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UNDER ROCK, SHORE ROAD, BONCHURCH, , PO38 1RF OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £795,000

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 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 popular 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"

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.

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

Bedroom 7 First Floor Bathroom Shower Room Landing Shower Room Bedroom 1 - with private staircase to ground floor and bay window. Services and Heating Bedroom 2 - with bathroom en-suite and feature We are informed that the following mains services are fireplace connected to the property (subject to the conditions and Bedroom 3 – with feature fireplace with cast iron stipulations of the relevant utility companies) grate. electricity and water. The heating system is provided Bedroom 4 – with small fireplace with cast iron grate. by an oil-fired system (there is currently no boiler at Bedroom 5 the property) via radiators. Foul drainage is to a private Bedroom 6 – small feature fireplace system.

Tenure & Possession, Fixtures & Fittings Sainsburys, Tesco, M&S and Waitrose all now have a The property is offered Freehold with vacant presence as have other national chains. Communication possession on the whole upon completion. The seller and transport links are excellent; regular car ferries does not include in the sale any other fixtures, unless connect with the national motorway network and fast expressly mentioned in these particulars as forming catamarans have connections via Southampton and part of the sale. Some items may be available by Portsmouth with direct trains to London Waterloo separate negotiation. which can be reached within 2 hours of leaving the Island shore. Government-funded schools Council Tax: Band G. Amount payable 2014/15 are numerous and independent schools thrive on the £2,579.17 Island with some children attending prep and public schools on the mainland. Leisure opportunities abound Directions: - walking, riding, paragliding, hang-gliding, team From Bonchurch village road turn into Shore Road. sports, sailing, wind surfing and other water sports, Proceed up the hill and bear right then left and the rugby, football, cricket and golf clubs. Good transport entrance to the property is on the right as the road links enable day trips to the shopping centres of West descends towards the beach. Quay, Southampton and Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.

Bonchurch IMPORTANT NOTICE: Biles & Co Ltd for themselves Bonchurch is situated between the popular seaside and for the Vendors of this property, whose agents they are, towns of and Ventnor. Built on the side of St give notice that 1. The particulars are intended to give a fair Boniface Down the village benefits from countryside and substantially correct overall description for the guidance views, a shingle and sand beach with rock pools, The of intending purchases and do not constitute part of an offer Sea Beach café and level walking along the revetment or contract. Prospective purchasers and lessees ought to seek towards Ventnor. The famous Pond Café provides fine their own professional advice. 2. All descriptions, dining. A famous feature of Bonchurch is the village dimensions, areas, reference to condition and necessary pond which is stocked with carp, ducks and is sheltered permissions for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith, and are believed to be correct, but any by beautiful trees and shrubs. The Village has much intending purchases should not rely on them as statements or Victorian charm and nestles beneath representations of fact, but must satisfy themselves by (at 241m the Island's highest point). Period Stone inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them. houses and ornate cottages are set amongst mature 3. No person in the employment of Biles & Co Ltd has any trees and woodland, reminiscent of the Victorian taste authority to make or give any representations or warranty for the Picturesque. whatever in relation to this property on behalf of Biles & Co Ltd, nor enter into any contract on behalf of the Vendor. 4. Isle of Wight No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred The Isle of Wight, situated off the South Coast of by intending purchases in inspecting properties which have , is becoming an ever-more popular location been sold, let or withdrawn. Photographs taken June 2014 particulars prepared August 2014. 5. MEASUREMENTS for permanent and second homes. Made popular by AND OTHER INFORMATION: All measurements are Queen Victoria, who had her maritime residence at approximate. While we endeavor to make our sales Osborne House, the Island is famous for sailing in the particulars accurate and reliable, if there is any point which Solent; for Week; for its beautiful coastline is of particular importance to you, please contact this office including sandy beaches and The Needles; spectacular and we will be pleased to check the information for you, countryside and long sunshine hours. There are now particularly if contemplating travelling some distance to many more facilities than once was the case, view the property.

www.bilesandco.co.uk Viewing Arrangements [email protected] Viewing is strictly by appointment with the Sole Agents Biles & Co. To view this property please contact our Isle of Wight of fice on 01983 872335 01983 872335