Property description
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION A listed Grade II detached 7 bedroom gentleman's villa constructed of coursed yellow limestone and freestone tooled-ashlar elevations to an unusual polygonal design beneath mainly slated roofs. Situated in Bonchurch, only a short walk from the beach, it is believed to date from the early 19th century and is provided with a wealth of original and restored period features including deep skirtings, doors and casings, fine alcoves and fireplaces. The current owner has commenced a programme of restoration and upgrading to bring the property up-to-date whilst maintaining the period charm of this unusual villa residence.
The property was once owned by Victorian poet Edmund Peel whose sonnets were acclaimed in the mid to late 19th century. He was first cousin to Sir Robert Peel who as Home Secretary created the first official Police Service whose officers were consequently nicknamed 'Peelers'. His brother Sir Lawrence was Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court at at Calcutta, India and also retired to the Ventnor Area. Edmund was by all accounts a worthy and religious man, He had 9 children with his wife Emily and penned 'The Fair Island' - a famous and epic poem in 6 cantos, well-thought of at the time, when the picturesque charms of Bonchurch were so much in vogue with the Victorians and the area was poular with Dickens, Shelley and Keates. One section written by Edmund about the Bonchurch area could well have been written in this very garden:
"Of hue with all the sunny south embraced, are lawns and dales and arbours of delight, Rich in Aroma, sweetly interlaced with flowering overgrowth of elfin beauty graced"
The accommodation is described in the photos and floorplans. It is set out on 2 storeys and comprises:
GROUND FLOOR
Entrance Hall
Drawing Room 1 - with fireplace - doors to garden.
Sitting Room with fireplace
Garden Room Alcoves and doors to garden
Library Fireplace and Bay window
Study with log burning stove
Kitchen/Breakfast Room
Rear Lobby with two store rooms
Cloakroom with W.C. and basin
FIRST FLOOR
Landing
Bedroom 1 - with private staircase to ground floor and bay window.
Bedroom 2 - with bathroom en-suite and feature fireplace
Bedroom 3 with feature fireplace with cast iron grate.
Bedroom 4 with small fireplace with cast iron grate.
Bedroom 5
Bedroom 6 small feature fireplace
Bedroom 7
Bathroom
Shower Room
Shower Room
OUTSIDE The property stands in its own grounds largely surrounded by stands of mature trees and shrubs including eucalyptus, palms, wisteria, yew, copper hazel, and fig. There is a glasshouse and an open fronted garage. The early 19th century fashion for the picturesque and the way that garden and natural planting interacted with topography views, rocky outcrops made Bonchurch a very popular location. This garden demonstrates these ideas as does the situation of the house within it; standing in an elevated position within a protected hollow close to the shore. The property is approached through a pair of stone pillars off Bonchurch Shore Road and a winding carriage driveway which ascends to the house through rocky outcrops and established planting arriving at the property with a sweep providing parking for several vehicles. A sun terrace extends around the south front providing an ideal location to dine 'al-fresco' and from which to enjoy the garden.
SERVICES AND HEATING We are informed that the following mains services are connected to the property (subject to the conditions and stipulations of the relevant utility companies) electricity and water . The heating system is provided by an oil-fired system (there is currently no boiler at the property) via radiators. Foul drainage is to a private system.
TENURE & POSSESSION, FIXTURES & FITTINGS The property is offered Freehold with vacant possession on the whole upon completion. The seller does not include in the sale any other fixtures, unless expressly mentioned in these particulars as forming part of the sale. Some items may be available by separate negotiation.
COUNCIL TAX Band G. Amount payable 2014/15 £2,579.17
DIRECTIONS From Bonchurch village road turn into Shore Road. Proceed up the hill and bear right then left and the entrance to the property is on the right as the road descends towards the beach.
BONCHURCH Bonchurch is situated between the popular seaside towns of Shanklin and Ventnor. Built on the side of St Boniface Down the village benefits from countryside views, a shingle and sand beach with rock pools, The Sea Beach café and level walking
along the revetment towards Ventnor. The famous Pond Café provides fine dining. A famous feature of Bonchurch is the village
pond which is stocked with carp, ducks and is sheltered by beautiful trees and shrubs. The Village has much Victorian charm and nestles beneath St Boniface Down (at 241m the Island's highest point). Period Stone houses and ornate cottages are set amongst mature trees and woodland, reminiscent of the Victorian taste for the Picturesque.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT The Isle of Wight, situated off the South Coast of England, is becoming an ever-more popular location for permanent and second homes. Made popular by Queen Victoria, who had her maritime residence at Osborne House, the Island is famous for sailing in the Solent; for Cowes Week; for its beautiful coastline including sandy beaches and The Needles; spectacular countryside and long sunshine hours. There are now many more facilities than once was the case, Sainsburys, Tesco, M&S and Waitrose all now have a presence as have other national chains. Communication and transport links are excellent; regular car ferries connect with the national motorway network and fast catamarans have connections via Southampton and Portsmouth with direct trains to London Waterloo which can be reached within 2 hours of leaving the Island shore. Government-funded schools are numerous and independent schools thrive on the Island with some children attending prep and public schools on the mainland. Leisure opportunities abound - walking, riding, paragliding, hang-gliding, team sports, sailing, wind surfing and other water sports, rugby, football, cricket and golf clubs. Good transport links enable day trips to the shopping centres of West Quay, Southampton and Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.
Property Info: