The Esplanade, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

ST AUGUSTINE, a Victorian marine villa built in 1845, is possibly one of the Islands most photographed buildings. Situated in an elevated position on the seafront at Ventnor with simply stunning 180 degree sea views from mostly all of it's rooms. Since it was built it has seen Ventnor change from a sleepy fishing village to a booming tourist resort at the turn of the century- when it was realised that the microclimate it enjoys had a positive effect for people that suffered from diseases of the chest. The noted Russian aristocrat and political thinker Alexander Herzen also stayed here with his family in the summer of 1855.
The property has been operating as a guest house since 1900 and since the present owners took over in 2000- all the rooms have been updated to include en suite bath or shower rooms, and they also added a spotless commercial kitchen. St Augustine would be ideal for a couple or family looking for a successful business of this nature on the Island. However, with some minor adjustments and planning permission, St Augustine would once again make a very fine and substantial private residence.

GROUND FLOOR ACCOMMODATION The ground floor boasts lovely rooms all with outstanding sea views. The front doors opens to a welcoming lobby area then through to the main hall with doors off to a bar and office area, drawing room, dining room and conservatory. The kitchen and boiler room are to the rear of the building as is the access to the room above the garage.

OFFICE/SNUG ROOM 19' 11" x 12' 8" (6.07m x 3.86m) With stunning sea views to the south and east. Comfortable seating area. Double doors to south facing terrace.

DRAWING ROOM 21' 2" x 13' 5" (6.45m x 4.09m) An elegant room with fabulous sea views through two sets of double doors to the south facing terrace. The room has added character with an original William IV 'Peace and plenty' fireplace with multi-fuel stove.

DINING ROOM 23' 7" x 15' 3" (7.19m x 4.65m) A lovely large room with original features and doors to the conservatory.

CONSERVATORY/BREAKFAST ROOM 18' 11" x 9' 1" (5.77m x 2.77m) Absolutely awesome views of Ventnor Bay and along the coast to St Catherine's Point.

KITCHEN AND STORE An immaculate commercial kitchen that is well equipped with appliances as one would expect. From the kitchen there is door to the store room housing two gas central heating boilers.

GARAGE AND COACH HOUSE ACCOMMODATION Accessed from the inner lobby or separate external door is the first floor coach house room with large garage below. The coach house has great sea views and a bathroom suite across the landing.

FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR BEDROOMS Almost all of the bedrooms have superb sea views and all are fitted with an en suite bath or shower room. The rooms are individually listed on the floorplan, with measurements and orientation.

OWNERS ACCOMMODATION Situated on the second floor with superb views of the bay and access out to the gardens and terrace is the large owners accommodation. This comprises an open plan living area and kitchen area, bathroom, storage cupboard and large bedroom.

OUTSIDE Some of the best sea views in Ventnor can be had from St Augustine's many terraces and viewing areas. To the front of the property is a lovely level terrace and small lawn with easy access to all the reception rooms on the ground floor.
The middle terrace has a narrow path leading to great viewing area with fabulous views of Ventnor Haven and Cascade; the perfect hot tub spot!!
The upper terrace again has stunning sea views and includes a garden area at rear which has best 'sea views' in Ventnor and potentially a building site for a new property, subject to local consent.
There is parking for a number of cars.

VENTNOR A Victorian town with a Mediterranean feel, Ventnor is one of the sunniest spots in the country. Built on a series of terraces beneath St. Boniface Down the town's roads zigzag down to the sea past the beautifully planted cascades. The seafront enjoys a surprisingly mild climate due to sheltering cliffs and southerly aspect. The Western Esplanade has a part sand, part fine shingle beach, good for sunbathing and swimming and adjacent to pubs, cafes, amusements, paddling pool and seafront car park.
The seafront's eastern promenade leads to Bonchurch, the Island's best preserved Victorian village much favoured by prominent Victorian literatti. Charles Dickens wrote part of David Copperfield whilst staying at Bonchurch. Between village and shore is the tiny Old Church of St. Boniface constructed by Benedictine monks around 1070.
The car park at the western end of the Esplanade adjoins the coastal path along the western cliffs, which affords spectacular views of the bay. The path winds inland to Ventnor Park, where you will find a putting green and beautiful gardens before continuing on to Castle Cove and along the sea wall to picturesque Steephill Cove and the Botanic Gardens.

TENURE Freehold

VIEWING Strictly via the owners sole agents Waterside Isle of Wight