Spence Willard Property Magazine 2020-21

2020/21 Edition

PROPERTIES FOR SALE LETTINGS LAND AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN SERVICES MARKET VIEW THE LONDON OFFICE KNIGHT FRANK PORTRAITS OF ISLAND LIFE

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

Offices CO W E S I

N

T

E

R

I

O

R

01983 200880 cowes@spencewillard.co.uk

S

Waterside House 72a High Street Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7RE

2020 Edition

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

Hello & welcome to the 2020/21 edition of The Spence Willard Magazine. We hope you will enjoy seeing a selection of some of the finest country and coastal properties on the Island

BEMBRIDGE 01983 873000 bembridge@spencewillard.co.uk Grove House Sherbourne Street Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SB

YA R M O U T H 01983 761005 yarmouth@spencewillard.co.uk The Square Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0NP

F R E S H WAT E R 01983 756575 freshwater@spencewillard.co.uk Avenue Road Freshwater Isle of Wight PO40 9UR

LO N D O N 020 7839 0888 london@spencewillard.co.uk 40 St James’s Place London SW1A 1NS

Spence Willard are a local, independent firm owned and run by directors, Charles Spence & Duncan Willard, who both appreciate all the Isle of Wight has to offer. With four offices based in strategic locations across the Island to make the most of the local footfall and mainland visitors, we are well placed to market your property to the best audience.

Charles having grown up on a family farm on the Island, spent several years gaining vast and varied experience in the property industry before returning to the Island with his family in 2004. He enjoys many of the outdoor pursuits the Island has on offer, that simply cannot be matched elsewhere.

Duncan moved back to the Isle of Wight in 2008, like many yearning for a life by the sea with a better work life balance to enjoy with his wife and young children.

Charles & Duncan are fully involved with the day to day running of the business and are complemented by experienced staff, all with the same passion for property and the Island.

Being so appreciative of all the Island has to offer, we want to ensure that we keep it special for future generations to enjoy, that’s why here at Spence Willard we are aiming to reduce our carbon footprint year on year. Here are some of the measures we are taking: •

We aim to send all correspondence electronically where possible (which also expedites matters), and where not possible we will use recyclable materials.

• An Island wide team so car journeys are not excessive and at times not even necessary.

We are also keen supporters of local charity, sponsoring youth sailing and community stand up paddleboarding lessons, the Isle of Wight Youth Trust & Admiral Nurses.

We value the community that makes our Island so special and want to continue to watch Islanders thrive from some of the diverse opportunities it offers.

Spence Willard have a wealth of knowledge and by ensuring that your priorities are our priorities, we have successfully marketed and sold a wealth of properties in recent years. Will yours be the next one?

Making Wellness Your Business | Page 8 DESIGN LED BRANDS

FRENCH VINTAGE

ONE OFF FINDS

HOMES, GIFTS & LIFESTYLE

Did you know the Isle of Wight was awarded biosphere status in 2019? | Page 54

Cover: Shot by Alice shot_by_alice

Building the New Sustainable Page 58

Design: James Lord @jameslordart

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FRENCH FURNITURE

TETRAD UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

MAISON BERGER FINE FRAGRANCES IAN MANKIN FABRICS VOYAGE MAISON CONTEMPORARY & CLASSIC LIGHTING AUTENTICO PAINTS LINWOOD VLAZE LAGUIOLE CUTLERY

LACANCHE RANGE COOKERS

01983 528600

SAVON DE MARSEILLE

BAYLISSANDBOOTH.CO.UK

TOP OF LUSHINGTON HILL WOOTTON IOW PO33 4RD

Editorial & Associated Photographs: The Magpie Anthology @the_magpie_anthology Property photography: Thearle Photography @thearlephotography

1

spencewillard.co.uk

Whitwell

Bembridge

Price: OIEO ÂŁ1,899,000

Price: ÂŁ1,595,000

10 Bedrooms | 11 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms

6 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms

A magnificent refurbished country house situated in an elevated rural position in just over 11 acres.

With gardens overlooking the beach this stunning house and mews annexe enjoys breath-taking panoramic sea views.

EPC Rating C

EPC Ratings C & D

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

2

spencewillard.co.uk

3

spencewillard.co.uk

View of the Island Property Market

‘The south coast as a whole will benefit from some sectors of the workforce looking to move from cities and generally the Isle of Wight is still good value compared to much of the south coast. For years it was under discovered but there’s a lot more ‘discovering’ going on’

The year 2020 has been an extraordinary one in more ways than we might have imagined. But how is business now progressing? Charles Spence and Duncan Willard are confident that, particularly for property sales on the Isle of Wight, things are looking up.

We’ve certainly seen a complete lifestyle change for people – some are looking to totally change they way they’re living, there’ll be more home working, with clients looking for houses with good office spaces to work in and some even talking about bringing members of staff with them – so a very different mindset to previously.

We have recently experienced strong sales being achieved often leading to competitive bidding for good quality, realistically priced homes. We’re not anticipating price falls but that will largely depend on how the economy behaves; with continuation of low interest rates, new jobs being created etc. I predict that there will be a healthy bounce back, at least in the short term buoyed on with Stamp Duty changes and those looking to reassess where they want their residential footprint to be.

‘The whole pandemic has resulted in an uplift for the Isle of Wight as people look to escape from big cities, particularly London and have become more focused on the great outdoors’

The Chancellors recent changes in this respect are turbocharging residential markets, particularly in sought-after coastal locations with good connections to London. We are increasingly involved with residential land sales with plenty of land for those looking to develop, which has been granted planning permission in the last few years and more land coming on stream.

It has been an interesting year, and as a nimble, expanding and highly proactive firm, we have remained fully operational. This has led to a wide range of agreed sales, exchanges and completed sales during recent months.

From the negative predictions on the front pages whilst we were in lockdown predicting significant falls in the housing market, we have experienced a really significant uplift in demand and sales.

We are getting instructions from people with second homes here who are now wanting to make the move permanently and are upgrading. Even prior to the positivity seen in recent weeks, we predicted the Island would have been well placed to weather any price storms as prices have been steady for a number of years. People see the Isle of Wight as being good value for money, and interest rates are still very low which helps. The temporary reduction in Stamp Duty will add fuel to the demand.

There are two sectors that we’re seeing emerge - people who expect to work from home more (so may not commute as frequently), and second homeowners who aren’t looking to travel abroad so much; the Island is perfectly placed for both of these. So, a broader mix of buyers wanting to have that quality of life.

Duncan Willard

Associate Directors

It’s too early to tell how the market will develop in the medium to long term, but much will depend on how the economy fairs.

The Island as a whole offers so many opportunities and there’s an ever growing awareness of that through social media and other platforms and people can now see the diversity of things on offer here – from water sports, the biosphere, local produce and smaller communities and it’s a great place to begin your own business with a thriving local business community. I think that the lockdown period has seen many people who work (or play!) nationally and internationally spending time on the Island for a period and refocussing locally and seeing what fresh opportunities there are.

Charles Spence F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

4

5

spencewillard.co.uk

Cowes

Bembridge

Price: £1,295,000 & £1,650,000

Price: £1,650,000

An impressive development of just four houses, occupying a prime position close to the seafront and benefiting from panoramic views over The Solent.

8 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 5 Reception Rooms

EPC Rating TBC

An exceptional Edwardian villa in the heart of the pretty village of Bembridge just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach and set within captivating walled gardens.

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

EPC Rating E Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

6

spencewillard.co.uk

7

spencewillard.co.uk

Meet the owners Making Wellness Your Business

Having moved to the Isle of Wight in January 2018, Jenny Stewart has carved a yoga teaching niche for herself and is collaborating with other Island businesses to make this the go to place for wellness retreats.

From living and working in London to moving into a listed building on the Isle of Wight as well as changing a career in marketing for one teaching yoga might seem for many, a huge leap. But for Jenny and pilot husband Alex, the whole process went smoothly. They moved initially to Surrey to escape London but even that proved to be not quite as far as they needed. “Alex and I had always grown up beside the sea: I’m from Bournemouth, he’s from Devon and so the sea has always been a massive part of our lives. Even though we’d moved from London to Surrey, which was great, every weekend we had free we were travelling to a beach. The sea for me represents this place of total calm and so with that in mind we thought – let’s make a further move. I had done my yoga training whilst I was still working full time in London and had qualified, so everything seemed right for a change of scene and of life.

We looked at a lot of houses along the south coast especially near Christchurch where my parents live and within a 30 mile radius of there but there wasn’t anything that we really fell in love with. Then houses would pop up online and we thought – where is that house, it’s got some land? They turned out to be on the Isle of Wight and so, one day we got on a ferry and came.

Something about the Island had drawn us here – mainly being so close to the sea but also having more space generally and the house that we bought (the first one in fact that we had originally seen) backs on to a field so you really have that feeling of space.

It also has a garage and annex and we saw the potential for a yoga studio.

When we got to the Island the only person that we had really met was Duncan Willard and he kindly invited us to a party at Tapnell Farm. Having met so many great people there, we realised that the Island is full of entrepreneurs, people who run their own businesses, kite surfers, sailors and it’s in fact turned out to be the most interesting place that we’ve ever lived, mainly due to the people and the environment. And so, we made a group of friends and settled in. My dad and I did up the annexe and made it into a yoga studio and a small AirBnB which is on the side and I then began teaching yoga. The Island has been so supportive of what I’ve been doing, not just the people who come to the classes but also the other companies that I’ve collaborated with. The business has really grown into what I hoped it would although, before we came here, I didn’t know that it would even work, and it’s grown in a very organic way. I’ve added kid’s yoga, stand up paddle board yoga and I’m always looking to add something new or to bring something new to the Island. I’ve now also set up Balance and Glo with a friend Evelyn, to put on wellness events and retreats to show people what’s here in various locations including The George in Yarmouth.

‘I love living here - when you go away it’s an amazing feeling when you’re coming home because you know you’re coming back to this beautiful environment’

I love living here – when you go away it’s an amazing feeling when you’re coming home because you know you’re coming back to this beautiful environment and a job which I’m very lucky to be able to call a job. For Alex, it’s easy to commute once a week to Heathrow proving that you can have a job off the Island and also that you can start a business here and that it can work. It’s a move that we haven’t regretted for a moment.

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

8

9

@jennystewartyoga | jennystewartyoga.co.uk

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Yarmouth Price: ÂŁ950,000 An impressive house with a striking mix of modern and period architecture having been the subject of a major extension/ refurbishment - located close to Yarmouth town centre and with a separate detached cottage.

EPC Rating TBC Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

AG SA RE LE ED

Brook Price: ÂŁ995,000 Set within an idyllic location, a particularly light house within an enchanting walled garden, along with a two bedroom annexe, a few minutes walk from the beach.

EPC Rating E Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Beautifully refurbished restaurant and terrace with views out across Yarmouth Harbour to the Solent beyond.

QUAY ST, YARMOUTH, PO41 0NT | 01983 303013 | info@theterraceiow.co.uk

www.theterraceiow.co.uk

11

spencewillard.co.uk

AG SA RE LE ED

Cowes Price: £2,295,000 7 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms One of Cowes’ most desirable properties.

A stunning, classic Landmark house providing good quality and elegant accommodation situated in a prime location with panoramic views over The Solent, extensive parking and a delightful south facing garden with pool.

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Bath Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QN 01983 281414 www.kendallsfineart.co.uk 13

spencewillard.co.uk

Make your move with Spence Willard At Spence Willard, we believe good quality marketing is essential to ensure that your property is seen in the right places, by the right people.

PHOTOGRAPHY The use of professional imagery from experienced property photographer and drone photographer, where required. Images would be used on websites, social media channels, online & printed brochures, as well as any wider advertising/editorial.

SALES PARTICULARS Would be adapted to suit your property but as standard will always include written details about your property, the local area, a floorplan and a range of internal and external images. Having printed and online sales particulars, means that we are able to share the details via post or with potential purchasers immediately via email.

ONLINE Your property would be featured on our website that receives a good number of quality visits monthly from all over the globe, as well as leading property websites Rightmove, On The Market, Zoopla & local property sites. Spence Willard invest further into marketing opportunities, directing further traffic to our website and the properties we have for sale.

IN THE PRESS Over the past year we have succeeded in featuring articles in a range of publications such as The Times, The Telegraph, Country Life magazine, Coast magazine, The Week and the Evening Standard.

SOCIAL MEDIA We have our own Spence Willard Blog, featuring recent news, local life and the latest property market insights. As a company, we are proactive on social media, including sharing properties on Facebook & Instagram, in order to ensure we do our utmost to make sure your property is seen in the right places, by the right people. spencewillard

@spencewillardiw

VIEWINGS As well as our office-based staff that conduct viewings, we are complemented by our mobile viewings team who cover designated areas across the Island and will be fully acquainted with your property. We pride ourselves on knowing all there is to know about the locality; the best walks, local restaurant or village pub - those hidden gems are all important details about selling your home.

We also offer video viewings (either live or pre-recorded), although nothing replaces physical viewings, getting a “feel” for the property and area.

All applicants wishing to view of course would be fully vetted, with viewings strictly by appointment. Subject to your permission, we are able to conduct viewings seven days a week, as we appreciate that many applicants aren’t able to view during office hours. We value applicant feedback as much as you do, so once viewings have taken place, we aim to deliver feedback to you within 24 hours, allowing the applicant time to give due consideration.

Desire for discretion?

We also offer a discreet marketing option. If we feel an applicant is the perfect fit for your property, we would be pleased to liaise with you for an off-market viewing. © PROCAM FILMS F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

14

15

spencewillard.co.uk

The local experts

Behind the scenes statistics:

76%

We understand that purchasers are not simply buying a property, but a lifestyle.

ÂŁ600k+ MARKET

Across all of our offices approximately 76% of our buyers are mainland-based

CO W E S

YA R M O U T H

01983 200880 cowes@spencewillard.co.uk

01983 761005 yarmouth@spencewillard.co.uk

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

Waterside House 72a High Street Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7RE

BEMBRIDGE

The Square Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0NP

F R E S H WAT E R

16

01983 873000 bembridge@spencewillard.co.uk

01983 756575 freshwater@spencewillard.co.uk

Grove House Sherbourne Street Bembridge Isle of Wight PO35 5SB

13

%

35 Increase in viewings vs this time last year

We have sold more properties at the ÂŁ600k+ market than all other Island agents combined*

%

*data taken from Rightmove

36% Increase in registered applicants looking for property with Spence Willard

Increase in completed sales vs this time last year, even with lockdown!

Avenue Road Freshwater Isle of Wight PO40 9UR

17

spencewillard.co.uk

The London Office

Knight Frank

As members of The London Office, located in London SW1, we have a prime outlet within the Capital assisting in the marketing of your property. The London Office has a network of prominent regional agents across the country meaning we can offer extensive coverage of your property to the mainland market.

We understand the importance of accessing a global reach, so we have a strong and effective working relationship with Knight Frank. As a dedicated and dynamic team, together we have achieved a significant proportion of high value sales on the Island in recent years.

We have seen a 39% increase in London based applicants registering to move out of the capital year on year. Whilst some of this increased demand is the pent-up activity of those who were already “in the market”, the majority are new potential purchasers/tenants entering the fray.

They have reassessed their priorities during Lockdown and now want, or need to live in a different space, or location. This has been echoed in a new ONS survey, which highlighted that one in four people are planning a major life change after the country has recovered from COVID-19. More than a third of these people have said they would like to change where they live. Particularly if their companies are now allowing an element of home working.

Open space, gardens, fast broadband and home office are now high up the wish list. Villages and areas that were previously seen as remote, have gained traction and the urban rural shift from London is real. Demand is split evenly between those looking for a principal home and a bolt hole.

Bob Bickersteth, Director of The London Office provides regular market updates and is pleased to meet with clients to discuss the marketing of their property to the mainland audience in more detail. Together with their website, social media channels, property magazine Acquire which is distributed across the country and events in the City, such as the Move to the Country Show in Chelsea, The London Office help to promote our properties and introduce a wider field of potential buyers to you.

‘The UK residential property market is incredibly resilient and recovered rapidly after the Lockdown was eased’

At our office in St James’s, we are in a unique position to harness these potential buyers. They can discuss their requirements with professional, qualified staff, who can answer questions about prices, market conditions, commuting times and schools. We can then search the database for them and give out brochures of suitable properties.

Bob Bickersteth

Knight Frank has access to the latest industry insights so we can continually be up to date with what is happening within the property industry from an international & national, as well as local perspective. With a specialist Waterfront Department and over 200 offices globally, combined with Spence Willard’s offices in Cowes, Bembridge, Yarmouth and Freshwater, we offer your property to the widest possible market to achieve the best possible price for you.

Knight Frank partner, George Clarendon is based in the Winchester office and responsible for Isle of Wight sales. With his extensive knowledge and excellent contacts, he has access to plenty of buyers searching for Island properties.

‘The partnership Knight Frank enjoys with Spence Willard is unrivalled on the Island and it gives access to the best buyers locally, regionally, nationally and Internationally. Our past track record demonstrates this and we look forward to continuing to work together’

It would be fair to say we are experiencing market conditions that have not been seen before due to the lockdown to control Coronavirus. For nearly two months the property market was effectively put on hold, with no transactions taking place.

Prior to lockdown, market conditions were improving constantly, following the conclusion to Brexit and I am pleased to report that, since lockdown has been eased, there has been a surprisingly large amount of activity. This is being fuelled by the pent-up demand of buyers. We have had a surge in the number of enquiries from buyers looking to relocate to the country from London.

Looking ahead, it is very difficult to predict what the property market will do. Economic factors will have a huge bearing, particularly employment, when the furlough period is over and companies start to look at restructuring their businesses. One can, therefore, only look at what is happening today and with this in mind, if you are considering marketing your property this year, it may be advisable to do so sooner rather than later.

George Clarendon

A selection of Island homes sold by Knight Frank and Spence Willard as joint agents

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

18

19

spencewillard.co.uk

INTRODUC E | IN SPIRE | INN OVATE | INI TIATE

IS

TOP ER

S

AG SA RE LE ED

Bembridge Price: £1,400,000

H

CHR

We can deliver

2020 Edition

A beautifully refurbished family home set within enclosed and very private gardens on a popular private lane a short walk from the beach.

EPC Rating D

COTT

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

www.christopherscott.co.uk

Planning & Development Hub (IW) Ltd

Bembridge

www.planningdevelopmenthub.co.uk

Price: £700,000 An attractive house set within private, pretty gardens in a prime location on a lane which leads to the beach.

GABRIELE LANGER DESIGN I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

EPC Rating E

www.gabrielelanger.com

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU PURCHASE A HOUSE THROUGH SPENCE WILLARD Like S penc e Willard, we are proud sponsors of the

www.thewightbook.co.uk 21

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Cowes

Sandown

Price: £485,000

Price: £425,000

A charming period cottage occupying a prime position within the Old Town with a garden, sun terrace and excellent views.

With views to the sea, this large family home has a modern finish, enclosed gardens and off-road parking.

EPC Rating E

EPC Rating C

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

St Boniface Down Price: £995,000 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 1 Reception Room A unique converted WWII radar station occupying an elevated coastal position with far reaching sea views and contemporary styling.

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Cowes

22

spencewillard.co.uk

Cowes

Price: £525,000

Price: £525,000

A wonderful 4 storey house in a prime position within the Old Town benefitting from an attractive rear garden and sea views.

An exquisite detached period cottage tucked away within the Old Town with a delightful walled garden.

EPC Rating D

EPC Rating D

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

23

spencewillard.co.uk

&

STUDIO

2020 Edition

Ventnor

Norton

Price: £695,000

Price: £610,000

EPC Rating C

A well-presented and deceptively large house offering flexible living accommodation, together with an impressive mid-19th century stone barn and high-quality outbuildings.

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

EPC Rating D

A stunning contemporary house built to a high standard with ample parking set just back from the sea front.

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Gurnard Price: £1,100,000 A refurbished waterfront home, providing good quality spacious accommodation with panoramic views across the Solent, parking and garden.

EPC Rating C Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Ted Todd Wood Flooring | Amtico | Karndean | Porcelain + Ceramic Tiles | Carpets | Paint www.longlanecarpetsandflooring.co.uk • info@longlanefloring.co.uk • 01983 716717

25

spencewillard.co.uk

Seaview Price: ÂŁ1,500,000 7 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 5 Reception Rooms A stunning refurbishment of a historic farmhouse set within its own landscaped and walled gardens.

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

27

spencewillard.co.uk

Land & Development

Andrew White Chartered Town Planner

The people making your dreams come true

‘My role is to advise an interested client from the beginning of the process through to the point of obtaining planning permission’

William Rome, Architect BA Hons, MA –RCA Alchemy Architects Ltd.

Across the Island there are ample opportunities to look at redeveloping existing sites, there are land opportunities in terms of realising a range of building projects and housing too, whether small, medium and on occasion, larger scale projects. And there are also premises that can be enhanced and improved.

Amongst a highly varied array of projects, there are perhaps two strands of work to my practice which I find coming up time and again.

My role is to advise an interested client from the beginning of the process through to the point of obtaining planning permission in order to realise the opportunities for that particular property, whether it’s extending or refurbishing that dwelling or whether it’s potentially redeveloping the site as a whole. I’ll work with that client in order to understand what their requirements are in conjunction with architectural partners to help achieve a project that satisfies client’s objectives, how best we can contribute to adding value to that property both in terms of monetary value but also the value that property makes to the surrounding environment.

The first tends to be extensively refurbishing, repairing or new build ‘character’ buildings, such as barns, farm houses and older stone building, what I would call traditional rural architecture.

Recent Part Q planning regulations, allowing some agricultural buildings to be turned into permanent residences are a useful development in this area. There are places available on the Island, perhaps a house with outbuildings and access, so if you’re buying a property that has an agricultural building associated with it you may have potential to turn it into a house or holiday accommodation.

‘Generally clients are looking for really well designed, contemporary, energy efficient architecture to realise these sites true value’

The other strand tends to be working with high land value sites, perhaps a plot with a sea view for example. Most of the existing buildings on these plots have no real architectural merit (old bungalows) and I can help clients evaluate whether it’ll be more cost effective as a remodelling project or a new build (with VAT back on all materials).

Generally clients are looking for really well designed, contemporary, energy efficient architecture to realise these sites true value.

Where relevant my designs tend to centre on creating courtyards and smaller, more intimate spaces around buildings that people can enjoy at different times of the day in different seasons. Places with a human scale where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. This often sets up a nice counterpoint with the larger, more open plan spaces that most clients demand. I always design these with a strong connection to the garden and landscape spaces.

‘We build houses with quality sustainable materials, using the skills of local professionals and mainland specialists when needed’ There are three areas of our business: Small Works for your home improvements and extensions; our Heritage side where we take great pride in restoring historic buildings on the Island to their former glory and our New Homes arm with the choice of fully built or contracted self-build options.

Over the last two years we have built and restored seventeen properties around the Island, including the prestigious Nelson & Palmer Grade II listed buildings in Ryde. We build houses with quality sustainable materials, using the skills of local professionals and mainland specialists when needed.

Much of my design inspiration comes from the ‘Batch’ beach house culture of New Zealand. Architects like Crosson, Herbst and Assembly lead the way for me.

As we all know the Island is unique, with many beautiful ‘Grand Design’ houses where architects have been allowed to make the most of the design and blend with its surrounding area. We believe there are also opportunities for those on more modest budgets to have the home of their dreams, without having to resort to the stereotypical mass-market three and four bed houses found on large estates.

I’m currently designing a house in Queenstown NZ, overlooking The Remarkables, an interesting geographical design crossover for me and a spectacular view.

This year we are celebrating our 100th year as a family business and we are also excited to start on our latest development, two large Luxury Homes in Brighstone, with panoramic coastal sea views to the front and rolling grassy hills to the rear.

In New Zealand there seems to be a great work / play / lifestyle balance. That’s what I think living on the Isle of Wight should be about – it’s not necessarily a place to earn heaps of money but if you want to live near to that coastal, outdoor lifestyle, in a welldesigned home, then this a good place to do it.

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

John McLean McLean Heritage Homes

The design by local architect Colman Cotter of Modh Design Ltd allows the prospective new owner to put their own stamp on the interior with a wide choice of bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and finishes – these are truly homes for the discerning buyer.

28

spencewillard.co.uk

29

Register with Spence Willard to be notified of new land and developments hello@spencewillard.co.uk | 01983 200880

2020 Edition

Atherfield Bay

Price from: £125,000 - £1,295,000

Totland Bay

Sandown

Price: £750,000

Prices from: £255,000

Available as 3 lots, this is a truly unique opportunity to acquire 13.62 acres of coastal brownfield site with planning permission (P/00141/16) for 63 lodges, with access off the Military Road and commanding sea views to the south and up towards The Downs to the north.

In construction, a spacious detached four to five bedroom modern home set in a large plot with detached double garage, benefiting from sea and country views.

Luxurious cliff top apartments with unobstructed far reaching sea views, situated within a private gated development with underground parking.

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Ventnor

Price: £795,000

An exciting development opportunity situated in an elevated position opposite the Botanical Gardens with southerly sea views. With consents for conversion of the existing building to a single home or multiple units and potential for a additional contemporary home.

Totland Bay

Ryde

Price: £450,000

An opportunity to purchase a former builders yard with planning permission to re-develop the site to provide four units.

A rare opportunity to acquire three barns with residential planning consent for conversion set in an idyllic semi-rural position with views over Ryde, The Solent and to Spinnaker Tower.

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

Price: £420,000

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

30

31

spencewillard.co.uk

Register with Spence Willard to be notified of new land and developments hello@spencewillard.co.uk | 01983 200880

2020 Edition

Colwell Prices from: ÂŁ475,000 An exceptional coastal development of brand new three, four and five bedroom properties situated on the outskirts of Freshwater, located within a few hundred yards walk of a sandy beach and very popular restaurant, The Hut, in Colwell Bay. Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Sandown Price: ÂŁ895,000

J.R.Buckett

An exciting opportunity to acquire a stunning beachside plot with planning consent for five contemporary homes which will have parking, panoramic sea views and unrivalled access to a stunning award winning beach.

Sons Ltd

BUILDING CONTRACTORS SINCE 1881

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

J.R.Buckett and Sons Ltd has an excellent reputation for professionalism and creativity, offering a personal service to all our clients. The Company has adapted and evolved but never lost sight our traditional principles. Every design and build process is unique. We bring together inspiration, traditional craft, and modern techniques to meet your individual needs and aspirations. We have the experience to manage a diverse range of architectural projects, from large and small, from repairs and renovations to refurbishments, extensions and new builds, we will transform your visions into a reality.

New Road, Brighstone, Isle of Wight, PO30 4BP Tel: 01983 740262 info@jrbuckettandsons.com www.jrbuckettandsons.com

33

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Sale Agreed & Sold

2020 Edition

Sale Agreed & Sold

Wroxall

Whippingham

St Lawrence

Carisbrooke

Ventnor

Ryde

Totland Bay

Gurnard

Cowes

Calbourne

Branstone

Cowes

Apse Heath

Bembridge

Ventnor

Seaview

Gatcombe

Wroxall

East Cowes

Niton

Bembridge

St Helens

Totland Bay

Fishbourne

We have an extensive knowledge, selling a diverse range of properties across the Island

Do not hesitate to get in touch for our expertise and advise to see how we can help you

34

35

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Gurnard

Whitwell

Price: £625,000

Price: £620,000

A Victorian family home with a stylish glazed addition to the rear creating a sociable entertaining space, within walking distance of the sailing club and beach.

A characterful country property set in a delightful, quiet, rural location with a self-contained holiday let/annexe and mature garden.

EPC Rating D

EPC Rating E

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Bembridge Price: £1,395,000 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms A stunningly contemporary home positioned in a quiet location with sea views, a short walk from the beach and sailing club.

EPC Rating C Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Totland Bay

Totland Bay

Price: £699,950

Price: £650,000

A deceptively large waterfront home with direct access down to Totland Bay which offers a fine, sandy and sheltered beach.

An extensive detached four double bedroom bungalow with vast double garage, large gardens and sea views.

EPC Rating E

EPC Rating TBC

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

36

spencewillard.co.uk

37

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

2020 Edition

Ventnor

Ningwood

Price: £895,000

Price: £510,000

An ultra-cutting-edge and groundbreaking house offering commanding southerly views across The English Channel from the stunning living accommodation.

A four bedroom Grade II listed cottage offering fine southerly views all set within a large plot with outbuildings Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

EPC Rating B Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Bembridge

Briddlesford

Price: £895,000

Price: £895,000

A modern five bedroom house with excellent renovation on a sought after road which leads to the beach.

Occupying a delightful, rural setting with great views, a well-maintained farmhouse with a good range of outbuildings, set in about 1.7 acres.

EPC Rating C

EPC Rating D

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

38

39

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Cowes Price: £695,000 A substantial period house with light and spacious south facing accommodation in a highly convenient location, with garaging, parking and sea views from the upper floors.

EPC Rating D Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Freshwater Bay

AG SA RE LE ED

INDEPENDENT DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL For boys and girls from Nursery to 18 years

Price: £645,000 A fabulous three bedroom detached house within a large, well landscaped plot with a swimming pool and annexe – all located around 400m from Freshwater Bay.

Round Square, IB World and PSB Prep school Excellent exam results for GCSE, IB and A Level Three academic options for Sixth Form - A Levels, IB Diploma and IB Career-related programmes Scholarships and bursaries available Wide extra-curricular programme including competitive sailing

EPC Rating D Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Full, weekly and flexi boarding options School buses daily from West Wight, Bembridge and Cowes

FOR OPEN MORNINGS OR TO VISIT: www.rydeschool.org.uk/open-days-and-visits FOR MORE INFORMATION Call +44 (0)1983 617970 or visit www.rydeschool.org.uk Queen’s Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE

41

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Freshwater Price: £675,000 An enchanting, spacious four bedroom Lodge house with double garage, a large garden and countryside views.

EPC Rating C Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Cranmore Price: £575,000 An exceptionally well-presented and imposing four bedroom detached family house of great character, located within a large plot just a few minutes’ drive from the historic harbour town of Yarmouth.

EPC Rating TBC Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Ryde Price: £1,100,000 8 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 5 Reception Rooms A stunning and substantial period home with additional letting income, situated within extensive gardens and woodland.

EPC Rating D Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

42

43

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Isle of Wight based architect with worldwide experience

Gurnard Price: £695,000 A superb opportunity to acquire a property in a sought-after coastal village with stunning westerly views of the Solent and coastline offering redevelopment potential EPC Rating G Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Bembridge

Award winning design Grand Designs - Super Home featured in Build It Magazine

Price: £585,000 A beautifully presented five bedroom detached house in a popular location 300 metres from the beach.

EPC Rating C Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Fully qualified architects service • Planning consultancy Budget advice • Measured surveys • Feasibility studies High quality period refurbishments • Stunning energy efficient new build solutions • Property transforming extensions & additions Studios & ancillary accommodation solutions • Free consultation

07835 920760 will@alchemyarchitectsltd.com www.alchemyarchitectsltd.com

45

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Cowes

2020 Edition

Bembridge

Price: £450,000

Price: £449,000

A spacious two bedroom apartment in this sought-after building occupying a prime position with an extensive terrace and superb views over the harbour entrance and Solent.

A versatile period property with self-contained annexe and private pretty gardens in a central Bembridge location.

EPC Rating C

Cowes

Price: £695,000

Price: £585,000

A charming period cottage situated in a prime location with a garden and sea views.

EPC Rating E

A superb four bedroom, recently renovated detached house set in a large plot with ample parking, double garage and manicured gardens which stretch to the banks of the River Yar.

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

EPC Rating C

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Niton

Freshwater Bay

EPC Rating D

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Gurnard

Price: £375,000

Price: £575,000

Bembridge

Totland Bay

Price: £495,000

Price: £465,000

A surprisingly spacious detached house with outbuildings, open-plan living accommodation and enclosed gardens.

A substantial house with double garage and attractive south facing garden in an exclusive coastal development.

EPC Rating E

A stunning, substantial contemporary home, completed in 2016 to a high specification providing well-presented accommodation along with front and rear gardens, garage and parking.

EPC Rating D

EPC Rating C

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

EPC Rating D

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

An attractive, detached four bedroom cottage located within the centre of the sought-after village of Niton.

Cowes Office: 01983 200880 F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

46

47

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

award winning architects new and

buildings historic

| renovating and design | design

remodelling existing buildings | consultancy for buyers and

interior sellers

design | conservation | feasibility studies

Yarmouth

Yarmouth

Price: £549,950

Price: £549,950

A stunning, three bedroom period house, exclusively located off Yarmouth’s High Street, with three bedrooms and a south facing garden.

An immaculate conversion of a 19th Century chapel which has recently been completed to a very high standard with a fabulous roof terrace and spacious accommodation.

EPC Rating C

EPC Ratng C

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Near Newport Price: £950,000 A contemporary country house occupying a rural position with an extensive range of barns set in about 5.5 acres and with wonderful southerly views EPC Rating C Cowes Office: 01983 200880

We can also help you early on, when looking to sell or purchase a property through our design consultancy service, giving you inspiration for a nominal fee which is offset against any further design services commissioned with Mattinson Associates.

(01983) 840953 @mattinsonassociates

enquiries@mattinsonassociates.com www.mattinsonassociates.com

49

spencewillard.co.uk

Shorwell

2020 Edition

Price: £975,000 An outstanding barn conversion set in luscious pasture land towards 16 acres & also benefiting from three delightful holiday let cottages, a vast agricultural barn with stables and stunning views.

TOMBLESON ASSOCIATES

EPC Rating E Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

‘the foundation of property advice’

01983 200442 SURVEYORS • VALUERS • BUILDING ENGINEERS

Building Surveys

Historic Building Advice

HomeBuyer Surveys

Listed Building Advice

Brief Condition Inspections

Party Wall Matters

Valuations

Construction Advice

Project Management

General Property Advice

Call for a FREE initial consultation

01983 200442

info@taiow.com

www.tomblesonassociates.com Marinus, Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7XF

Brook

Cowes

Price: £835,000

Price: £825,000

Well positioned house with a separate, detached cottage and planning permission to extend, in the highly sought-after village of Brook on the South West coast.

A wonderful contemporary home built to a high standard offering sociable, open plan living and entertaining space with gardens backing onto fields.

EPC Rating C

EPC Rating C

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

51

spencewillard.co.uk

Portraits of Island life

Victoria Connor Studio Long Lane Owner

Alex Richards Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Forager

‘We like to embrace all that the Island has to offer and eat out at our local pubs and restaurants often and buy produce that’s come from up the road’

Inspired by the natural beauty of the Isle of Wight

With a whole Island’s worth of coast, downland, forest and field to explore, Alex Richards has forged a whole new part-time career running foraging courses for fellow enthusiasts. So, why foraging?

“I moved back to the Isle of Wight after my Masters degree because it’s home. I’ve always been interested in the sea, it’s my main passion, and walking, swimming, sailing, paddle boarding and generally getting outside and being outside have always been very important to me, and the Island is perfect for getting out and about. Foraging and gardening became a natural extension of being outside and so I initially got an allotment and began to literally delve into the soil and to look around at plants to see what was available to eat.

‘Even though I’m from the Island there are still new places to discover and that’s always very exciting’

Sitting surrounded by beautifully patterned tiles and fabulous flooring, Victoria muses on why the Island is not just a great place for her and her husband Adam to have a business, but also for bringing up their three girls.

“Adam was originally a floor layer and saw that there was a big gap in the Island market for a less run of the mill carpet shop with some special floorings and imaginative designs and designers. He started off in a tiny little showroom but, we’ve now expanded that hugely into the barn and have opened the Studio to provide an interior design service and to really fire up people’s imaginations when it comes to home furnishings. Word of mouth is a big part of business here and gives you a real feeling of community which you quite often don’t find elsewhere and as a stand -alone business that’s very important to us.

Historically I’d always collected elderflowers, been cockling, searching for razor clams or mussels and that’s what I did throughout my childhood. My parents were sailors and we’d go to Newtown or Thorness and have a look to see what we could find, so scrabbling in the undergrowth and sand was quite normal! My allotment is very messy and untamed, and I began looking at the weeds to see which I could eat and that’s where the foraging really sprung from. Now I’ve become far more creative with plants and I’m turning weeds, seeds and wild fruits & berries into pies, tarts, cakes, teas and jams. The more confident I’ve become, the more clued into what I can find and where, and recognise throughout the seasons actually means that I can find lots in winter as well as in the more traditional growing seasons.

Foraging incorporates what I love doing, getting outside, being on the Isle of Wight, finding new beaches, finding new walks because even though I’m from the Island there are still new places to discover and that’s always very exciting.”

Richard Knight Artist A coastal retreat to have for holidays, weekends, dog walking and working was what Richard and partner Christine were looking for and Cowes ticked all of those boxes.

The conundrum for many is where to go when you want to buy a second home. You look along the south coast and it’s very expensive but also very busy and having had holidays here when my children were little – we had friends on the Island who invited us down and we loved it, it seemed like the natural place to come to. The difference about being on an island, which was one of the main reasons that we love it here is that you have 360 degrees of coast unlike any other coastline where you can go left or right and that gives you an amazing choice of beaches and places to go, all of which are a maximum of half an hour away.

‘I can leave my studio in London and within two and a half hours be on the Island’ F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

I’m originally from Cornwall and that, along with Devon is a traditional second home destination but they’re just so far away that it becomes a holiday home as opposed to a second one and we use ours all of the time. I can leave my studio in London and within two and a half hours be on the Island and be set up and engaging with the local community who are so friendly – in Cowes particularly. I also have a studio in the garden here so that allows me to carry on working so there’s no real interruption and yet I’m in this fabulous atmosphere. The beauty of Cowes is that everything is so local so there’s no need to get in the car for anything and I’m five minutes away from the Red Jet, so easy to get to London by train if I need to. All in all, the best of both worlds.

52

I’m originally from South East London so for me, the Isle of Wight is amazing. There are plenty of beaches and open spaces for the kids to grow up and we’ve got a beach hut which the girls just love, not just in the summer but all the year round. We live on Borthwood Copse which is owned by the National Trust and we spend loads of time in there looking for red squirrels and enjoying nature. We like to embrace all that the Island has to offer and eat out at our local pubs and restaurants often, and buy produce that’s come from up the road – it’s important to support our Isle of Wight businesses and be a real part of the local economy.”

Jordan Knight Florist Chelsea Flower Show medal winner Jordan started as a Saturday girl in a florists at the tender age of fifteen and now, with her level four qualification in floristry, runs her own business in Gurnard.

I won my silver medal at Chelsea in 2019 which was the first year that I’d even thought about entering. We made a wired floral crown which meant that everything was made from scratch which took about forty hours in total to make nonstop apart from a few hours’ sleep!

Because of its amazing community spirit the Island is one of the most supportive places to do business – when you work in busier places, people come and go whereas here, I see regular faces, I have repeat business and it makes it a far more enjoyable experience. I get so many events through word of mouth, weddings especially and so it doesn’t take very long for your business to grow and you do feel appreciated which is what it’s all about, when customers make the effort to let you know that they were delighted with what you did.

Every florist is different. Weddings tend to be the bulk of my work and I love them because they’re always different; to see someone’s face on the day when you deliver their flowers is just amazing; I thrive on the pressure to have everything perfect and that’s what I enjoy most. I also run workshops, and these are proving to be really popular, especially around Christmas with wreath making and those were sold out very quickly so I’m looking to at least double them for this year.

My one tip for anyone starting a business on the Island is be prepared. You’ll work long hours and struggle at times but it’s so worth it. Keep doing what you love and be true to yourself.

53

‘My one tip for anyone starting a business on the Island is be prepared.

You’ll work long hours and struggle at times but it’s so worth it’ spencewillard.co.uk

The biosphere is, of course, a year -round pleasure and there are some wonderful highlights and iconic sights which all form part of the picture. If ancient history is your love, then visit St Catherine’s Oratory and reward yourself with stunning views across the sea. The only surviving medieval lighthouse in England, St Catherine’s Oratory stands on one of the highest parts of the Island. The 11-foot tall stone tower is all that remains of the original building, and was built by Walter de Godeton, Lord of Chale, as penance for stealing wine from a shipwreck in Chale Bay in 1313.

Home to dinosaur fossils and surfers and the Glanville Fritillary and Adonis Blue butterflies which thrive on the chalk down land, Compton Bay has also won the Marine Conservation Award. Hugely popular for kitesurfing, surfing and paddle boarding for the hardy and brave, this West Wight beach is part of the Jurassic coast. Further up the coast, one of the most photographed views of the Isle of Wight, The Needles at Alum Bay are a row of three distinctive chalk stacks rising out of the choppy waters. There were originally four stacks with the fourth, now missing stack being needle shaped and named Lot’s Wife after the pillars of salt bible story and which collapsed in 1764. Walk from Freshwater up Tennyson Down through grassland home to skylarks and small blue butterflies in summer, past the Tennyson monument and on to Alum Bay. The Island is a place of immense beauty whatever the weather and with its sustainability efforts, local produce, range of outdoor sports and managed farmland, is a mecca for those looking to put down roots somewhere special. Bob Seeley, MP for the Isle of Wight sums it up, “I’m incredibly proud, because I know what a wonderful and fabulous place the Island is, and I think it’s reminding everybody who lives here how lucky we are to live on the Island, how much we should appreciate it and how much we are responsible for our own regeneration, making sure our kids have a wonderful quality of life, but also really good prospects in the coming year. Celebrating and conserving the landscape is part and parcel of that, so you don’t get either economic regeneration or celebrating the beauty of the Island, it’s got to be both and we have to see our natural resource as a source of enrichment on so many levels.”

The Isle of Wight Biosphere Another great reason to live here Did you know that Isle of Wight was awarded biosphere status in 2019? The Island is officially a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and that makes it only the seventh UK destination to be awarded this very special award. So, what is a Biosphere and why did the Isle of Wight get awarded this honour?

The Isle of Wight is now known as one of the best areas in the world for managed landscapes where human impact doesn’t detract from the natural beauty or the wildlife. As soon as the ferry leaves the mainland to cross the Solent you are in the Reserve and on your way to celebrate the wealth of locally produced food and the huge range of activities that await including water sports, cycling and walking.

With traditional family orientated beaches, the UK’s oldest theme park Blackgang Chine, and the famous sands at Alum Bay, there are plenty of places to make family memories that will last a lifetime. And for those who are looking for tranquillity, escapism and inspiration, there are the elevated chalk downs, coastal landscapes which enjoy a lack of noise and light pollution and interestingly most of south-east England’s ‘Dark Skies’ are found in the area.

Joel Bateman, Isle of Wight AONB Project Officer says, “The Island is a very special place. We have this beautiful mix of fantastic landscape, which is really quite diverse, mixed with 140 thousand people living in and amongst fantastic wildlife, well managed farmland – the Island has a little bit of Southern England all across it and it’s just this astonishing place. This recognition of the fact that the Island is a very special place is very much the starting point to push towards that ultimate sustainable development goal where we’re meeting the needs of the people today while our kids, our grandkids, our great grandkids can meet the needs that they will have in the future. And that’s the great big goal of this, to really push for the future.”

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

54

55

spencewillard.co.uk

LD SO 2020 Edition

Totland Bay

Shorwell

Price: £575,000

Price: £649,950

A well-presented large seven bedroom house on the outskirts of Totland Bay with flexible accommodation for either multiple generational living or a useful income.

This impressive elegant home, nestles beautifully within its plot, offers light and spacious living accommodation and also benefits from a self-contained annexe.

EPC Rating C

EPC Rating D

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Ryde Price: £1,365,000 9 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 5 Reception Rooms A substantial and elegant waterfront property with commanding views overlooking The Solent and walled gardens extending to the sea.

EPC Rating D Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Seaview

Totland Bay

Price: £385,000

An attractive 16th Century cottage boasting many period features with enclosed gardens with off-road parking.

Price: £575,000

EPC Rating D

A substantial, well presented four bedroom detached house occupying an enviable plot with delightful sea views, attractive gardens, double garage and ample parking.

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

EPC Rating C Freshwater Office 01983 756575

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

56

57

spencewillard.co.uk

Building the New Sustainable

Familiar Gurnard figure Jo Manser comes from a family of architects with both his father, who founded The Manser Practice which Jo now runs, and his sister being architects and his mother who is an architectural journalist. With over thirty years’ experience in designing large scale and residential properties in such far flung places as Dar es Salaam and Karachi, his great love is somewhat closer to home on the Isle of Wight – private houses, of which his own is just one of many.

Jo Manser The Manser Practice

The house itself has not been built in a conventionally sustainable way but actually in a manner which in fact makes it more sustainable than many new builds these days as Jo explains. “ It’s highly insulated, we have control over the amount of water that we use, and energy use figures are better than they would have been 10 or 15 years ago, but it’s designed in a very different way. The structure is made out of plywood and its designed on an 8x4 feet grid, so it’s all made of 8x4 sheets of plywood and is sustainable to the extent that there was very little waste in the construction. On average 30% of materials are wasted on construction sites – in our house there are no wall or floor tiles which usually amount to 40% wastage, the wood was largely uncut before use and the waste that left the site in skips was minimal. It’s a different approach to sustainability.”

“I first came to the Island in the late sixties and early seventies on holiday with my parents and then got involved in sailing, based on the Island. From the late nineties, Sarah and I have lived here to a greater or lesser extent in houses that we’ve built and have also been involved in building seven one off private houses here, as well as others within housing developments. If you work hard at it, there are still sites to be found and given how close we are in time terms to London, the price for a site for a house with a view over the water is a good deal less than it would be if you were in somewhere like Lymington for instance.”

The Manser’s home is in an elevated position due to being in a flood risk area and was built on a site which previously housed an old railway carriage

Jo and Sarah have plans to build another house on the Isle of Wight and with that in mind, what is it that’s so attractive about being here? “One of the surprises on the Island, is that you know it has a coastline and towns around that but there is the unspoilt very beautiful countryside in the middle and that is one of its great attractions. There’s also the locally grown and manufactured food – cheese, meat, vegetables and produce and that’s something that not a lot of people know about unless they’re here. If you’re like me, basically a weekender, the process of getting on a ferry and crossing a body of water to get here is a good way of unwinding and decompressing and I can get from my office in Hammersmith to Cowes in under two hours including the Red Jet and spend a weekend messing about on boats, walking or just relaxing. Perfect.”

The Manser’s home is in an elevated position due to being in a flood risk area and was built on a site which previously housed an old railway carriage and had planning permission for a dwelling. But it isn’t until you are actually inside the house that the site reaches a secret unknown potential. “We have a view over the end of the river which is full of old boats and across the Solent and people assume that this is the best view but what they don’t realise until they’re in the house is that we have a long view up the river on the other side over the water meadows and the valley of the river so when you’re sitting in the house you have views in two different directions.

And because it’s up in the air this means that the views are far better then they’d be if the house was at ground level.”

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

58

‘There are still sites to be found and given how close we are in time terms to London, the price for a site for a house with a view over the water is a good deal less than it would be if you were in somewhere like Lymington’

59

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Freshwater Price: ÂŁ940,000 A SMALL ISLAND BUSINESS, SPECIALISING IN IMPROVING THE LANDSCAPE AROUND YOU

A truly magnificent church conversion offering extensive accommodation and commanding southerly views from a hilltop position just a mile from Yarmouth.

EPC Rating F Yarmmouth Office: 01983 761005

Bembridge Price: ÂŁ925,000 A fine Regency property located in the heart of Bembridge village with charming and very private gardens.

Bembridge Office: 01983 873000

Our work takes us all over the island and occasionally to the mainland. We are lucky enough to work at some beautiful properties and locations, planting hedgerows and trees and managing houses, small estates and woodlands, as well as large and small landscaping projects.

The relationship we form with you is very important By listening, understanding and working with you, we hope that it will become a long term relationship as we have with many of our existing clients.

If you are thinking about improving the landscape around you or would like it cared for, please contact us for an informal visit and chat.

T. 01983 760011 | M. 07966 292334 | tony@landscapetherapy.co.uk landscapetherapy.co.uk

61

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

LE D SA REE AG

Cowes

Totland Bay

Price: £465,000

Price: £385,000

A delightful period cottage occupying a prime position within the Old Town with a wonderful landscaped garden.

EPC Rating E

An extensive four bedroom, four bathroom town house within this superb Church conversion with ample parking.

EPC Rating C

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

Yarmouth

Brighstone

Price: £319,950

Price: £349,950

A rare opportunity to acquire an unmodernised charming period cottage with five bedrooms and outbuildings in this sought-after coastal village.

Yarmouth Office: 01983 761005

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

AG SA RE LE ED

A recently refurbished duplex apartment located in the centre of the Conservation Area enjoying magnificent sea/estuary views from a rooftop sunroom and terrace.

Cowes

Alum Bay

Price: £550,000

Price: £320,000

A spacious refurbished apartment with 2 parking spaces, balcony and terrace with direct garden access and panoramic views.

EPC Rating C

A superb three bedroom ground floor apartment within an historic house, set amidst stunning coastal and countryside views.

EPC Rating E

Cowes Office: 01983 200880

Freshwater Office: 01983 756575

63

spencewillard.co.uk

Lettings and Property Management with Spence Willard Letting a property can be a daunting prospect for many, with the perception sometimes being that having a tenant can only result in a damaged property, unpaid rent and hefty legal fees! We can assure you this is not the case and with guidance from our knowledgeable Lettings team, with their wealth of experience and contacts, Spence Willard can assist in ensuring your property is successfully let to the right tenants.

in appointment and the reporting of all meter readings to the various utility companies.

Tenancy and Landlord’s legal requirements are changing at a rapid pace, with further new regulations having come in to affect this Summer, however you can rest assured that Spence Willard keep a close eye on all changes to ensure Landlords’ are always compliant. With our Fully Managed package we keep Landlords informed of pending changes and advise them on what appropriate actions we are taking, giving Landlords the peace of mind that their obligations are always being met.

Established over 20 years ago, our dedicated Lettings and Property Management department deal with a diverse range of managed and unmanaged properties and tenancies across the Island, from modern purpose-built apartments to large family homes and substantial manor houses and their grounds. We pride ourselves in offering Landlords a comprehensive, effective and efficient service from the start of the Lettings process through to the end of a successful tenancy and offer various service levels depending on the amount of input an individual landlord wishes to have once a tenancy has started.

During the lockdown period, we remained fully operational throughout with staff working remotely and contactable through all the usual channels. Frequent communications to both landlords and tenants gave updates on the guidance issued to the Lettings industry by both Government and regulatory bodies as and when it was released. Landlords were kept abreast of emergency changes in Legislation and tenants were offered reassurance that we would work with them and their landlord should there be issues with meeting rent obligations as a consequence of the pandemic.

We deal with many sole property landlords along with Charitable Trusts, commercial and agricultural landlords, with the ability to tailor our services to best suit each landlord’s needs. We offer three basic service levels; Fully Managed, Part Managed and Tenant Finding Only and an easy to understand fee structure for each level. Unlike some Agents we DO NOT add a surcharge to supplier invoices before passing them to a landlord for payment, we DO NOT charge renewal fees to landlords and we DO NOT charge for any hidden extras. So, what do we do?

Working with our trusted contractors we were able to keep all statutory safety certification up to date and attend to any maintenance issues considered urgent. Whilst this is a situation we hope won’t be repeated, we are confident in our abilities to maintain our high standards of service in even the most challenging of environments.

FULL ISLAND WIDE COVERAGE DEDICATED DEPARTMENT WITH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TENANT FINDING, PART MANAGED OR FULLY MANAGED PACKAGES CLEAR FEE STRUCTURE WITH NO HIDDEN EXTRAS ISSUING OF STATUTORY DOCUMENTS COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCING

Contact our Lettings Department today to learn more about our Island wide services:

We DO offer a straightforward and transparent set of fees that represent good value for money for a high standard of service.

T: 01983 761005 E: lettings@spencewillard.co.uk

All service levels include marketing and conducting viewings, applicant selection, issuing of statutory documents ahead of starting an application, full comprehensive referencing and the preparation of all tenancy agreements, deposit paperwork and deposit registration. Our fully managed service also includes the preparation of a full inventory and schedule of condition, check

PROPERTY INSPECTIONS RENT COLLECTION & MONTHLY ACCOUNTING

Laura Homes

Alice MacNab

MEMBER OF REGULATORY BODY PROPERTYMARK MEMBER OF THE RICS CLIENT MONEY PROTECTION SCHEME

64

65

spencewillard.co.uk

2020 Edition

Design Services by Spence Willard

Let Agreed

© Blyth-Collinson Interiors

Staging & Styling | Architecture Interior Design | Furniture Packages

Bouldnor

Cowes

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms

Our understanding surrounding the events that take place when buying and selling a property on the Isle of Wight is something we pride ourselves on and we value our clients and our clients’ buyers positive experience enormously.

We understand the emotive side, the financial side and fundamentally the overall upheaval it brings into your life.

Which is why we tailor our service to be personable and truly helpful. We are proud to offer a range of services enhanced by carefully selected professionals to help you with preparing your property to achieve maximum results, turning your property dreams in to a reality, furnishing a vacant property to sell or let, designing the interiors of your new home or fully renovating your property to put your stamp on it!

There are a multitude of cosmetic or structural changes that we know you will invariably want to make: whether you’re buying or selling. Now under the umbrella of our Design Services, run by our specialists Alice & Nick Barrington-Wells, we are in a position to really help make this additional side to your property’s future part of our process with you as well.

‘Our aim is to ensure you work with the very best professional design services available to ease the selling or purchasing process as much as possible’

Why not find out more? designservices@spencewillard.co.uk www.spencewillard.co.uk/designservices

St Helens

3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

Gatcombe

4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms

Whitwell

4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

Bembridge

4 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom

We cover all levels of the market, Island wide so do not hesitate to get in touch for our expertise and advise F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

66

67

spencewillard.co.uk

Testimonials

2020 Edition

2020 Edition

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

We pride ourselves on providing an unrivalled experience, but don’t just take our word for it…

Many thanks for a brilliant performance over the last few months. Selling Cliff House at the guide price was impressive and your support though the process is much appreciated. We have a few things to do now at our new home, but it’s a nice project and full of potential, so we are quite happy.

Having just completed a sale with Spence Willard, I would like to say that they were easy to deal with. They were very prompt with the viewing and professional in all dealings with them.

I would be happy to recommend them to anyone seeking property in the future.

Thank you again and best wishes!

Mr & Mrs P, Cowes

Meet the team CO W E S

Mr & Mrs F, Yarmouth Very many thanks to both Duncan and Lesley in helping us through the process of buying our lovely home. They were knowledgeable and caring throughout.

As you know this was quite a complicated and lengthy move for us from the mainland having lost our buyer twice, but with your help we stuck with our plan and are delighted all of our efforts and yours have been so richly rewarded .

A really professional service from Sam Branston and his team at Spence Willard, Bembridge. All calls were returned promptly, we were always kept in the loop with our house purchase and given sensible advice and assistance which was much appreciated as we are new islanders. For me, the team has a high level of integrity, they are realistic about local house sale prices, and the house we wanted to purchase was taken off the market as soon as our offer was verbally accepted. This was much appreciated and took a lot of the stress out of the purchase process. I would highly recommend Sam and his team at Spence Willard, Bembridge.

We have dealt with quite a few estate agents over the past two years and Spence Willard Freshwater stands out head and shoulders above the competition with such a professional and friendly service.

Well done and thank you to you and your team.

Mr & Mrs S, Freshwater The Freshwater branch gave us a consistently professional service. Your pricing was realistic, you were proactive and enthusiastic without being pushy and always gave us your full attention. You kept us in the loop with regular updates. We had confidence that you had the experience to give us a good service.

We were impressed by the quality of the photographs. We agreed that you restored our faith in estate agents, as I think we told you at the time!

Mrs L, Bembridge This was my 8th house move & I have to say the best experience of estate agents yet. From the valuation right through to the day of completion, every step, & there were many, was made a smooth as possible. Their contact was regular and informative and any queries between myself & purchaser was dealt with in a wise & professional way. The Cowes office are a great team; I met a number of them during the process however special thanks must go to Emma who was my main point of contact.

Coronavirus lockdown obviously put obstacles in the way but you wouldn’t know it as she kept the process running smoothly & on track. Huge thanks from a very happy customer.

With regard to what you could have done better, we are not experienced in property transactions, and as far as we were concerned, we were very happy with the service and advice we received from Spence Willard.

Mr & Mrs D, Freshwater

After interviewing several agencies Spence Willard tower all other agencies by noticing the details of our fully refurbished large Victorian property…Other agencies did not have the professionalism required…We did not wish to be treated as a number!

Tanya Hill

Zadie Margham

Emma Bradley

YA R M O U T H

Duncan Willard

LETTINGS

Lesley Samson

Laura Homes

Alice MacNab

Lauren Taylor

Charlotte Branston

Claire Wright

BEMBRIDGE

Sam Branston

LO N D O N

F R E S H WAT E R

Mr & Mrs M, Cowes

After about 10 organised visits, we can summarise by saying 7 interested parties, 4 serious offers, and 1 accepted! The service offered by Spence Willard, Monsieur Sam in particular was to accompany the seller as well as the buyer right until the completion day, this was done very efficiently.

I need to tell you just how efficient, professional and nothing too much trouble for Jane and Jason at your Freshwater office.

Always on the ball, always return ‘phone calls promptly, kept me informed on a regular basis of my sale and purchase progress (both through Spence Willard), chased solicitors, nothing was ever overlooked. Great pair. They are both a great credit to Spence Willard.

Mr J N, Shanklin

Mrs J, Freshwater

F I N E CO A S TA L & CO U N T R Y P R O P E R T I E S

Charles Spence

Mr & Mrs W, Yarmouth

68

Jason Siviter

Jane Hadlow

David Langford

Bob Bickersteth

A professional, experienced team with a passion for the Isle of Wight spencewillard.co.uk

. co. u k C O W E S . B E M B R I D G E . YA R M O U T H . F R E S H WAT E R . L O N D O N