An exemplar of Georgian elegance in an idyllic parkland setting

Description

DESCRIPTION Gatcombe House is an incredibly attractive Grade II* listed country house of classical design which enjoys an exceptional position with far reaching views overlooking a secluded part of the Medina Valley. Although incorporating part of an earlier Elizabethan building the main section was constructed in 1751 and is an elegant example of Georgian architecture with a spectacular ashlar façade and central stone pediment. In keeping with its classical era, the house has a remarkably easy flow of rooms that all benefit from high ceilings and lovely proportions making it perfect for entertaining. Combined with a large family kitchen, Gatcombe House is also presented as a charming family home and has been beautifully preserved by the current owner. The house’s outstanding presence created by its grand elevations is gracefully complemented by the array of period features including large windows with fine sash windows, intricate cornicing, handsome chimneypieces, traditional radiators and ornate door casings and pediments within the reception rooms.

In the autumn months the Virginia creeper which adorns the eastern front turns an eye catching red and in the spring the parkland scenery is awash with a bed of spring daffodils and bulbs. Access to Gatcombe House is via a stone pillared entrance with wrought iron gates and side railings. A shaded lime avenue drive opens onto the parkland and the drive culminates in a gravel sweep. A pair of part glazed front doors are set within the stone entrance porch.

GROUND FLOOR The stone porch and part glazed entrance doors open into the reception hall with chequered limestone flagged floor and chimneypiece with a carved timber and marble surround. The majority of the formal reception rooms have similar regency styled chimneypieces and ornate cornicing and ceiling carvings. The drawing room has window seats in the eastern windows overlooking the drive, rose garden and far reaching views beyond. There are a further three windows with French doors opening to the south garden with views of the magnificent copper beech tree. Double doors adjoin the formal dining room which has a further two windows with French doors and is conveniently located near to the kitchen. The billiard room has an intriguing chimneypiece with ‘Grinling Gibbons’ style carved surround. Its wooden floor sprung for dancing and substantial proportions make it suitable for the dual purpose of a ballroom. A notable set of walnut doors set in a moulded frame open to the study which is next to office and has views of the parkland and lake.

Beyond the reception hall is the central hall with wide and gracefully carved galleried staircase which is illuminated by an impressive Venetian window. A rear hall has a secondary staircase and a door leading to a gravelled seating area. At the rear of the house is a fabulous kitchen/breakfast room which has a large skylight and pair of French windows that open to a walled courtyard that has wooden herb beds and greenhouse, a real suntrap and used for ‘al fresco’ dinning. Within the kitchen is a large central island, inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, four oven cream AGA, wooden painted units with slate and oak surfaces. Ideal for family and more informal living, the kitchen is positioned as a central hub next to the sitting/play room, gym, utility room, large cloakroom and preparation kitchen. The extensive cellar contains wine bins, boiler room, extensive storage rooms and unusually the 1751 date stone.

FIRST FLOOR The double aspect principal bedroom has fantastic views over the gardens, park and the land beyond. It has a large adjoining bathroom and a substantial dressing room with a separate loo and basin. Therefore the dressing room could be an additional bedroom. On the first floor there are a further three bedrooms and two further bathrooms. Next to the secondary staircase is a room, currently used for storage, which has been used as an artist’s studio. The large front bedroom with three windows overlooking the parkland and rose garden would also be a lovely drawing/morning room.

SECOND FLOOR On the second floor there are a further six bedrooms, three bathrooms and open planned living/kitchen room. This open planned room is currently used as a bedroom but the north-west bedroom and adjoining bathroom could be incorporated to establish a staff flat.

Location

HISTORY Gatcombe Park estate has an exciting and colourful history with records preceding the Norman Conquest and the village of Gatcombe is listed in the Domesday Book. St Olave’s church is situated next to the house and was dedicated in 1292. It was built to serve as the chapel to the house.

In 1576 the estate passed to the Worsley family and remained in the family until 1782. Sir Edward Worsley was an ardent Royalist and when King Charles I was imprisoned on the Island he was involved in two attempt to set the King free. It is rumoured that the King was secreted to Gatcombe and hid in the house before being betrayed, returned to Carisbrooke Castle and shortly afterwards returned to London and executed. The Worsley’s were fortunate to emerge unscathed from events, and on the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Edward received a Knighthood from Charles II as a belated reward.

It was Sir Edward’s great grandson, another Sir Edward Worsley, who designed and commissioned the building of the present Gatcombe House at Gatcombe Park in 1751. The property was owned by Alexander Baring 1st Baron of Ashburton, by the great island benefactor, Sir Charles Seeley Bt, and later by the Hobart’s another notable Isle of Wight family.

Under the previous ownership, the house underwent an extensive and sympathetic restoration. The current owner has also introduced a number of improvements to the house, including the complete restoration and conversion of The Old Stable Block, as well as meticulously maintaining the house to its good condition.

SITUATION Gatcombe House sits in an idyllic location surrounded by its own parkland and ancient woodland and close to the geographical centre of the Isle of Wight. Glimpses of the 13th century village church can be seen through the trees beside the ornamental lake and the surrounding countryside is renowned for riding, shooting and walking. The Island’s beautiful beaches and heritage coastline are within a 20 minute drive from the property and the county town of Newport is just 3 miles to the north, offering a full range of local amenities.

The Isle of Wight is celebrated as an international yachting and sailing venue, with the annual Cowes Week regatta in August attracting competitors from all over the world. A full range of yacht and sailing clubs provide a social hub, as do the nearby Golf courses including St Georges Golf Club at Newport, Freshwater Golf Club and Shanklin & Sandown Golf Course.

Ryde School with Upper Chine is the main independent (HMC) School on the Island, offering co-education from pre-school to sixth form on a daily, full or weekly boarding basis. The Priory School in Whippingham offers a smaller alternative. Many Island children commute to mainland schools such as Portsmouth Grammer, St Edward’s and Hordle Walhampton Prep and there are good feeder links to conveniently located public schools such as Winchester College and St Swithun’s in Winchester, Bryanston, Canford and the Sherborne schools in Dorset, and Marlborough College in Wiltshire.

Square Footage: 15,234 sq ft


Acreage: 40 Acres

Additional Info

GARDENS AND GROUNDS The gardens of Gatcombe House have appeared in national publications over the years and are well known for their abundance of spring bulbs and flowers. To the north, south and east of the house there are extensive lawns, parkland and fields with a number of fine specimen trees including plane, copper beech and lime. Closer to the house there is an assortment of herbaceous borders, ornamental trees and shrubs.

Much of the parkland has been allowed to grow wild with meandering mown grass path and wild flowers. A young orchard, formed of apples and pears, is found within the grounds with trees initially supplied by the Brogdale National Fruit Collection. To the front of the house is an exquisite David Austin rose garden and two terraced lawns. One perfect for croquet and the other is decoratively walled with a beech tree hedge.

Adjacent to the lawns are an all-weather tennis court and a heated swimming pool with a flagged stone terrace surrounded by a dwarf wall. A flagstone path on one side with wisteria covered pergola gives access to the pump room with heat exchange unit. Further along is the pavilion with changing rooms each with loo and shower. Between the swimming pool and tennis court is a children’s play area with a built-in slide and ‘flying fox’ apparatus. Behind this is a delightful secret garden with borders surrounding which include tulip trees, magnolias and decorative shrubs including rhododendrons, hydrangeas and azaleas.

Around the parkland of Gatcombe House are mature woods and grounds which further enhance the setting to the property. To the rear of the house is an extensive area of ancient, broadleaved woodland.

To the north of the property and following the route of the former carriage drive a gently sloping lawn leads to the ornamental lake. This area provides a haven for a variety of wildfowl and wildlife. To the east of the lake is a further area of mature, ornamental woodland approached over a Grade II Listed Georgian bridge where the former carriage drive crosses.

THE OLD STABLE BLOCK - LOT 2 (Available on separate negotiation) The Grade II listed Old Stable Block is constructed of ashlar stone under a slate roof and modelled in the attractive French style. Set within a gravel courtyard to the south of the main house, this handsome Grade II listed building has been beautifully converted by the current owner to provide excellent ancillary accommodation in The Coach House and Stable Cottage. A large lawned area to the south of the Old Stable Block forms the gardens for The Coach House and Stable Cottage. Also within the courtyard are garaging and further outbuildings. The Old Stable Block can be accessed by a spur off the main drive but has a separate driveway running to the west of Gatcombe House.

COACH HOUSE - Lot 2 The Coach House has an arcaded façade where the original arches have been cleverly glassed to provide excellent light to the building and a feeling of openness. It provides fabulous accommodation with an entrance hall, large kitchen/living room, sitting room, utility room, loo, artist’s studio, two studies, main bedroom with adjoining bathroom, three further bedrooms and bathroom, and garden.

STABLE COTTAGE - Lot 2 Adjoining the Coach House, this pretty cottage has an entrance hall, kitchen/living room, main bedroom with adjoining bathroom, two further bedrooms and bathroom, Loo, and garden.

FARM BUILDINGS - LOT 3 (Available on separate negotiation) The farm buildings are sited to the east of The Stable Block and have potential for a wealth of usages beyond their original agricultural use including large storage, stabling or further garaging. Subject to planning, there is also potential to convert these buildings to commercial use such as offices or cottage industry. They are an extensive collection of large building and have an adjoining field. Their layout and dimensions are shown on the floorplans.

NB: Photographs taken June 2021