Culver Down Manor
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Overview
One of the Isle of Wight's most exceptional properties, Culver Down Manor is an elegant art-deco mansion overlooking Sandown Bay from a prime clifftop setting. Built in the 1920's, this building maintains glorious original features, including huge shimmering garden water features, statues and stain glass windows that frame the striking coastal vistas reaching out to Culver Cliff.
As you step into the reception area you are instantly transported back in time, from the piano and ornamental period lampshades to the wooden panelling and even the old boot cleaner.
The rooms each offer an abundance of floor space, and are all tastefully furnished to continue the art-deco experience within spaces filled with softly reflected natural light.
The magnificent 22 seater dining table and the grand lounge area are the perfect spaces to arrange a family get together or reunion of friends as part of an incredible self-catering holiday, where you can be in absolute privacy within this architectural masterpiece.
What you should know…
- When this house was built, the concept of en-suite bathrooms throughout was not a consideration.
- The many beautiful ponds and water features mean you need to keep an eye on young children in the gardens
- It's about 70 steps to walk down the cliff to the beach (or a 600metre walk down the cliff path)
Property Features
The large entrance hall with grand staircase and beautiful stained glass windows is sure to impress guests upon entering the property. This has been thoughtfully appointed with coat stands, a boot cleaner, two benches, three arm chairs, a tourist information leaflet display stand, bureau, writing desk, plus a piano ensuring the space is fully utilised.
The formal dining room has half wood panelled walls and solid wood vintage retro dining table seating up to 22, and a music system is available for the guests enjoyment also. Lighting levels are very good with two ceiling and four wall lights, plus 3 freestanding lamps allowing guests to create mood lighting if desired.
The ground floor conservatory is the perfect place to sit and relax and enjoy views of the gardens.
The morning room, accessed from either the hallway or conservatory, serves as a second living area or bedroom 7 for occasional use and has been furnished with two day beds. A coffee table, TV with DVD player, music system, small selection of books and DVDs plus a wardrobe stocked with board games are all in place for the guests enjoyment and entertainment.
The spacious and bright living room is furnished with five large sofa's and four armchairs to ensure all the guests can comfortably socialise together. Flexible lighting levels are provided by two ceiling lights, four wall lights and four freestanding lamps, and the room is effectively warmed by central heating, plus a fire is available as an additional heat source in the cooler months.
High quality occasional furniture is supplied for guests convenience including a coffee table and 6 side tables. Entertainment is provided by a large flat screen TV and Sonos music system plus a small selection of books and magazines are supplied for the guests enjoyment.
Master Bedroom/Bridal Suite
King size bed under a wonderful large Art Deco round window and amazing views across the sea. There is a chaise longue, plus a short day-bed suitable for a child. The room offers plenty of space that provides room for a cot. The room certainly boasts the best panoramic sea views from the house and also opens to the upstairs sunroom.
Bedroom 2
A king size bedroom which opens to the upstairs sunroom with panoramic sea views
The Family Bedroom (Bedroom 3)
Well proportioned bedroom with double bed. There are two additional single beds available in this room.
Bedroom 4
A king size bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The room has stunning sea views
Bedroom 5
A little smaller than the other bedrooms, but is a duplex room. A king size bed side sea view and view to the front of the house Bedroom
Bedroom 6
Downstairs Two single beds with memory foam mattresses. Wheelchair access (private front door) and a wet room (disabled access en-suite shower). Facing the front of the house, but next to the kitchen for sneaky midnight snacks.
Morning Room (Optional Bedroom 7, Downstairs)
Two day beds (both singles), as this room is really a secondary lounge. Perfect for two adults or teenagers Room for a cot Opens into the downstairs sun room and lovely garden views
Please Note: There is limited flexibility to change the bed arrangements. One wooden cot and two additional travel cots are available. Visitors will need to provide their own bedding and sheets for all cots. Visitors may bring additional travel cots with prior approval. Please note that all the rooms throughout 2015 are subject to change in both the furniture and the decorations.
Location
About the surrounding area of Culver Down ManorCulver Down Manor is located about a mile from the town of Shanklin, where the Isle of Wight railway terminates. We have ample parking for 6 cars, but you can also come on foot, catching the train from Waterloo, London to Portsmouth Harbour, getting the Cat over and then the Island Train (a 1930's Central Line tube train...honestly!). Get an inclusive ticket!
The Isle of Wight is like going back to 1950's England, the pace is slower, and the pubs are wonderful. We have provided a large secure outhouse for devoted cyclists, although you can hire a bike locally very easily. There is a golf club about 5 miles away, but you might get distracted by the pubs on the way back.
From the house, there are wonderful cliff top walks (or runs), and you are right above the Blue Flag beach (actually it is a lot of steps to get down, perfect for walking off the dinner). There are lots of cycle routes across the island. Of course there are many local attractions, but bring a book, sit in the sunroom and enjoy the 3/4 acre gardens and spectacular views over the bay.
The whole of the Isle of Wight awaits you.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bournemouth and Southampton
(26-30 km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry port |
Fishbourne
(15 km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Shanklin or Lake
(2 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Shanklin
(2 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Shanklin
(2 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Numerous
(1 km) |
||
| Nearest Shop | 500 yards to CoOp | ||
| Nearest Beach | 100 Yards | ||
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesYou will not have stayed anywhere quite like this before, where the decor is so loyal to the art deco styling, and sure to excite young imaginations.
Many of the rooms are available as family rooms, with additional single beds and in one room, bunk beds too, so you can easily bring 6 families and be comfortable.
There's also a selection of traditional board games and a small library.
BABY AND TODDLER EQUIPMENT
Plastic crockery: x3
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Plastic crockery
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Walk to Beach
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Indoor Games
- DVD
- Fenced Grounds
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Babysitting Available
- Property host
At an additional charge a range of services can be provided:
1. License pending, but expect to be granted March 2015 for you to pre-order Champagnes, large bottles of wine (magnums and up), fine wines, desert wines.
2. 1930's Cream Tea, served in antique bone china cups, old style sandwiches and cakes for that authentic afternoon trip back in time.
3. Freshly prepared dinners, delivered in tray ready for you to pop into the oven, lovingly created by leading chefs of the Island.
4. A fully catered dinner, freshly cooked on the premises by professional chefs.
5. Cakes for any occasion, custom made according to your specification.
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £750 - UK pounds (£1000 if its a hen or stag do) payable before arriving at the property, and will be refunded in full within 1 week of departure so long as there is no excessive cleaning or damages. |
| Arrival time | STRICTLY 4 PM (Not Before! as house takes time to prepare and to have everything ready for your arrival) |
| Departure time | 10 AM |
Terms & Conditions
Please note: There will be scaffolding at the property between the 16th April - 7th May 2018 while renovation work to the exterior of the property takes place. No work will be undertaken between 4pm Friday and 9am Monday and never after 4pm weekdays. The workmen will not be entering the property.
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £750 - UK pounds (£1000 if its a hen or stag do) payable before arriving at the property, and will be refunded in full within 1 week of departure so long as there is no excessive cleaning or damages. |
| Arrival time | STRICTLY 4 PM (Not Before! as house takes time to prepare and to have everything ready for your arrival) |
| Departure time | 10 AM |
| Energy costs included? | YES |
| Heating costs included? | YES |
| End of stay cleaning included? | YES, BUT PLEASE TIDY UP BEFORE LEAVING! |
| Linen & towels included? | YES |
| Pets welcome? | Not unless agreed prior to booking |
| Smoking Allowed? | OUTSIDE ONLY |
| Changeover day | Any day except Sunday |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 24th 2019 - Jul 19th 2019 | £2,849 | £3,096 | £3,344 | £3,591 | £4,085 |
| Jul 19th 2019 - Aug 30th 2019 | - | - | - | - | £6,128 |
| Aug 30th 2019 - Oct 18th 2019 | £2,473 | £2,731 | £2,989 | £3,247 | £3,763 |
| Oct 18th 2019 - Nov 3rd 2019 | - | - | - | - | £5,590 |
| Nov 3rd 2019 - Dec 23rd 2019 | £2,365 | £2,580 | £2,795 | £3,010 | £3,440 |
| Dec 23rd 2019 - Dec 30th 2019 | - | - | - | - | £5,375 |
| Dec 30th 2019 - Jan 3rd 2020 | - | - | - | - | £4,838 |
| Jan 3rd 2020 - Apr 3rd 2020 | £2,150 | £2,236 | £2,322 | £2,408 | £2,580 |
| Apr 3rd 2020 - Apr 17th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £5,805 |
| Apr 17th 2020 - May 22nd 2020 | £2,795 | £3,010 | £3,225 | £3,440 | £3,870 |
| May 22nd 2020 - May 29th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £4,515 |
| May 29th 2020 - Jul 10th 2020 | £2,849 | £3,097 | £3,344 | £3,591 | £4,085 |
| Jul 10th 2020 - Aug 30th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £5,913 |
| Aug 30th 2020 - Oct 23rd 2020 | £1,935 | £2,120 | £2,304 | £2,489 | £2,688 |
| Oct 23rd 2020 - Oct 31st 2020 | - | - | - | - | £5,590 |
| Oct 31st 2020 - Dec 21st 2020 | £2,365 | £2,580 | £2,795 | £3,010 | £3,440 |
| Dec 21st 2020 - Dec 25th 2020 | - | - | - | - | £5,913 |
Please note that prices may not be 100% accurate for dates outside of the current calendar year. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Owner name
Laurence and Sharon
How long have you owned the property?
Under 1 year
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
This property...
Owner Profile
Owner name
Laurence and Sharon
How long have you owned the property?
Under 1 year
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
This property was bought because we love it, we love the architecture and we love the design. Each year we will introduce more and more Art-Deco 1930's features including more Art-Deco furnishings. Our goal over the next five years is to make this property one of the leading Art Deco houses in the UK. Uniquely, our business plan is that any profits we make from this house will be reinvested in the house, upgrading it continually.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
It would appear that the most influential owners of the House, were the colourful local characters H(orace) Terry Wood and his wife Sadie, who purchased the house and lived and partied there for many years from the 1930's They were responsible for installing the distinctive Art Deco pond and garden design, as these did not previously exist as evidenced by the 1933 particulars of sale. Sadie also installed on brick patio on the lawn facing the sea, two statues of the Great Dane dogs she had been raised with. H Terry Wood owned the Shanklin brewery, several hotels on the island (including the Holliers) and most significantly, Shanklin Pier housing Shanklin Casino and concert theatre which hosted many evening entertainment events. It is documented in several books that the Terry Woods hosted many after-show parties at their home, entertaining stars of the time such as Arthur Askey, Jimmy Tarbuck and Tommy Trinder.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
Arthur Askey, Jimmy Tarbuck and Tommy Trinder. (before our time!)
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should...
Really do? The Coastal Walk, from the bottom of our garden, and incredibly all round the Island!
Really eat? Fresh locally caught fish in the many restaurants and fish and chip shops on the Island
Really see? The many antique shops everywhere, and of course Queen Victoria's Osborne House
Lastly, what insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
Check out MattAndCat online as they seem to have reviewed every pub, every restaurant, in fact EVERYTHING on the Isle of Wight.
Reviews
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Happy memories!
There were 3 generations of the family staying. 13 in total. Very well equipped and more glasses than most pubs have. Only slight downside is that en suite was not in vogue when the property was built. There are however enough bathrooms to allocate one to each bedroom, so only a very minor problem. It is definitely in a much better condition that all other placed that I have stayed in and it is obvious that it is also the home of the owners. It was very cold when we were there, but the heating system was up to it. The Hidaway bar and restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the back gate and is open for breakfast. So no need to do too much cooking. We all enjoyed ourselves, and have happy memories of Grandads 70th Birtday treat for the family.
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Stunning house, memorable holiday
We had a fantastic stay at Culver Down Manor - definitely the most beautiful house I've hired. All our guests were delighted with the house and we had a memorable holiday there.
Probably not suitable for families with small children as we had to be very careful not to put glasses on the polished antique furniture without coasters - perhaps the owners should install some glass table tops so that the guests can relax a bit more! -
Quite stunning accommodation and grounds
A quite wonderful art deco house, very clean and extremely well equipped. Beds and bedding were excellent for a good nights sleep for all 13 of us. The weather during our visit was good, so we enjoyed use of the barbeque, and the extensive garden provided ample space for the children to run around and hide, and for playing organised games. Views over the sea from the house were memorable. The house is extremely well situated, being just a few minutes walk to Shanklin, and a little further, but still an easy walk, to Sandown. A walk down steps/slope give you immediate access to the vast sandy beaches between these resorts. The train station at Shanklin was only 8 minutes walk away. The Hideaway restaraunt/bar on the clifftop path is only minutes away on foot, and provided a good alternative to home cooking, or just a place to visit for a drink while watching the wonderful views. Overall this was one of the best holiday accommodations that we've had, and certainly excellent value for the money.
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A real privilege
When I was looking for somewhere to have my sixtieth birthday celebration, I came across this house, and from the description seemed perfect, but just too good to be true. But I can now say that not only did it live up to expectations, but amazingly exceeded them. The setting is stunning, in beautiful grounds on the the clifftop, but it is the house itself that is the star. Big light and airy rooms, with wonderful furnishings and fittings and decor, all in keeping with the Art Deco theme, made you feel you had stepped back into a bygone age. It felt a real privilege to be staying there, and trusted with this amazing place. The big dining room was a perfect setting for my birthday dinner, and the kitchen had everything you could possibly want to prepare and serve the meal. The owner was very helpful and responsive, and on his recommendation we had food for the meal supplied by Deli Tramezzini, which was great, and a cake from Wight Vintage, which was also wonderful. So it was very memorable weekend for us all, topped off by the lovely warm and sunny weather the whole time.
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Absolutely Amazing!!
There are not words to describe quite how fantastic the Culver Down Manor really is. It happily accommodated our party of 17 and is truly a beautiful house. It was completely spotless and a very thoughtful welcome pack was left with some very yummy treats for us. Thank you Laurence and Sharon for allowing us to stay in your wonderful house...we will be back!
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Wonderful, Blissful
A 60th birthday getaway. House was warm and immaculate. All the equipment you could ever need in the kitchen. Fabulous welcome pack with wine and local products. Easy access to costal walks and shop 5 mins away. Beautifully and sympathetically done, the Deco age comes to life! The housekeeper sent my forgotten clothes back (doh!) and was very helpful on all fronts. We stayed in a lot. Why leave??? Blissful.
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Beautiful authentic Art Deco Property
Beautiful , authentic Art Deco property. Fabulous place to relax by the sea and dream of days of old. Stunning views from garden and sea facing bedrooms. A great experience for friends and family.
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Amazing Art Deco Residence
Amazing that a property like this is available to hire – stunning sea views from all front windows and the incredible landscaped garden. The owners clearly have a love of Art Deco with attention to detail and extra home comforts – you’ll never want to leave!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.