Hotel that starred in Netflix’s The Crown set to fix 'unsafe' chimneys

The Grade II-listed Rhinefield House Hotel near Brockenhurst has also drawn up plans to enhance the main entrance by installing electric glass doors.

Rhinefield House featured in the third series of The Crown in 2019.

It covered the period 1964-1977, with Olivia Colman taking over from Claire Foy as the Queen. Tobias Menzies replaced former Doctor Who star Matt Smith as Prince Philip, and Helena Bonham Carter took on the role of Princess Margaret.

Olivia Colman played the Queen in The Crown and filmed scenes at Rhinefield House Hotel (Image: Bank Picture/IMDB)

Built in the 1880s, Rhinefield House portrayed one of the royal residences on the Balmoral estate.

Almost 20 actors, including Helena and Olivia, stayed at the hotel in 2018 as 90 crew members shot scenes for two-and-a-half days.

Now, an application to restore the chimneys has been given the go-ahead by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

A design and access statement that accompanied the application said: "The condition of the 21 chimneys is considered to be dangerous.

"Wrought iron props built into the brickwork are badly corroded. Shafts are in poor condition with open joints, missing pointing, and decayed bricks.

"A structural survey carried out in February 2024 identified significant problems with safety.

"The chimneys have been poorly maintained for many years and are now in need of substantial repair.

"Some chimneys are in such poor condition, being out of plumb, extensively fractured, and with eroding mortar and masonry, that rebuilding may be the only solution."

Rhinefield House Hotel has existed in its present form since the 1880s. (Image: Supplied)

Brockenhurst Parish Council supported the application, and no objections to the scheme were received by the NPA.

Now, the four-star hotel has been given permission to carry out the work, subject to conditions.

A report produced by NPA planning officers said: "Rhinefield House is a Grade II-Listed Building with significant historic and architectural importance.

"This application seeks Listed Building Consent for the restoration and repair of the 21 chimney stacks upon the roof of the building.

"The application also refers to the installation of a set of glass sliding internal doors. However, the applicant has confirmed that these works do not form part of this application.

"A survey of the chimneys identified significant safety issues due to their lack of maintenance, with some being beyond repair and in need of replacement."

Rhinefield House was built on the site of a royal hunting lodge constructed for Charles II.

In 1882 the estate was leased to Mabel Walker by Queen Victoria for a term of 90 years. A century later the house was bought by Nicholas Hotels.