The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, Brighstone, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO30 4QH

Interested parties should contact Knight Frank Auctions for further information.

Description
On the instructions of Executors and for sale by Auction in association with our Joint Auctioneer, Spence Willard.

A substantial Grade II Listed former rectory situated in the heart of the popular village of Brighstone, offering extensive accommodation, mature gardens and considerable scope for refurbishment and improvement.

The Old Rectory is a historic period residence extending to approximately 5,371 sq ft (499 sq m), occupying a private position off Rectory Lane adjacent to St Mary's Church. Arranged over three floors, the property retains a wealth of character and period features, whilst presenting an opportunity for purchasers to enhance and update the property to their own specification.

The accommodation provides a series of well-proportioned reception rooms, kitchen and ancillary accommodation at ground floor level, together with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms across the upper floors. The second floor includes a self-contained 2-bedroom apartment (that can either be accessed via its own gated pedestrian access from the lane or from the first floor landing) which may be suitable for a variety of ancillary uses, subject to any necessary consents. The house is attached to a cottage on the south eastern corner but maintains privacy.

The property is set within established gardens extending to approximately 0.5 acres, incorporating areas of lawn, mature planting and terrace. The property is approached via a private driveway providing off-street parking and access to the detached garage. The mature gardens form an attractive feature of the property and provide a high degree of privacy, with established trees, lawns, flower borders and seating areas

The Old Rectory represents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial historic village house with the potential for comprehensive refurbishment and enhancement. The scale of accommodation, established grounds and sought-after location are likely to appeal to owner-occupiers, developers and investors seeking a restoration project and the opportunity to create a long-term family home in one of the Isle of Wight's most desirable village settings.

Services
Mains water, drainage and electricity. Calor gas fired central heating to main house.

History
Several interesting historical figures lived at the property: The first Rector of Brighstone who later became Bishop Ken refused to swear fealty to King Charles II and was interned to the Tower of London for a period. He wrote various hymns including Awake my soul and with the sun". Another Brighstone Rector to go onto to become Bishop was the son of William Wilberforce, the anti-slavery campaigner and friend of Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. The last of a trio of Bishops who had served as Rector in Brighstone was Moberley, formerly Headmaster of Winchester College.
During the 19th Century William Fox, the father of British Paleontology" was curate at Brighstone and lived at The Old Rectory. The Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the British Museum entrance hall was found by him near Brighstone and was first reassembled on the Rectory Lawn. Charles Darwin is known to have visited Fox at the house.
It is alleged during the Napoleonic wars the Rector's horses were regularly borrowed by local smugglers who were active along the adjacent coastline. The carved oak door to the dining room is believed to have come from Chillerton Priory which was demolished at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The house is also referred to within Pevsners Architectural guide. A house has existed on the site since 1346 although the underlying shape of the existing house is understood to be Tudor, having been remodelled over subsequent generations. Evidence of the Tudor building can be seen in the barley sugar twist" chimney and there is a Strawberry Hill Gothic" stone porch with leaded lights on the western elevation.

Location
The Old Rectory occupies a picturesque position on Rectory Lane in the heart of Brighstone, one of the Isle of Wight's most sought-after and characterful villages. Situated within the Isle of Wight National Landscape and close to the island's renowned south-west coastline, the property enjoys immediate access to a range of local amenities including a village shop, public house, church, primary school and popular village community facilities.

The surrounding area is celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty, with nearby Brighstone Bay, Compton Bay and miles of coastal and countryside walks providing exceptional recreational opportunities. The principal town of Newport lies approximately 7 miles to the east, offering a comprehensive range of shopping, leisure and educational facilities, whilst regular ferry services from Yarmouth, Cowes and Fishbourne provide connections to the mainland.

Combining the charm of a thriving village setting with convenient access to the wider island and mainland transport links, Brighstone remains a highly desirable location for both permanent residents and second-home owners alike.

Occupancy
Vacant

Tenure
Freehold

The buyers fee is including VAT. This is only payable by the successful purchaser. There are no costs to bidding for the property.

Auction Details
The sale of this property will take place on the stated date by way of and is being sold as Unconditional.
Binding contracts of sale will be exchanged at the point of sale.
All sales are subject to the Common Auction Conditions and Extra General Conditions.

Auctioneer Fees and Deposit
The following deposits and non-refundable auctioneer fees apply:

• 10% deposit, subject to a minimum of £5,000. The deposit contributes to the purchase price.
• Buyer’s Fee- the value of this fee will be listed against the property details, inclusive of VAT.

The Buyer’s Fee does not contribute to the purchase price and will be considered as part of the chargeable consideration for the property in the calculation of stamp duty liability.
There may be additional fees contained within the Special Conditions of Sale, which can be viewed within the Legal Pack. You are strongly advised to read the Legal Pack carefully before bidding.

Additional Information:
For full details about all auction methods and sale types please refer to the Auction Conduct Guide which can be viewed on the Knight Frank Auctions website.
This guide includes details on the auction registration process, your payment obligations and how to view the Legal Pack.

Each property sold is subject to a Reserve Price. The Reserve Price will be within + or – 10% of the Guide Price. The Guide Price is issued solely as a guide so that a buyer can consider whether or not to pursue their interest. A full definition can be found within the Buyers Terms.