Perched on the cliffs above Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight, Holmes House overlooks one of the most vibrant and interesting stretches of sea in the UK.

Hurst Castle is just threequarters of a mile away at the narrowest point across The Solent, while the New Forest coastline is approximately three miles north.

Scroll through the gallery of pictures above to see more of this stunning home...

There is a clever cantilevered entertaining deck that extends over the cliff and is the ultimate place for sunset watching, with views along the south coast from Lymington to Bournemouth.

Constructed before 1900, Holmes House was built for a notable naval officer and created by W.H. Paul of Totland for the Heytesbury Estate.

Isle of Wight County Press: Holmes House has panoramic views of The Solent, including Hurst Castle.Holmes House has panoramic views of The Solent, including Hurst Castle.

It was a private home, then a hotel, and was a commandeered officer’s barracks in Second World War, strategically overlooking the anti-U-boat chains across The Solent.

This fabulous house has an unusual combination of being a substantial beachside residence, as well as having high quality facilities for the equine enthusiast.

There are paddocks on the south and eastern side with stabling for six horses, a tack room and storage.

An all-weather 40m x 20m menage with dressage mirrors has been constructed between the fields where there are facilities for show-jumping and eventing practice.

Post and rail fencing divides the paddocks and power and water are supplied to the outbuildings and paddocks.

There is a former grass tennis court, and a heated swimming pool with a large cabana/changing area and a spacious patio. Extensive outbuildings include a small gym.

Isle of Wight County Press: All the principal rooms have sea views. Photo by Steve Thearle.All the principal rooms have sea views. Photo by Steve Thearle.

The principal rooms offer large proportions with high ceilings and have original wood herringbone parquet floors and large windows.

The ground floor comprises of a foyer/drawing room with an open fireplace, a formal living room/dining room, which comfortably seats 36 guests, and a full bar and bar room.

There is a rear media/playroom, and a cosy formal library/study.

The informal country farmhouse-style kitchen with refurbished Aga leads to the large rear deck with potted kitchen garden, and also to a large utility/boot room.

The wide main staircase leads to the first floor with six bedrooms (five ensuite) — most of which have fine sea views.

The second floor has a further three bedrooms with a full bathroom, and all second floor bedrooms feature a hand-basin. There’s extensive eaves and attic storage.

Holmes House is the perfect property for entertaining. The extensive grounds give rise to the opportunity for a helipad, mooring, conservatory and greenhouses — subject to planning permission.

As well as being close to Colwell Bay and The Hut restaurant, it's just a short stroll to nearby Totland, or a five-minute drive to Yarmouth, for the nearest Wightlink car ferry connections to the mainland.

Yarmouth is also home to some amazing eateries, such as Salty's Bar and Restaurant and The George, as well as a range of independently owned shops.

 

LOCATION: Colwell Bay

BEDROOMS: Ten

PRICE: £4,950,000

AGENT: Spence Willard

TEL: 01983 761005

WEB: spencewillard.co.uk

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