ONE of the New Forest's best-known hotels, the Balmer Lawn, is up for sale with £10m price tag.

Owners Chris and Alison Wilson and Chris's father Beresford are selling the 55-bedroom landmark building at Brockenhurst after running it for the past ten years.

The family bought the historic hotel from Hilton Ladbrokes in 1997.

It has three stars, but is now in a good position to achieve four star status, said Mr Wilson jnr. Set in its own landscaped grounds of 2.6 acres, between 1850 and 1900 the hotel was considered the finest in the New Forest.

In the First World War it was used as a British Army hospital. Injured soldiers were wheeled there on trolleys from Brockenhurst's nearby railway station.

It was again requisitioned by the services in 1944 when thousands of soldiers were bivouacked in the nearby New Forest and the hotel became one of many centres of operation in the south during the build-up to D-Day.

The accommodation reflects the building's 19th century heritage while offering some more contemporary features, say selling agents Christie & Co.

It has a conference centre and can cater for business and leisure functions with its six suites, three of which are purpose built at the rear of the main building.

There is an indoor swimming pool, outdoor heated pool and tennis and squash courts.

Christie & Co director Simon Stevens said: "Attracting a strong mix of corporate and leisure guests, the hotel enjoys a high percentage of repeat bookings each year.

"With forecasted sales of £2.3m and planning permission is already in place for 26 additional bedrooms and orangery extension to the lounge and bar areas to the front of the hotel, Balmer Lawn presents an excellent investment opportunity."

Mr Wilson, 47, says he will be staying in the area doing other projects.