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Cottage-style charm abounds in the bedrooms. Inset: Owner Bonnie Thomson


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he couple had planned to simply purchase a holiday home here on the Island, but were soon charmed by the historic property and


decided to make it their family home, relocating here from London.


Along with their daughter Seraphina, aged ten and son Felix, aged six, the couple had holidayed on the Island many times in the past. Tommy even popped the question on the Georgian balcony of Bonnie’s sister’s home in Brading.


The couple intend to renovate the house slowly and sympathetically, taking one big project on per year. The kitchen and bathroom were first on the agenda, along with some of the bedrooms. This year, the couple are focusing on the beautiful and spacious courtyard, before repainting all the windows and restoring the cast iron guttering.


Bonnie tells us the house dates back more than 400 years, although an


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extension to the property is likely to have been added 200 years later. The discovery of a safe hidden in the walls and a historic bread oven intrigue the couple, who are charmed by older properties, while reference to a ‘Brew House’ on the deeds suggest the apples in the orchard were once used to make cider.


The property is bursting with fascinating features, such as original flagstone flooring and a huge loft space which has clearly seen some fire damage in its history.


The garden has views over Carisbrooke Castle and is bordered by the very beautiful St Mary’s Church, complete with almighty church bells.


“We never invite people round on a Friday when bell practice is taking place,” says Bonnie, “as we can’t hear ourselves over the loud but lovely noise.”


The large garden is made up of a beautifully manicured lawn and mature trees and shrubs.


“Clare Draper at The Plant Shop helped us turn the garden from a jungle into a wonderful space to enjoy. She also helps us with our orchard. Each autumn, we invite the residents of Carisbrooke to help themselves to apples. The first year we did it, we couldn’t believe how many people came! Many of them even left little


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