Undermount is a hidden gem in the coastal village of Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight, which is well known for its literary connections with writers including Charles Dickens, Henry De Vere Stacpoole and Algernon Swinburne.
The building is Grade II-listed and 2 Undermount is approached via an impressive stone tunnel through a rock outcrop, which was rumoured to have be created to provide Queen Victoria with a grand entrance if she were to visit.
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Originally a farmhouse, Sir and Lady Pringle; Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria, bought the property in 1851 when it was improved.
This five-bed property is packed with architectural details, including Minton Victorian tiles, mullion windows, stained glass windows and an original solid wood staircase.
There is an impressive entrance façade with unusual lanterned windows and attractive glazed arched doors, opening into a grand entrance hall which enjoys high ornate ceilings, a decorative tiled floor and a large wooden fireplace with stove.
The kitchen is fitted with a range of base and wall cupboards with a built-in oven and hob over and space for a fridge and freezer.
The sitting room is an attractive room with a fireplace, benefitting from high ceilings with period detailing, and an unusual box bay window which incorporates double doors opening onto the pretty gardens.
The wide ornate carved wooden staircase gives you a feeling of grandeur as it leads to the first floor.
The spacious landing is lit by a large impressive stained glass window which is decorated with flower emblems and wording scrolls, leaded and set into an impressive stone mullion window.
Three double bedrooms and a bathroom and a shower room are located on this floor.
The rear bedrooms enjoy views across the pretty gardens and may have sea glimpses in the winter.
On the second floor, there is a study and two further large attic bedrooms.
The attic is spacious and quirky with some interesting period details, while the spacious study has a pretty arched window.
There is also a basement and a suite of open store/workrooms.
Outside, the gardens at Undermount are a joy.
Surrounding the impressive tunnel, the area is mostly wooded with a sunken path to the coastal footpath.
The drive provides parking and each property within Undermount has a private area of garden to the rear, which is lawned with well planted screening and opens onto a large communal garden reminiscent of gardens at a grand period property.
To the rear is a winding path which leads to Shore Road and onto the beach between Horseshoe Bay and Monks Bay.
Bonchurch is not far from the cosmopolitan town of Ventnor, which has a fabulous range of locally owned shops, cafes and restaurants, including the well-known Smoking Lobster restaurant.
It is also not far from attractions such as Ventnor Botanic Garden, St Catherine's Lighthouse and Blackgang Chine.
LOCATION: Bonchurch
BEDROOMS: Five
PRICE: £550,000
AGENT: Hose Rhodes Dickson
TEL: (01983) 855525
WEB: hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk
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