THE way Sandown's Ocean Hotel has been left abandoned and derelict is a scandal, the building's new squatters have said.
The squatters are from The Nutters Productions (Historical Preservation Society Branch), including Arron Swaffer.
He is the film director responsible for the 2012 documentary, A Darker Shade of Wight.
The squatters claim they have been researching the heritage of the seafront property and are intending to occupy it and clean up the "shocking mess" the once grand hotel has been left in.
They said: "We want to preserve the history of the Ocean Hotel and attempt to clean up the shocking mess that has been left on the site.
"No visible restoration work has been done to the property since it was sold to Carlauren and it looks as though there was a purposeful attempt to make the site look derelict from the start.
"Going by how other Carlauren properties have been left to the elements and vandals, the likelihood is that the Ocean could be left to decay for years to come before anything is done.
"Without the millions of pounds to invest ourselves, we decided this is how we can best attempt to save this beautiful and historical building.
"I'm quite disheartened by the state that this property is in now. For the last few years, I've been writing a book on Lewis Carroll's extensive visits to the Island which included this building and the way things were going I feared it wouldn't exist by the time I get to a point of publication.
"Our intent is to protect as much of the building and its history from vandals and decay as possible.
"For a hotel like this that is coming up to 200 years old, it is a shocking oversight that it hasn’t been listed and protected already.
"The original brickwork of the exterior of the King's Head wing is beneath layers of plaster and paint. I think people would be pleasantly surprised to view it in its original glory if this were stripped back. With time and care, we believe this is entirely possible."
The squatters sent the County Press a photo from inside the King's Head wing, showing the staircase which ascends from a downstairs coffee lounge, up to the rooms which Charles Darwin and Lewis Carroll occupied in the past.
They said it still survives in all its 'decadent splendour' and the previous owners had carefully bubble-wrapped it before leaving, thinking the premises was due to become a luxury care facility.
Darwin arrived in 1858, fleeing an epidemic of scarlet fever with his family that had swept through his village.
He is said to have brought with him notebooks from which he would build his abstract that became On the Origin of Species. The notebooks made world headlines recently, discovered missing from Cambridge library.
In 1874, Carroll stayed at the premises, enjoying many days out, watching Sandown Regatta and enjoying coach trips to Carisbrooke Castle.
The squatters said: "With a notable past that is both important and beautiful, this hotel should be a priority to anyone interested in the preservation of the Isle of Wight's history and connections.
"The way it has been left to degrade in the manner it has is a scandal. We wish to raise awareness of the situation as well as try to save what we can to the best of our abilities.
"Our group has no wish to cause any disturbance or damage regarding the building or trouble for the town of Sandown.
"If anyone would like to contact us with ideas or information, please feel free to. If you see any of our people on the site, the best way to support us is to be kind and courteous and let us continue in peace."
Notices have been placed on the outside of the building, advising that any attempt to enter the premises will lead to prosecution, with at least one of the squatters occupying the property at all times.
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