Blackwater Road, Blackwater

Welcome to Elm Cottage

Elm Cottage is a quintessentially English country cottage, originally constructed in the 1700s and later extended during the Victorian period. Formerly the gardeners’ cottage for the Standen House Estate, the home is steeped in character, combining exposed beams, flagstone flooring, stripped pine floorboards, charming cottage windows and traditional Ledge and Brace doors. Tucked away in a beautifully secluded position, it offers a rare balance of rural calm and everyday convenience, with Newport’s shops and amenities just a short drive away. The accommodation is arranged over two floors, with a welcoming entrance hall, characterful sitting room, separate dining room, country-style kitchen, two bedrooms and a spacious bathroom. The property also has the added benefit of a large loft space which is boarded. Outside, the large wraparound plot, south-facing terrace and far-reaching countryside views create a wonderfully peaceful setting, while the driveway and detached garage add valuable practicality.

Planning permission was approved in 2014 for a two-storey extension, with some preparatory works understood to have begun, including electrical preparation to the first floor, tree removal and taking down an older part of the structure. This may offer an interesting avenue for a future owner to explore, subject to making their own checks regarding current planning permissions, consents and requirements.

Elm Cottage enjoys a wonderfully sheltered position on the outskirts of Blackwater, set beneath the majestic backdrop of St George’s Down and surrounded by mature trees, countryside and open views across the Island. Despite its secluded, rural feel, the property is conveniently placed for daily life, with Newport town centre, supermarkets, schools, services and a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafés only a short drive away. The setting is ideal for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers, with direct access onto a network of rural footpaths and trails, while the nearby Red Squirrel Trail offers a 32-mile cycle route through the heart of the Island’s countryside towards Newport, Sandown and beyond. Southern Vectis bus services also connect the area with Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor, making this a beautifully tucked-away cottage that remains surprisingly well connected.

The Approach

Elm Cottage is approached via an impressive long gravel drive, owned by Standen House, over which Elm Cottage benefits from a right of access. From the private parking area, a path leads around the cottage to its south-facing front aspect, where the handsome period façade, mature trees, paved terrace and open countryside views create an immediate sense of charm, privacy and arrival.

On the Ground Floor

The entrance hall provides a characterful welcome, with a beautiful flagstone floor, exposed beams, a hardwood front door and a window framing the countryside beyond. From here, the accommodation flows into the principal living areas, each with its own distinct atmosphere and period detail.

The sitting room is a particularly inviting space, arranged around a large open fire and finished with stripped pine floorboards. Twin-aspect glazing draws in natural light and provides a lovely outlook, giving the room a warm, traditional cottage feel while still feeling bright and comfortable.

The dining room sits separately, offering a cosy and versatile reception space with a wood-burning stove, stripped pine floorboards and a window looking out over the garden and surrounding countryside. The staircase rises from here to the first floor, with useful storage beneath.

The kitchen continues the cottage character, with flagstone flooring, a window to the rear aspect, real wood worktops and a twin Belfast sink, and feels entirely in keeping with the age and fabric of the building, while providing space for day-to-day use.

On the First Floor

The first floor is arranged around a landing with lovely far-reaching rural views, giving this level an immediate connection to the surrounding countryside. There are two bedrooms, both presented in a soft, neutral style which complements the character of the cottage. The principal bedroom is a generous room with cottage windows, sloping ceilings and a wonderful outlook, while the second bedroom provides comfortable guest accommodation, children’s space or potential for use as a study if preferred.

The bathroom is spacious and characterful, with a freestanding roll-top bath, luxuriously large separate shower enclosure, WC and wash basin. Exposed timber detail, traditional-style fittings and a gentle neutral scheme help the room feel sympathetic to the age of the property.

Garden

The outside space is one of Elm Cottage’s defining features. Set within a generous wraparound plot, the gardens unfold around the property with a wonderful sense of privacy, framed by mature trees and opening out to beautiful countryside views. The paved terrace sits to the south-facing front of the cottage, creating a fabulous spot for morning coffee, outdoor dining or simply enjoying the outlook across rolling fields and St George’s Down. From here, the lawned garden extends around the home, with lower and upper garden areas flowing naturally into one another.

The grounds feel wonderfully established, with mature trees, open lawn, sheltered pockets of seating and space to enjoy the changing light throughout the day. The garden also benefits from a working well.

Parking - Driveway

Elm Cottage benefits from block-paved driveway parking for two vehicles.

Parking - Garage

There is a detached timber garage with power and lighting, providing useful secure parking, storage or workshop potential.

Disclaimer

Agent's Note: These particulars are for general guidance only and do not form part of any offer or contract. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure accuracy, information supplied by sellers or third parties may not have been independently verified. Buyers should ask their solicitor or conveyancer to verify legal matters and any information important to them. Measurements are approximate. Appliances, services and systems have not necessarily been tested and no warranty is given as to their condition or operation. Photographs may be digitally enhanced or retouched for presentation but should not be relied upon as an exact representation of the property's appearance or condition. Susan Payne Property Ltd | Company No. 10753879