Property: homes to inspire

HOMES TO INSPIRE

From Victorian character to modern minimalism, everybody’s idea of the perfect home is different. But we can’t imagine a better place to be house hunting; there really is something to suit every taste on our Island. Our three beautiful property choices this issue take us from a Georgian townhouse in Cowes to an historic Gatekeeper’s lodge in Whippingham and, finally, to a high-spec, modern, home adjacent to the beginning of the famous Tennyson Trail.

By Jen Parker

Our journey begins in the heart of Cowes. As we walk along Bath Road towards the Solent, we stop at the royal blue door of Pelham House, complete with a vintage lion’s head doorknocker, and step beyond the arched doorway into the elegant Grade II listed home. Georgian style has been retained throughout the property and is evident from our first steps into the boldly tiled lobby. To the right of the hallway sits a rented shop space, with windows looking onto the street and, further along, we reach the dining room with double doors out to the secluded courtyard garden. The kitchen (complete with an aga) and bright breakfast room occupy the rear, while an original staircase takes us to the first and second floors, which house three comfortable double bedrooms (one of which has a stunning curved bay window) as well as a beautiful sitting room with an original fireplace. From the top floor bedroom, we watch boats bob on the Solent above the rooftops. Just a moment from the parade and harbour and a short stroll from the town centre, this charming home couldn’t be better placed for Cowes life.

Viewings with Waterside Properties, on 01983 300111. Visit watersideisleofwight.com

For our next stop, we journey east around the coast until we reach Kings Quay – a former Gatekeeper’s lodge surrounded by nature and overlooking the picturesque Palmer’s Brook. Built in 1862 as part of the Barton Manor Estate, the property is set amidst an expanse of woodland and is brimming with character. If it’s a home with history you’re searching for, look no further: the lodge was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1867 before being extended for her personal use. Walking around on the oak flooring throughout the ground level, we notice décor fit for a queen; with beautiful sash windows and decorative plastered ceilings, lots of original features remain, bringing historic character to every room. Queen Victoria’s private study is complete with a large, picture bay window with far-reaching Solent and countryside views. From the bedrooms upstairs and the conservatory on the ground floor, the views are simply unbeatable.

Viewings with Hose Rhodes Dickson – The Collection, on 01983 538090 Taking a swift leap into the 21st Century, we arrive at One Tennyson: a modern home that couldn’t be more of a stark contrast to Queen Victoria’s lodge. Through the tiled entrance space - with full height windows overlooking the garden - we reach an impressive, vast living area. We love the high-spec touches that have been integrated into the design to ensure energy efficiency – including a heat recovery system that maintains the perfect temperature with solar panels helping to heat the water throughout the year. With open plan living and a wraparound patio – and even a cinema room – the main house would be perfect for those who love to entertain. I say ‘main house’ because the current owners have divided the property to provide holiday rental income from a penthouse apartment and a garage that has been converted into a cosy modern bungalow. Ideally situated for a jaunt along the stunning Tennyson Trail, the house is in a prime location, just a short drive from the shops and eateries in Newport.

Viewings with Spence Willard, on 01983 200880 Email hello@spencewillard.co.uk

Glittering party

Black Swan Events hosted a glittering Christmas Party in aid of Dementia UK Admiral Nurses IW at Albert Cottage Hotel

Guests gathered in the hotel’s comfortable bar, before taking their seats in the outdoor marquee. Hannah Wilson from Black Swan

Events thanked everyone for coming and introduced Lady Grylls, who gave a short speech about Dementia UK, especially her hopes that an Island business might fund the salary for another Admiral Nurse.

Lady Grylls was accompanied by her two grandsons, Jesse Grylls, son of Bear, and Bevan Fawcett, son of Lara, who had travelled down to the Island especially for the evening. Other guests included Imogen Baden Powell, greatniece of Robert Baden Powell, and former Lord Lieutenant Christopher Bland and his wife Judith. Quaynote Barbershop Quartet sang Christmas songs and a sung version of the Lord’s Prayer, before diners tucked into their three course Christmas-themed meals. Guests were entertained at their tables by talented magician Aaron Isted. Prizes in the grand raffle that followed the dinner included vintage glass candlesticks donated by Acacia Bay in Shanklin and a hamper from Island Roasted and Wight Label Tea. The total raised for Dementia UK by the evening was £781.01.

45 YEARS OF KINDNESS

Many people are unaware that hospice care was available to Islanders before Mountbatten Hospice was built

When Southampton’s Countess Mountbatten Hospice opened in 1977, it was to support people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. At the time, it was only the second hospice of its kind in the UK, and the Island played a key role in its creation, with reference to ‘the efforts and contributions of the people of south Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’ still acknowledged on a wall-mounted plaque in the hospice entrance. Forty-five years on and Countess Mountbatten, now known as Mountbatten Hampshire, retains a link to the Island. Today, it works in partnership with Mountbatten Isle of Wight, sharing expertise and best practice, though the two hospices are independent and run separately, supported by the respective communities they serve. The two organisations will team up in 2022 to mark a special year for Mountbatten, celebrating 45 years of hospice care for the Isle of Wight. “When Countess Mountbatten hospice opened in 1977, it was the start of the hospice story on the Island,” said Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO. “It is extraordinary in many ways, that 45 years after Southampton opened a hospice for Islanders, we now work closely to enhance and develop

www.mountbatten.org.uk

hospice care for the city and its surrounding areas. “Our innovation and expertise led us to starting the partnership and the Island should be very proud of our model of hospice care, and the reputation we hold as an outstanding care provider. “The relationship we have with our community is at the heart of all of it. “We want to use this anniversary to continue telling our hospice story on the Island, as we find new ways of reaching and supporting people who need us here.”

Events will be held across the year, including a torch-bearing run between the Isle of Wight and Hampshire hospices, a special regatta in Cowes and a party at Mountbatten, which will be open to every member of our Island community. Gala dinners and a carol service at Newport Minster are also planned. A 45th anniversary logo has been specially designed to commemorate the occasion focussing on ’45 years of kindness’ and will be used during the anniversary year.