The History of Westover Hall

Have you ever wondered about the History of Westover Hall?

There are many fascinating stories. Such as, the failure to install a seawater swimming pool, how the building was saved from being demolished, the owner who died falling from a roof, the hotel being lost due to a financial scandal, and much more...

Past Owners of Westover (Later to become known as Westover Hall)

1897 to 1928: Alexander Siemens. German born electrical engineer who created the world’s first public electricity supply. He was President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

He was prominent in introducing domestic and industrial products including lighting to prestigious buildings such as the British Museum, and The Albert Hall. He also laid direct telegraph cable to Canada and the USA.

The land was purchased from the Newlands Estate. Alexander Siemens then had Westover Hall built as a family summer house in 1897. 

The house was built in the Arts and Crafts style by renowned architect Arnold Mitchell, and it was once judged the most luxurious residence on England’s south coast. The total cost to build the house was £4000.

Alexander Siemens married Louisa Dodwell in 1881. She didn’t like the Victorian style of décor which resulted in the wonderful stained glass windows instead of traditional heavy drapes. The imposing windows were designed by Oscar Patterson, who was renowned for his work in the Glasgow style and portray Pre-Raphaelite scenes from the 'The Enchanted Wood'.

The interior includes the original magnificent banqueting hall with the stained glass windows, surrounded by the minstrels' gallery.

The house also featured solid oak panelling, an oak staircase, hand-carved oak figures, carved oak doors, ornate solid silver door handles & locks, plaster ceiling friezes, and decorative stone wall carvings.

This interior alone originally cost £2500 in 1897.

The house also featured William de Morgan tiles set in the carved stone fireplace. He is often remembered as the most inventive and innovative designer of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

In addition to the grand banqueting hall, there was also a library, billiard room, and a private beach at the bottom of the large, landscaped garden.

Rumours circulated that Siemens’ was interned during WW1, however the family confirmed that he spent the war years either at their flat in London, or at Westover. He wrote to his institute, pointing out that he was a naturalised British subject and had every sympathy with the Allies and none with Germany. The letter was published in The Times.

In retirement Alexander Siemens lived at Westover Hall, where he died, from heart failure on 16th February 1928.

1930 to 1932: William Morris. Founder of the famous car manufacturer, Morris Motors. 

Later he became Lord Nuffield and one of Britain's greatest philanthropists. He is remembered as the founder of the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Trust and Nuffield College, Oxford.

Later to become Lord Nuffield, he was one of Britain's greatest philanthropists. He is remembered as the founder of the Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Trust and Nuffield College, Oxford.

During his time at Westover Hall, Lord Nuffield attempted to build a saltwater swimming pool in the garden with an engine house to pump and heat the sea water for the pool. He was warned that any pipe built out to sea would not stand up to a storm. After two gallant attempts the warning proved to be true and the project unfeasible.  

During his time at Westover Hall, Lord Nuffield attempted to build a saltwater swimming pool in the garden, with an engine house to pump and heat the sea water for the pool.

He was warned that any pipe built out to sea would not stand up to a strong storm. After two gallant building attempts the warnings proved to be true and the project unfeasible.

Westover Pump/Boiler House Chimney built at the bottom of Westover’s gardens
for William Morris’ Swimming Pool c.1930-32
Photos by Lt Col Bill Nelson: Taken Late 1950s-1960 as Sea Wall being built.

Stan Hobby, who worked at Keepings Garage as a buyer and salesman for 30 years, recalled in a newspaper article from the time how Sir William drove a specialty built Morris Oxford six-cylinder car, which Stan would drive back from Brockenhurst when Sir William travelled on by train to his Cowley Car Works. At the time, Stan commented; “He had worked his way up in business, and I found him most likeable and down to earth.”

Rumour had it that, Lord Nuffield’s application to join Milford Country Club (Now Milford Tennis Club) was turned down as he was considered as 'In trade'. Considering the village unwelcoming, he and his wife decided to sell the property soon after.

1932 to 1939: Noel Trotter. Postmaster General of the Straits Settlements, a former British crown colony on the Strait of Malacca, comprising of four trade centres, Penang, Singapore, Malacca, and Labuan. He retired in 1907.

He later became an influential figure in Milford on Sea, becoming President and a generous benefactor to the original Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital in Sea Road, as well as other local causes.

In June 1935, Westover Hall was the First house to be floodlit locally, when Mr & Mrs Trotter hosted an evening party to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of George V. 

In 1936, at 78 years old Noel wished to visit a sick friend in Hastings. A seasoned flier, rather than choosing smaller options available, he chartered a 12 passenger de Havilland Express Air Liner as used by Jersey Airways for his journey.

In 1937, Noel Trotter purchased and presented to Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital a house known as Hawkslea including half an acre of grounds. This was the former home of Dr G. Fuller England was situated next door to the hospital. 

During his time at Westover Hall, it was said that he brought the whole of the premises to life again. Fully staffed, the beautiful gardens were well cared for and a delightful period for the property ensued until his death at 79 years of age in 1939.

1939 Convalescent Home (Nearly!): Lymington Town Council agreed to a request from the Middlesex County Council to allow Westover, the residence of the late Mr. Noel Trotter, to be used by them as a convalescent home.

This same authority had two years previously taken over The White House on Milford on Sea seafront. However, the sale of the property to the Middlesex County Council was delayed owing to the war, and ultimately never proceeded.

Westover Hall: Sales Document 1939

1939 to 1945: British Army. The house was requisitioned by the War Office and used as Officers' Quarters for the whole World War 2 period.

The Green Howards, Lancashire Fusiliers, East Surreys, and London Scottish were billeted in Westover Hall over the six year conflict.

During this time, the internal oak panelling in the house was covered for protection by the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society. 

The oak panelling and stained glass windows suffered no damage during this period.

1945 to 1976: R.F. Knowlson: Reginald Knowlson was an industrialist who travelled round the world promoting his precision engineering business based in London and the Midlands. His work in this field contributed significantly to the technological advancements of the time.

That same year his son and daughter-in-law Jack and Pat Knowlson moved into a cottage next door and worked Lea Green Farm at nearby Downton.

Reginald Knowlson successfully achieved a change the use from a private house to a hotel.

In 1949, in a field next to Westover, between the main road and sea, an unknown minefield was discovered whilst being ploughed. The land mines were of American origin. A demolition squad detonated the found mines and the resulting blast blew in some windows at Westover. Around this time Mr Knowlson also purchased Newlands Manor.

In 1956, Mr Knowlson had a planning application to build five houses on five acres of land adjoining Westover Lane refused.

In 1957, Mr Knowlson offered a field belonging to Westover for the formation of an Archery Club in the village. However, Mr. D. Murray of Milford Parade felt that the expenses of keeping the grass mown might be too heavy a drain on the resources of the club.

1974: Historic England made Westover Hall a Listed Building Grade II.

1977: Local developers planned to demolish the building. Thankfully, the house was saved by what was at the time the Neighbourhood Council, which is now the Parish Council.

1978 to c.1983: James & Helen Perkins. James Perkins was a teacher for ten years before becoming a hotelier in Bournemouth for five years.

With a plan to refurbish and restore the building to its former glory, James had a change of use granted by the New Forest Development Committee, changing Westover Hall from being a private house to a restaurant.

They established the buildings first licensed restaurant, which was described as serving: ‘The finest English and Continental cuisine with wine in elegant and comfortable surroundings'.

There was an a la carte menu, or a table d'hote dinner with 4 courses for £5.95 + vat. Sunday luncheons were 4 courses for £4 including vat. James Perkins has travelled to vineyards in Germany & France to select chateau bottled and vintage wines for the 90 bin wine cellar.

In December 1979, the restaurant was well established, however, the business was at risk of shutting down due to the buildings high maintenance costs. An application was made to allow two rooms to become a Proprietary Members Club with snooker as the primary attraction. The application was granted on the condition that members were segregated from the public dining area, 'Private Members Only' signs were displayed on the room doors, and the club must be served by waiting staff.

In 1981, Mr & Mrs Perkins submitted an application with alteration plans to change the basement use from storage, to build a bar, lounge, dance floor, wine store, and new toilet accommodation.

In 1982, the application was granted subject to conditions, as was an extension of the car park. However, the alterations were not completed.

1983: Copegrove Ltd. In April 1983, plans for an outdoor swimming pool in the centre of the garden was granted to Copegrove Ltd. The swimming pool was however never built.

It is unclear whether Mr & Mrs T Gain were owners on Westover Hall at the time.

1983: Mr & Mrs T Gain. In June 1983, an alternative design for a swimming pool was approved by New Forest District Council. 

This design was an unusual ‘grotto style pool house’ which was intended to be an extension on the house to an underground swimming pool built into the lower garden lawn. This swimming pool complex was never built either.

Around 1983, Part of the gardens at Westover Hall had been sold to build the Spanish style houses in Shingle Bank Drive.

1984: Anthony Ruddle. Anthony ran Westover Hall with his wife, Margaret. The hotel had 11 bedrooms, and the restaurant ran on a silver service basis.

They had lived at nearby Kivernell Road. Margaret Ruddle previously had a career in nursing at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Sadly, she passed away in November 1988 at the age of 54.

1988 to c.1996: Peter (Pierre) & Edina Roth. Peter was Swiss and Edina French. Pierre was the son of a banker and originated from Watwill, Switzerland. 

Prior to purchasing Westover Hall Hotel, Peter had built extensive experience at The Palace Hotel in St Maritz, and managed one of the largest hotels in Vienna, Austria for ten years. Before coming to Westover Hall Hotel, he and his wife Edina had run a hotel in Wimbledon for two years.

In 1990, a planning application was submitted, under the name of Hales Properties Ltd, to demolish adjoining properties, Westover Mews, Westover Cottage, and garages. The proposal was to replace them with a 39 bedroom hotel extension. This application was refused.

In 1991, Peter Roth died from falling thirteen metres from a roof whilst helping the publisher Paul Hamlyn in opening a new hotel in an old chateau in Lyon, France. He was 48 years of age.

In 1994, Edina Roth was still running the AA & RAC 3-Star hotel.

1995 to 2006: Stewart & Robert Mecham and Nicola & Robert Musetti.  The Mechem and Musetti family purchased Westover Hall Hotel in 1995, reportedly for £309,000, and managed the business as resident proprietors. 

Stewart Mechem had previously enjoyed a successful  career in the fashion industry and was a former marketing director for the premium clothing company Aquascutum. 

His sister Nicola Musetti, and her husband Robert, an accomplished chef, had previously owned a popular restaurant in central London for  over thirty years.

 

Their parents also joined the venture. Robert Mechem was a former senior civil servant, and his wife Judith, a former Bluebell Girl in Paris. 

In June 1996, The Westover Hall Hotel Restaurant was soon awarded a prestigious AA Red Rosette, as the family began a programme of renovation and refurbishments.

Over their 11 year tenure, Stewart & Nicola transformed Westover Hall into a Top 200 AA hotel, and the restaurant went on to gain Three AA Rosettes.

Westover Hall was successfully marketed as one of the first 'boutique' style hotel with entries achieved in stylish premium hotel guides including Mr & Mrs Smith, Hip Hotels, and through the bespoke concierge company, Quintessentially. 

The business became a destination hotel known for fine dining, quality accommodation, and excellent service attracting many locals,  celebrities, fashion designers, business leaders and journalists with favourable reviews in The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times, Country Living and Good Housekeeping amongst many others.

1996 Civil Weddings: In March 1996, the hotel had a license approved to conduct Civil Weddings. The weddings took place in the hotel’s oak panelled Nuffield Suite.

1996 Local History Room: In July 1996, The hotel owners generously allowed the Milford Historical Record Society, founded way back in 1909, to establish a Local History Room in what was the original library, which had excellent sea views.

With the help of the Hampshire Record Office who provided display cases, a display in the form of records, illustrated material and maps was created. There was also a display of artefacts to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.

1997/98, Around this time, the family managed to track down granddaughters of Westover’s first owner, Alexander Siemens.

 

They were invited to stay and recalled many fond memories of earlier visits as children. They identified the original use of many of the rooms which were then named, such as 'The Cooks Room', ‘The Nursery', and 'The Alexander Siemen's Suite'.

1997 Centenary Year and Exhibition: The hotel hosted the Milford Historical Record Society free to visit Victorian Exhibition, to coincide with the Centenary Year of Westover Hall.

Alongside the societies exhibits, the exhibition also featured collections from Milford on Sea villagers. Items included amongst other things: Souvenir crockery, pewter inkwells, candlesticks, mother of pearl counters, miniature dominoes, and an 1897 Ordnance Survey map.  

1998 Milford Historical Record Society AGM: Two granddaughters of Alexander Siemens were in attendance. Mrs Mariana Wooley was in her in ninetieth year, and Mrs Cecilia Scurfield in her eighties.

The presentation subject at the AGM in February 1998 was ‘A child’s eye view of Westover’. This featured Mariana’s recollections and experiences of times spent at Westover with her six sisters during the 1910/20's.  

 

This included playing ball sports in the main hall, gathering treats and whilst the adults dined, sneaking on the roof to eat them. 

She remembered Indian Army soldiers, who had been injured whilst fighting for the British Army in WW1, being billeted in Milford on Sea for convalescence. They were known to spoil the local children with sticky sweets, and the Sikh soldiers sometimes washed their long hair in the Danes Stream. 

It was further revealed that only female staff had been employed in Westover, and this included around a dozen maids.

 

The ladies had requested to be reacquaint themselves with people they had known when residing at Westover, and they met with members of longstanding village families, such as the Hobby’s, and the Keepings. 

Earlier in the day, a larger gathering of the Siemens family met at Westover Hall. Cecilia could not bring herself to walk in the greatly diminished gardens, as much of the original gardens had become the Shingle Bank Drive housing estate.

      

In 2006, the family decided to sell the hotel whilst trading was successful. Nicola Musetti returned to live in London and the Mecham's continued to live in Lymington.

Stewart Mecham began painting whilst running Westover Hall. Stewart’s bold metre square canvases take their cue from the colours of the sea and coastline. 

Stewart has held solo and group exhibitions in London and went on to become an artist.

Stewart now co-owns 'Coastal Gallery' in Lymington and more recently has partnered with the de Rothschild's of Exbury at 'Palais des Vaches' art gallery and venue.

2006 to 2012: David & Christine Smith. During their tenure at Westover Hall Hotel, David & Christine maintained the hotel’s fine dining reputation with the 'One Park Lane' Restaurant which held two AA Rosettes, as well as offering the 'Vista' bistro for casual dining.

In 2007, Westover Cottage, a building next door, received planning permission to be used as two hotel family suites.

David & Christine were friendly and hospitable couple who spent several years, and made significant investments, in building the business and entertaining customers, before ultimately losing the hotel in the height of the recession in 2012. 

This was in no small part due to becoming victims in the Barclays Bank 'Interest rate swaps' miss-selling scandal.

Along with around 1700 other small business owners their case was taken up by the 'Bully Banks' Campaign Group. Their experienced was covered on Sky News in 2013.

2012 to Present: Hall & Woodhouse. Hall & Woodhouse purchased Westover Hall Hotel with an appreciation of the building and its heritage. The purchase price was reported as £1.5million.

 

A £1m+ refurbishment followed, and the pub, restaurant & hotel had a new name of: ‘The Beach House’ when it reopened a few months later. 

Editors Anecdote

In 1997 my now wife & I saw Westover Hall Hotel in a book entitled Best Loved Hotels. Prior to this we had not even heard of Milford on Sea. So, we booked and visited for a weekend.  

I particularly recall the palatial room we stayed in, which was on the first floor far right as you look out to sea. The views were magical, and the hotel elegant and grand. 

I also remember sitting in the lounge after a fine meal and enjoying a port (or two!). We got talking to a very friendly couple, they told us all about the village, and we discovered that they lived just down the road. After they left, we decided this was the place we wanted be. After numerous holiday visits were finally bought our property in the village in 2007, and as they say, the rest is history!

You can keep a copy of this article by clicking above

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About The Beach House

and owners: Hall & Woodhouse

Hall & Woodhouse was built on brewing beer, and they have come a long way since 1777.

On buying Westover Hall in 2012 for a reported purchase price of £1.5million, Hall & Woodhouse then carried out an extensive £1m+ renovation.

When reopened the establishment was renamed to: ‘The Beach House’. This was to reflect how the Siemens family had always used the magnificent house.

In March 2012, Hall & Woodhouse had been awarded the Publican Awards 'Best Tenanted/Leased Pub Company' at an awards dinner held at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

 

The Beach House pub, restaurant & hotel serves all day classic food in the ornate yet comfortable dining room, or the relaxed lounge full of original features.

The bar has everything you would expect, plus of course their own brewery's Badger Beer brand. There are also 14 charming hotel rooms, each one unique and boutique styled.

The extensive gardens have raised patio areas and great views across to The Needles and the Isle of Wight. 

The pub is also dog friendly, and if you want a bowl of water or even a little treat for man’s best friend, please just ask.

The Beach House, with the backing of Hall & Woodhouse, are strong supporters of the local community and are known to generously contribute to local community events & charity activities.

Every year, to celebrate the Hall & Woodhouse brewery birthday, their locations do something extra for their local community. The Beach House team annually head out on a litter pick and around The Beach House and in the village. Hall & Woodhouse also support local communities in other ways.

The company remains family-owned and is based in Dorset.

Read more about Hall & Woodhouse:

ww.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/brewery/history-of-brewing

The Beach House

Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
beachhouse.reception@hall-woodhouse.co.uk

www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk
www.facebook.com/thebeachhousehw