High Street, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35

Bembridge Lodge's construction dates back to approximately the 1820's. This Grade II Listed family home enjoys commanding views over gardens, woodland and The Solent to Portsmouth in the distance. Surrounded by 8 acres of garden and paddock, this remarkable property is built from Island stone, with light pouring through tall windows in every room, offering a range of impressive and grand reception rooms, in addition to accommodation extending to eight bedrooms. The listing in 1967 specifies an array of wonderful features, including ornate architrave detailing with gold paintwork and the unique self-supporting cantilever stone staircase, all of which is in excellent condition, yet the house represents an ideal opportunity for renovation and modernisation. The Lodge enjoys a particularly private position and comprises an excellent package including a self contained two bedroom cottage arranged over two floors, ideal for providing an annexe for letting income, housekeeper or guest accommodation. There is also a substantial garage complex containing three separate bays, a workshop along with wood, oil and coal stores. The kitchen garden beyond the garage offers plenty of productive space.

The house sits within its own maintained gardens enjoying spectacular sea views. Largely laid to lawn, there is a grass meadow amongst magnificent woodland providing beautiful walks, a pond, kitchen garden and various wells around the grounds of the house, providing a delightful setting with formal lawns bordered by mature woodland framing a glorious Solent view. A driveway sweeps from the road to a turning circle beside a colossal ancient Cedar tree, from which the impressive front elevation of Bembridge Lodge can be observed with the sea beyond. A large flagstone terrace wraps around the property giving several areas for outdoor dining, entertaining and enjoying the sunny aspect and sea views. In a westerly aspect, there are glorious views over Natural Landscapes (formerly AONB) toward Brading Down and on the eastern side of the house is a large driveway in front of the garage. A range of beds and garden stores are concealed from view in the old kitchen garden.

Only 23 miles by 13 miles, and a short sea crossing from the mainland, the Island has a unique atmosphere boasting many attributes, not least of which is its slower pace of life and its own microclimate. It enjoys unspoilt villages and fine seaside resorts with many miles of impressive coastal scenery. With safe sandy beaches, it is a place for sailing, windsurfing and swimming, ideal for both young and old.

The Village has a good range of small shops for everyday needs, including an excellent fishmonger with freshly caught fish, a farm shop, a butcher, delicatessen and several good restaurants and a coffee shop. A more comprehensive range of shopping facilities is available in the county town of Newport (13 miles) and the nearby town of Ryde (7 miles). Located close to the eastern most point of the Island, Bembridge Harbour has extensive mooring facilities and two sailing clubs and there are wonderful coastal walks and sandy beaches accessible directly from the property. There are shallow beaches, perfect for swimming, kite-surfing and beach-combing.