An iconic Isle of Wight house, which saw its market value depreciated after a landslip caused damage, has been sold.

Haddon Lake House on Old Park Road, St Lawrence featured in Channel 4 series George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces last year and was the 2008 winner of TV series, I Own Britain’s Best Home and Garden.

Known for its striking design by architects Michael Rainey and Simon Clark, the self-build property was listed at nearly £2 million just two years ago.

After a landslip robbed the house of much of its lake in March this year, the property was listed with Clive Emson Auctioneers but failed to sell.


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That was until this week, when it was purchased by a private buyer with a guide price of £700,000 to £750,000.

Rob Marchant, the firm’s Island auctioneer, said: “Contracts have been exchanged and the new owner is chuffed to bits – he was following our auction online from abroad and was fervently hoping that this stunning and highly desirable house wouldn’t sell.

“On return to the UK, he made a beeline for Haddon Lake House and was so impressed that he made an offer which was accepted by the vendor and was close to the guide price."

Formerly part of the pleasure grounds of Old Park - a Victorian mansion dating back to the 1820s - Haddon Lake House sits on a plot of around two acres in a wooded undercliff.

The gardens have also attracted national and international attention in their own right.

A quotation in print by Andrew Wilson, garden author and chair of assessors for RHS Chelsea show gardens: “Some places are simply special, revealing their unique character as one arrives, drawing the visitor in with a distinctive personality and presence.

“Haddon Lake House is such a place; one dip into its isolated beauty and you will be forever hooked.”

(Image: Clive Emson) (Image: Clive Emson)

Robert said at the time of auction listing: “The landscape restoration project has included the careful reinstatement of the early Victorian walled kitchen garden, complete with period greenhouse, cold frames, potting shed and access paths.

“Adjoining the walled garden is a contemporary Japanese-style influence courtyard that acts as a cool contrast to the walled garden.

“Both the garden and house have been widely featured in national and international media, winning awards for both the architecture and landscape.

“The main house provides flexible living accommodation over three floors and has on occasions in the past been split to provide two self-contained dwellings.

“This division could of course continue with a view to providing annexe or holiday accommodation should the new owners so require.

“In more recent times the Boathouse has been converted to provide stylish detached living accommodation, adjoining the walled kitchen garden.

“This additional accommodation has given the site still further flexibility in respect of its accommodation, with the Boathouse having been used as a successful commercial holiday let in the recent past.