Property description
PROPERTY DESCRITION This fine period house occupies a particularly quiet and secluded position at the end of The Pitts set in extensive, mature gardens that extend down to Bonchurch Village Road just to the west of the village's picturesque pond. The house is Listed, Grade II and now requires modernisation although in recent years the house has been re-roofed and the elegant verandah rebuilt. The house retains a wide variety of period features ranging from fireplaces to ornate coving and original window shutters. All of the principal rooms have large south facing windows, making the most of the wonderful outlook over the gardens with sea views from the upper floors (which have the potential to be enjoyed from the ground floor).
The grounds are a particular feature, providing a high degree of privacy and a particularly attractive setting and an exceptional opportunity for a keen gardener. A series of stone paths lead passed stone walled terraces with a superb array of mature trees and shrubs. This provides an unusual opportunity to acquire one of Bonchurch's hidden treasures.
The sought after coastal village of Bonchurch gained its popularity in the Victorian era when the area's appealing microclimate combined with the dramatic southerly coast led there to be many fine houses and villas built with many renowned writers of the era such as Dickens and Swinburne frequenting the area. The picturesque village retains a pub a short walk from The Dell, an 11th Century church and footpaths provide access to both various bays including Monks Bay as well as the downland to the rear. Adjoining Ventnor has a series of beachfront bars and restaurants, a fish market, a well-regarded 'free' school, a popular tennis club and the renowned Botanic Gardens.
Accommodation
Panelled front door set in an arched stone surround opening to:
Entrance Hall - Period staircase with carved oak newel post and bannister and tiled flooring.
Sitting Room - Double aspect with French doors opening to the verandah with southerly views. Ornate period fireplace with marble surround. Ornate coving.
Dining Room - A double aspect room with period fireplace and ornate coving.
Reception Hall - Providing a formal entrance to the southern elevation via a large panelled door with a fireplace (now sealed).
Drawing Room - A beautifully proportioned room with a wide bay window to the southern elevation and with deep windows providing views over the gardens and sea glimpses. Open fireplace with ornate surround.
Cloakroom - WC and wash basin.
Kitchen - with basic Shaker style kitchen with gas hob with extractor fan over, double oven, ceramic sink and wooden work surfaces.
Utility Room - Butler sink and plumbing for washing machine.
Boot Room - Situated to the rear of the house with a stone floor, a large period sink, providing access to a small courtyard with a series of domestic stores.
First Floor
Landing - Approached from both the principal staircase and a secondary "servants" staircase.
There are four spacious double bedrooms all with fireplaces, three of which have excellent southerly views over the garden to the sea beyond. In addition there are two bathrooms and a shower room that currently provides a link from the main landing into accommodation to the west of the house, (that was formally used as a self-contained annex) with its own independent access from the LIVING ROOM onto the driveway.
Cellars - There is extensive cellarage with good ceiling heights comprising three rooms, one of which houses a modern Potterton gas fired boiler with a further wine cellar with a series of stone bins.
Outside
A narrow driveway leads down to a gravelled parking area to the east of the house. The property occupies a south facing and sloping site of approximately 1.45 acres that, combined with the excellent microclimate enjoyed by this area makes it a unique opportunity for keen gardeners. To the front of the property are terraced lawns interspersed by a range of specimen trees and shrubs, beyond which is private woodland sloping down towards the Bonchurch village pond with pathways leading from the gardens onto Bonchurch Village Road where there is a pedestrian gated access. To the rear of the house a series of stone paths lead to terraces which include the remains of a greenhouse.
A recently refurbished verandah with a curved and partially glazed roof sits along much of the southern elevation with tiled flooring and a southerly outlook over the garden.
Services & Heating
Mains water, electricity and gas. Gas fired central heating.
Directions
From Bonchurch Shute, just below The Bonchurch Inn take the turning into The Pitts. Towards the end of the Pitts bear left (signed Torwood & The Dell) and follow the narrow driveway down. At present it is not easy to turn large vehicles around within the driveway (but improvements could be made to this). There is the alternative of gaining access via the steps leading up from the gated access from Bonchurch Village Road.
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, 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 now 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 (Newport Football Club) cricket and golf clubs. Good transport links enable day trips to the shopping centres of West Quay, Southampton and Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.
Viewing Arrangements
Viewing is by appointment with the Joint Sole Agents Biles & Co