The Old Radar Station, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

This striking Grade II-listed former radar station was the subject of a complete architectural reconstruction and renovation in 2016, resulting in a superb contemporary four-bedroom house near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. Heralded by Winston Churchill as critical to winning the second world war, the building's historical context and utilitarian vernacular has been celebrated throughout, retaining exposed materials while adding a decidedly contemporary edge. Its elevated position provides 360-degree views of the horizon and there is a perfectly orientated rear terrace. Surrounded by National Trust land, the house sits under a Designated Dark Sky Area ensuring the preservation of crystal-clear stargazing.



The Architect



Thinking Space was founded in 1996 by designer Sarah Cheeseman and architect Howard Carter, who trained at The Royal College of Art and worked at leading practices including Sir Norman Foster and Partner, The Richard Rogers Partnership, Deacon Edge and Troughton McAslan. Producing a notable body of work in the fields of both architecture and interiors, with several of the practice’s residential projects being shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards, their work has featured in numerous publications, including The RIBA Journal and more recently on television.



The Building



The original building was constructed between 1938-39 as one of 20 Chain Home early warning radar stations set along the coastline, forming part of the national defence system in the second world war. Its unique position enabled the successful interception of enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain, playing an integral role in the D-Day landings. The building suffered two Luftwaffe attacks in 1940 and was decommissioned by the RAF in 1961.



The Tour



Almost out of sight on the approach, the house is accessed via a single-track road which winds through a ridge of National Trust land up to a uniquely secluded yet wonderfully elevated position above the coastal town of Ventnor. A generous provision of parking space has been designated outside the house, with the entrance tucked discreetly into the lower level, accessed via an external staircase.



Inside, the hallway on the lower level is well-equipped with cloakroom storage, leading to an impressive staircase of solid timber and raw concrete; materials remain exposed in a nod to the building’s history and bomb damage.



An inverted approach to the layout optimises the astonishing far-reaching views across the horizon. A series of full-height windows allows for an excellent quality of natural light in the generous open-plan living spaces, which unfold laterally across the first floor. This part of the house has been designed with optimal flexibility in layout, with the living area currently set to one side, the dining area positioned opposite, and everything orientated towards the mesmirising views. Polished concrete and underfloor heating run underfoot, while velvet curtains add a softness to the utilitarian material palette.



In the kitchen, appliances are neatly housed in the clean lines of stainless-steel cabinetry. Cast-concrete worktops reference the building's original architectural foundations and a free-standing glass-topped workstation is set centrally. Ribbons of glazing bring light to the cooking areas and frame views across the roof terrace.



On the lower floor, four large bedrooms run off an arterial corridor, where 18 inches of solid brickwork contribute to the calming, near-silent atmosphere. The original room names remain on each of the doors downstairs and 1930s white brickwork line sections of the walls.



The main bedroom on the far southerly side is a peaceful room with an en suite shower room set to one side. Strategically placed windows have been positioned to capture the changing light that slithers dramatically down the side of the external walls.



Cast-concrete worktops weave through the family bathroom, which is set centrally and is complete with a bathtub. The additional three double bedrooms follow a pleasingly consistent style, each with an excellent provision of closet space and a quiet, restful atmosphere. A third bathroom lies on the far northerly end.



Outdoor Space



Perched on an extensive four-acre plot and surrounded by Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) conservation land, the house is set into an elevated, private verge. The surrounding land has been maintained with care to preserve the natural landscape and habitats, with paths cut through for walking.



A sliding glass door leads directly from the main living space to the extensive rear terrace, thought to be the highest residential point on the island. With breathtaking panoramic views, this area makes for an excellent entertaining space, with a long dining table strategically placed to capture the dramatic sight lines through the house and across to the English Channel. Leading down from the house, a sheltered area on the lower level lends naturally to a barbecue and an additional outside space for eating and relaxing.



In addition to the main house there is also an outbuilding of approximately 265 sq ft set opposite the parking area, currently used for external storage and with power connectivity. There is also rainwater harvesting system that serves the two 7500-litre tanks.



The Area



Ventnor - with its sandy beaches, Victorian seaside homes and beach huts - is easily reached on foot or by car. The town has a variety of pubs, restaurants and produce shops. Local eateries include The Smoking Lobster and The True Food Kitchen. The Seapot is a great option for a picnic-bench crab sandwich on the water, or The Brasserie at Hillside for a set menu of local produce. The Spyglass Inn and The Bonchurch Inn are among the local favourite pubs.



A short distance from the seafront, at the western side of the town, one can stroll through the beautiful award-winning Victorian Ventnor Park which has a bandstand for outdoor events in the summer. The park leads onto the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens at the Undercliff, where the town’s micro-climate can be truly appreciated in a 22-acre sub-tropical paradise. A short walk from here lies Steephill Cove, one of the Isle of Wight’s best kept secrets, renowned by those in the know as one of the most relaxing beaches on the island.



Further up the coast are the larger towns of Shanklin, which is home to the Shanklin Theatre, and Sandown, also known for its vast golden sandy beach.



More than half of the Isle of Wight is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is world-renowned for sailing. Utilising its wonderful coastline and countryside, the island has plenty of kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, horse-riding, golfing to paragliding and cycling with 200-miles of cycles routes. There are also over 500+ miles of footpaths and bridleways accessed directly from the house.



Access to the island is by ferry, either from Portsmouth, Lymington or Southampton. There are good rail connections to all of the port locations, with trains from London around two hours. Vehicle-carrying services arrive into East Cowes, Fishbourne and Yarmouth. Each is no longer than 30 minutes by car. The house is also accessible by helicopter.



Council Tax Band: Currently council tax exempt as the house is regularly rented as holiday home accommodation