Beaulieu Charm

There are many places which qualify as chocolate box villages, yet few which hold the same charm as Beaulieu.
From whichever direction you approach it, this view across the water towards Palace House and the handful of estate houses is as striking as it is memorable.
The village is best known as the home of the National Motor Museum, founded in 1952 by Edward, third Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, best known as Lord Montagu whose death was announced this week. He was 88.
Lord Montagu was the devoted custodian of the family's 7,000 acre Beaulieu estate in Hampshire, which includes the enchanting Beaulieu river and this waterway by the village. He was a champion of historic vehicles and played a key role in the preservation of England's historic houses and the development of the country's tourist industry, and a past Commodore of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club which has one of its two clubhouses on the river.
It was his wish that the estate and visitor attractions should carry on as usual, and this weekend, Beaulieu hosts one of its biggest yearly events, the Autojumble.
Thousands will get to savour this view over the weekend and marvel at the chocolate box  village which even has its own chocolateur.