Northcourt Manor House
Northcourt isn’t just a fine Grade II listed manor house; it is, quite simply, the largest manor house on the Isle of Wight - an immense historic stone house recognised by English Heritage as being one of only eight on the Island of national importance.
But don’t be misled: behind the grand stone façade, magnificent from every aspect of the 14-acre grounds on the edge of the pretty village of Shorwell, Northcourt is very much a family home. True, there are huge panelled bedrooms brimming with period character and magnificently proportioned living rooms – which include both a billiard and music room, but the atmosphere is strictly informal and there are homely touches throughout, thanks to owners John and Christine Harrison.
The Harrisons have spent the past 24years nurturing 17th century Northcourt – and preserving its artistic tradition. In times gone by, Turner painted here and Algernon Swinburne wrote one of his epic poems in the library. These days the Harrisons welcome local school children for writing sessions and encourage musicians to visit and perform, whilst artists come to paint in the gardens.
And what gardens. Astonishing in their scope, these include a knot garden brimming with herbs, an Italian garden, planted sub tropical style with palms, bananas and castor oils for dramatic leaf effect and a stream garden, naturalised with Canadian balsam. Expect to find the exotic and unusual alongside England’s most traditional favourites as you wander the terraces and extensive grounds.
Period splendour, gardens to astonish and delight
On the door step
Ancient Shorwell Church is rated one of England’s top 1,000; both Carisbrooke Castle and the National Trust’s Mottistone Manor are close by and the south coast wilderness beaches are a short hop.
Going Green
John and Christine Harrison have devoted themselves to managing the spectacular gardens in a naturalistic way and home grown organic fruit and vegetables find their way to the breakfast tablGoing Green
John and Christine Harrison have devoted themselves to managing the spectacular gardens in a naturalistic way and home grown organic fruit and vegetables find their way to the breakfast table, alongside the best of local produce.
Two night breaks from £110pp including Wightlink car ferry travel, or £85pp including passenger ferry travel. Call 0871 376 4342 for details.
- 6 Rooms
- Bed & breakfast only
- Footpaths all around for download walks
- Cycle Hire arranged
- Organic gardens a haven for birds, bats, and dormice
- Solar heating panels; low energy lights
- Home-baked bread, home made jam, Fairtrade products, Isle of Wight bacon
- Boxes for guest newspapers, composting
- Extensive organic garden
Northcourt Manor House
Shorwell