagu still live here, yet parts are open daily. It belongs to the Treasure Houses of England group, joining other notable estates.

Inside, visitors find rooms kept in Victorian style with Gothic touches. The house overlooks the river and is surrounded by lawns and walkways. Downstairs, the chapel once used by medieval monks remains visible. Outside, the wider Beaulieu estate includes Beaulieu Abbey, a national motor museum, wartime secret army exhibits, gardens and a monorail ride.