Hoteliers Brian Shone and Terry Taylor transform Moorhill B&B in Burley into luxury country house hotel

A MULTIMILLION-pound makeover has seen a once run-down New Forest B&B transformed into a “quintessential” country house hotel.

Moorhill House Hotel in Shappen Bottom, Burley has been revamped by local hoteliers Brian Shone and Terry Taylor, along with creative consultant Kevin Wood.

They have restored the “charm” of the building while “introducing modern touches that will redefine boutique hospitality in the region”.

Brian and Terry were also involved in the transformation of the Forest Park hotel in Brockenhurst, where Kevin was managing director.

The duo sold Forest Park before taking over the 35-bedroom Moorhill House which general manager Lucy Whittington describes as a “true passion project” for the duo while Kevin was “instrumental in shaping the hotel’s vision and ensuring a seamless transformation”.

She said: “I think everyone will be impressed by what they have achieved. Moorhill House is a very special place, and I can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”

Born in Brockenhurst, Lucy’s career in the hotel industry has seen her travel far and wide including managing the prestigious Albion Hotel on the Isle of Wight.

She said: “I am so excited to be ‘home’ in the Forest and to be working at Moorhill House – in fact I feel privileged.”

The décor of the hotel which opens in June is based around the “flora and fauna” of the Forest with burnt oranges and Forest greens much in abundance.

On the ground floor the Shappen Bar and Restaurant will be open to those looking for a “relaxed, informal atmosphere”.

Menus will be seasonal and feature as much local produce as possible, with future plans including a kitchen garden with fresh fruit and vegetables used by the hotel.

A private meeting room on the ground floor is available for corporate events while the Bisterne Suite with bar and terrace can host parties and wedding receptions of up to 100.

The hotel’s sumptuous bridal suite boasts a four-poster bed with French windows leading out onto a large balconied terrace.

The bedrooms boast unique features, with some decorated with Mulberry designer wallpaper dotted with Forest hares and ponies.

Lucy said: “As many original features as possible were retained in the bedrooms and public rooms like fireplaces, stained glass and mouldings.”

She is looking forward to welcoming the hotel’s first guests and also hopes it will prove popular for locals as new place to eat and drink.

Lucy said: “Moorhill House has a history leading back the 1800s and is in a stunning location in the heart of the New Forest.

“We are committed to creating a warm, welcoming space that blends classic elegance with contemporary comfort.”

For more information visit moorhillhouse.co.uk