Stockbridge Manor is a beautiful manor house which dates back to 1560 - situated in ‘An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ on the edge of the rural village of Whitwell close to the south coast of the Island. This is a wonderful walking area with footpaths leading directly from the manor house into the countryside and on to the downs. There are very attractive walks to the nearby picturesque village of Godshill and the coastal village of Niton. The centre of Whitwell, with its 16th Century church and a public house for meals, is within 5 minutes walk. The seaside resort of Ventnor is less than a 10 minute drive away and also nearby are the sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin. Stockbridge Manor is an exceptional and wonderful property with its stone walls, mullioned windows, leaded lights small tower and impressive solid wood doors. It is a house with a feeling of regal history and a wonderful luxurious opulence with a touch of a baroque influence. Walking into this beautiful manor house is like walking into another era with its delightful antique furnishings, elaborate rich brocades and silks, panelling, coats of armour and open log fires. You can enjoy tea in the great hall with its panelled walls and impressive stone fire place adorned with statues. There is a wonderful drawing room which is spacious and elegant with a grand piano, lovely rugs and deep luxurious sofas. This room also has a large open fire place which provides a wonderful focus when the logs are blazing. French doors open from here on to a terrace which leads to the swimming pool. The dining room has an amazing baroque feel with the rich use of materials, gold ornamentation and mirrors, accentuated by an elaborate ceiling painting. Here there is a large dining table where an evening meal with fine china and crystal glasses can provide a memorable experience. French doors also lead from here into the garden. The fitted kitchen is of a traditional style with granite work tops and is very well equipped. There is an AGA with 4 ovens, 2 hot plates plus an integral electric hotplate; a microwave, dishwasher, large American style fridge freezer and a washer/dryer. There is also a cloakroom on the ground floor with a W.C and basin.
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Stairs lead up from the delightful panelled hall with its large gong for summoning guests to dinner. The ancient stair case winds up to four wonderful and very individual bedchambers which all exclude the feeling of luxury and romance. The rooms are reached along winding passageways which add to the feeling of expectation and mystery. They all have either four poster beds or half tester beds with elaborate hangings and luxurious coverings and all have a private shower room or bathroom. In addition a real fire can be enjoyed in each of the bed chambers by use of wood and log burning stoves in the fireplaces. The Royal Bedchamber is situated in its own wing of the house and is an extremely spacious room with a 4 poster bed, a pleasant sitting area and windows overlooking the garden. This room has an awe inspiring en-suite mirrored bathroom with a spa bath, gold fittings, marble tops, WC and basin; the Kings Bedchamber has a majestic half tester canopy bed and an en-suite shower room with built in shower, WC and basin; the Duchess Bedchamber has a four poster bed, wood burner and en-suite bathroom with w.c.; The Princess Bedchamber has a four poster bed and access to its own lovely shower room with WC and basin immediately adjacent to the bedroom. Whilst Stockbridge manor is furnished in a very traditional style it does offer almost every modern convenience, with central heating, plentiful supplies of hot water; a large flat screen television with Sky and DVD player in the drawing room; a small flat screen television in the kitchen; flat screen televisions with integral DVD players in each of the bedchambers. A telephone is available plus internet access and WiFi. (It is possible for 2 additional temporary beds to be provided to enable children to sleep separately). Arrangements can be made for a daily maid service to be provided and for special occasion meals to be cooked for you.
Stockbridge Manor is set in its own grounds with impressive iron gates opening into its delightful gardens which are an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Stone steps lead to a lower lawn which extends to a clear stream which winds itself through the grounds of the manor, under an ancient stone bridge until it falls as a small cascade. The bridge which crosses the stream leads to a little woodland walk next to the stream. To the far side of the lawn is a large pond which is home to a variety of fish. There are also some lovely dove cotes. Adjacent to the house is a terrace with garden furniture and a delightful enclosed outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a small summer house and slide. The pool is heated from the beginning of May to the end of September. (Children need to be closely supervised at all times due to the stream, fish pond and swimming pool.) One area of the garden is used purely for growing flowers and this makes it possible for there to be an array of fresh flowers carefully arranged throughout the house. Further grounds of the Manor are home to sheep, chickens, doves, horses and cattle. Access to the manor house from the village is along a traditional unmade lane. Electric gates open into the drive where cars can be parked. Bookings are Saturday – Saturday. The East Wing of the manor house has its own private access from the lane and a private walled garden at the side of the manor house. This wing sleeps 4 and is available separately for holidays also from Saturday – Saturday. A small discount is available if the manor house is rented in conjunction with the wing.There are fishing lakes in the village; golf courses at Freshwater, Sandown and Cowes; historic sites to be enjoyed such as Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House – the Island home of Queen Victoria; entertainments for children at the seaside resorts plus Blackgang Adventure Park, Robin Hill, Amazon Adventure; sailing and boating activities; the steam railway; good restaurants with AA rossetts at Ventnor, Bonchurch, Yarmouth and Seaview.
