Upper Strand, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21

Description

Vine Cottage has been meticulously restored by the current owners, blending period charm with high-quality modern finishes. The exterior has undergone significant refurbishment, including the restoration of the rear wet scantle roof. A striking rear extension has been clad in attractive red Canadian cedar and Delabole Cornish Slate, complementing the original granite, which has been regrouted with lime plaster. Inside, the property benefits from underfloor heating throughout. The ground floor features elegant tumbled limestone flooring, while the first floor is finished with engineered oak in the bedrooms and landing.

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The front door opens into a magnificent sitting room, where three windows frame captivating harbour views. Exposed granite walls, a feature fireplace with a slate hearth, and a wood-burning stove create a warm and characterful space. The bespoke kitchen, crafted by George Robinson, showcases sleek beech ply units and high-specification appliances, including a Bora hob with a downdraft extractor, built-in Liebherr fridge and separate freezer, and two Siemens electric ovens—one with a steam function and the other with a microwave. The island unit offers additional storage, seating for four, and luxurious Duke Stone granite worktops. A stainless steel sink is fitted with a Quooker Cube tap.

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Opening seamlessly from the kitchen, the dining and living area features a second wood-burning stove and bi-fold doors leading to the enclosed courtyard garden. A well-appointed utility area provides space for a washing machine and tumble dryer, alongside a linen cupboard and additional storage. This leads to a stylish shower room, fitted with a contemporary Villeroy & Boch white suite, large bespoke shower enclosure with a rainforest shower, and striking Mandarin Stone Monteverde tiles. A beautifully crafted oak staircase with a glass balustrade ascends to the first-floor landing, where an electrically controlled Velux window enhances natural light.

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The principal bedroom enjoys breathtaking harbour views, with exposed A-frame beams adding character. Built-in wardrobes provide ample storage, and the en-suite shower room is finished to an exceptional standard, featuring a large rainfall shower by Hans Grohe, a heated towel rail, and an electrically controlled Velux window fitted with a solar powered blind. Two further double bedrooms offer generous space, one of which also enjoys harbour views. A family shower room, finished to the same high specification as the en-suite, completes the first floor.

Outside

The rear courtyard features a beautifully finished limestone terrace, enclosed by characterful granite walls with a timber gate providing access to Back Lane. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the space includes a dedicated sitting and dining area. A heated outdoor shower adds convenience after beach outings, while a stylish outbuilding, clad in Canadian cedar with a sedum roof, offers versatility. Currently used as a store/office, this additional space measures 3.30m x 3.10m.

Location

Vine Cottage enjoys a prime position on St. Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, offering an exceptional island lifestyle with stunning coastal scenery, a welcoming community, and a relaxed pace of life. Positioned along Upper Strand, the property is just moments from the water’s edge, with picturesque harbour views and easy access to the island’s charming shops, cafés, and restaurants.

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Life on St. Mary’s is shaped by its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and miles of scenic walking trails offer endless opportunities for exploration, while sailing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are part of everyday life. The island has a strong sense of community, with Hugh Town providing essential amenities, including a health centre, post office, and grocery stores. For dining, On The Quay, the Atlantic, Hugh Street Café, the Gig Shed among other local favourites, offer fresh seafood and harbour views, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water. For families, the Five Islands Academy serves students from primary through secondary levels, providing an excellent standard of education in a supportive environment. The island’s independent spirit extends to shopping as well, with local stores catering to daily needs and regular deliveries from the mainland ensuring access to a wider range of goods

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While St. Mary’s feels wonderfully removed from the hustle of modern life, it remains well connected when needed. The quay, just a short walk away, provides ferry links to the other islands and to Penzance, while St. Mary’s Airport offers flights to Land’s End, Newquay, and Exeter. Vine Cottage offers a rare opportunity to embrace island living at its finest—peaceful, picturesque, and deeply rewarding.

The History

Vine Cottage is a Grade II listed property, originally built in 1820 as a shipbuilder’s cottage. Its prime location along Upper Strand on St. Mary’s, the largest island of the Isles of Scilly, made it ideally suited for the shipbuilding industry that once flourished in the area. The property was held by the Duchy of Cornwall until the early 1930s, adding a sense of heritage and importance to its rich history. In its early days, it is believed that the cottage also served as an inn for shipbuilders and sailors, with the current sitting room likely used as a bar. The rooms above would have provided accommodation for guests, offering a place to rest after a day of work or travel. The property’s unique character, with its granite walls and distinctive layout, reflects this historical purpose.

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The fascinating history of Vine Cottage is also reflected in the careful restoration work carried out throughout 2022/23, preserving its authentic charm while incorporating modern comforts. The property’s significance to the local community, combined with its historical connections to shipbuilding and the Duchy, makes it a truly special home with a deep connection to the rich maritime heritage of the Isles of Scilly.

Services

Mains water, electric and drainage