Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2007 | Page 119

FOOD & DRINK

- life

Pictures above: Alfreds Cottages, Front View, Entrance Porch
Pictures below: Looking east over Farringfords golf course, Rear view with Tennyson’s Magnolia
Main picture: Rebecca FitzGerald and Martin Beisly
and a detailed restoration plan is
being drawn up. There’s been a
lack of investment over the past
few years, so, inevitably, they’ll
need to start with the roofs,
which require in the region of
£100,000 of leading. “We need
to make sure that nothing leaks!”
Farringford is Grade I listed,
so once essential maintenance
work has been completed, the
ongoing renovation work will
need to be carefully introduced.
Authenticity is the main aim. “I
don’t want this to be new. It’s
a historical house and I want
it to stay that way. If the doors
are a bit crooked, so be it,” said
Martin. “I don’t want it to look
like a pastiche of an old house.”
Eminent Victorian
“In the longer term, our plans
are not set in stone – the crucial
thing is to preserve the building,

then we can think about growing
the business.” However, the
co-owner’s dream for the next
3–5 years ought to delight those
who care about maintaining Isle
of Wight heritage. Martin is a
director of Christies and Rebecca
is a Tennyson scholar. Their vision
is to regenerate Farringford in an
authentic way, placing it firmly in
the axis of Victorian experiences
on the Island, alongside Osborne
House and Dimbola Lodge.
This, they believe, gives them
the opportunity to tap into the
market of foreign heritage visitors,
particularly from the USA, and
they hope to attract scholars,
research students and writers from
all over the world. Tennyson is
the key here. “Farringford’s value
is that it is linked to an eminent
Victorian. The Island was a mecca
in Victorian times because of
Tennyson. The general public

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came here to see him – he was
like the Mick Jagger of his day.
People would wait at the gates,
queuing up to meet him.”
Unique experience
2009 marks the 200th year
since Tennyson’s birth and the
new owners hope that this
will provide a starting point for
Farringford to offer a unique
Tennyson experience, alongside
the quality dining and comfortable
surroundings that will have been
firmly established by then.
This vision is very much reflected
in the approach to long-term
renovation work. Keeping the
authenticity is important. “I’d
rather have a repaired window
than a new one – I like the idea
that Tennyson touched that
window. When its finished, you
will know Tennyson lived here
because you will be able to feel

it.” But Farringford will not simply
be a museum, but a stylish and
unique hotel or guesthouse.
“It has to be smart because
Tennyson lived a smart life. He
had lots of staff and so will we.”
Exciting times
The new owners are excited about
their project, as well as being on
the Island. “The Island feels buzzy
right now; it’s an exciting time.
You get a rush as you cross the
water. I think we are very lucky
to have Farringford; someone
wanted us to have this place.”

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