Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2016 | Page 107

PROPERTY

The restored farmhouse

Preserving the past at

Priory Farmhouse
By Wight Heritage
Preservation

W

ight Heritage Preservation
were called upon to
carry out structural repairs
and restoration work at Priory
Farmhouse, Carisbrooke. This
historic farmhouse dates from the
16th century, with later Victorian
additions. Parts of the house were
constructed from the remains of
the old original Carisbrooke Priory.
The property required extensive repairs
to the external masonry and woodwork,
structural bracing of the historic roof
timbers and the replacement of plastic
guttering with traditional cast iron
guttering, in keeping with the original
character of the property. Drainage work
was also required to help preserve this
historic farmhouse.
The owners, Colin and Bonnie, have
been regular visitors to the Isle of Wight,

we wanted to buy it even before
we set foot in the house. Not only
is the house stunning, its setting
is equally fabulous with views
of St Mary’s church at the end
of the garden, and Carisbrooke
Castle on the hill in the distance.
The garden, though in need of
some TLC, provides the children
with a playground to explore
right on their doorstep. It’s clear
to us that the property has been
loved by its previous owners, but
we’re not unaware of the huge
amount of work required to bring the
house and garden back to their full
beauty. We recognise that this will be a
long term project, but it’s one that we’ll
take tremendous joy in undertaking, and
we’re very grateful to Wight Heritage
Preservation for making our task easier
and adding to our enjoyment.”
Wight Heritage Preservation can be
contacted on 01983 522396 or 07926
523468.

Mark Correia
carrying out
preparation for
the new cast
iron guttering

making five or more visits to the Island
each year. They were attracted to the
Island by its beauty, beaches, fresh air,
pace and way of life, which provides an
absolute juxtaposition to London life.
After getting engaged on the Island in
2011, they decided then to make it their
mission to buy a home here as soon as
possible. In summer 2015 they visited
Priory Farmhouse and fell in love with
the property. “Bonnie and I agree that
we had each individually decided that

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