A weekend drive along country roads through hills and rolling valleys leads through a higgledy-piggledy mix of housing with historic thatched cottages, Victorian beach villas and quaint stone houses with wisteria entwined with old timber. Further, along into Sandown, the facade changes from hues of green to brilliant blue as the cliffs frame the horizon and waves meet the sandy shores. Our destination is a country house framed in beautifully groomed gardens and a breath-taking sea view. This is the Isle of Wight and we have arrived at its most splendid possession; Haven Hall Hotel.

When staying at a five-star hotel, it is rare to meet the owner. Haven Hall Hotel breaks the mould in this respect. On arrival, guests are greeted by the friendly face of David Barratt, who personally tours them around the property.

The majestic building offers indulgent sea views and outdoors an idyllic pool and perfectly coiffed gardens. The Haven Hall Hotel is awash with personal touches where the owners’ passion for their masterpiece is manifested in every detail. Guests feel as though they have been exclusively invited to experience the wonders of this grand, 14-bedroom home.

Originally built in 1908, Haven Hall Hotel began as an Edwardian country house owned by a family of successful greengrocers. In 1950 the original five-bedroom building was converted into a 16-bedroom hotel, but it wasn’t until 2013 that the house became the grandiose mansion that greets its guests today. Husband and wife team David and Arielle Barratt were searching for a place to retire by the sea, somewhere they could feel the full force of the British weather they’d been shielded from when living in America. David grew up spending his weekends on building sites, watching his father complete project after project for his successful company, Barratt Homes. Arielle studied fine art at Yale and had renovated many Georgian and Victorian properties. It was love at first sight from the moment they saw Haven Hall, and the Barratts were determined to transform it into something magical as their very own retirement project. For four years the pair worked around the clock on the multi-million-pound renovations, up to their ears in mud. David project managed a team of 55 while Arielle sourced all the antique furniture from local auctions, refurbishing each peace patiently and lovingly by hand. Modern comforts the well-heeled have come to know and expect were brought in, such as underfloor heating for brisk British winters and air conditioning for humid summers. Alongside its contemporary gadgets, the Barratts have created an impressive property full of antiquarian jewels, with a bright and airy feel throughout to match the stunning coastal vista.

As guests pull into the driveway and past the golden edged gates of Haven Hall Hotel, they are instantly intrigued by the building’s grand exterior. The arched doorway opens into the impressive reception area, etched with detailed skirting, scalloped ceiling borders and collections of beautifully patterned plates.  Every little detail has been thought through in this sophisticated space. The entire ground floor is forever bathed in natural light, with large period style windows opening out onto the hotel’s painstakingly groomed grounds and serene sea view. Each room acts almost like a museum, delicately decorated with restored relics of the past; the guests’ drawing-room even features antique candlesticks from the Titanic’s sister ship. All 14 bedrooms are named after famous individuals linked to the Isle of Wight and individually decorated with their own colour schemes and unique furniture. Ranging from the spacious penthouse suite to the deluxe bedrooms, the rooms feature grand chandeliers and sweeping views of Shanklin’s calm waves.

Victoria and Albert Room

The original master bedroom to this historic house, the Victoria and Albert room, takes inspiration from the British royal family and its ties to the quaint Isle of Wight. The triple aspect windows fill the suite with natural light and allow guests to gaze over the magnificent grounds and sea view as they sip their morning coffee. The regal ambience is enhanced by the ornate duchess dressing table and period furniture topped off by the granite bathroom with twin sinks and a large bath. The super king-size bed is made up with the highest quality cotton with Arielle’s handstitched soft furnishings adding a homely yet prestigious touch.

Seagulls Suite

Travellers staying for a longer period on the Isle of Wight delight in Haven Hall’s Seagull Suite. Striking dormer windows look over Haven Hall’s lovingly tended grounds, with the sea breeze blowing in gently from Shanklin’s coast. Laden with slanting ceilings and alcoves, the suite has a unique, cosy charm; becoming a romantic nook as guests switch on the soft mood lighting. This spacious abode features a contemporary, fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare meals at their leisure and dine at their antique breakfast table in complete privacy. The super king-size bed is dressed in the finest quality linen, embellished with one of Arielle’s bespoke quilts and matching cushions. Gentle blue and silver hues combined with bright whites bring the peaceful atmosphere of the coast indoors, with the crystal chandelier adding to the regal ambience. The elegant bathroom is decorated with fresh white detailing, with a period style washbasin and large bath and shower.

Breakfast and a Sea Breeze

One of the highlights of a stay at Haven Hall Hotel is the gastronomic breakfast. In the summer, breakfast is held on the garden terrace, on white period-style furniture overlooking gentle waves and the garden awash with bright blooms. As guests survey the morning menu, they’ll note the sound of birds chirping and the gentle gurgling of a cherub fountain. In cooler weather, visitors take their meal in the bright and airy breakfast room, adorned with delicately embroidered antique furniture and vast windows looking out over the Isle of Wight’s breath-taking coastline.

Haven Hall Hotel offers a bespoke breakfast service where guests expect their meal tailored to their individual tastes. A traditional Full English is a popular choice; complete with thick back bacon, artisan toast and locally farmed sausage and eggs. There are a range of sophisticated specials including Eggs Royale and Eggs Benedict, and omelettes.

Gilded Gardens

A rare luxury on the Isle of Wight, Haven Hall Hotel is home to expansive two-acre grounds which line Shanklin’s sublime coast. The crown jewel of the hotel, the Barratts, spent months of their renovation process perfecting the garden, complete with detailed statues, ornate urns and tranquil fountains. Guests can enjoy a good book under the Victorian-style gazebo and gaze out to the horizon, before taking a few laps in the pool and finishing with a relaxing trip to the private sauna. Sporty types delight in playing some good-natured games on the pristine tennis courts. A team of award-winning gardeners keeps the garden at its best, creating a peaceful oasis where guests can relax after exploring the beauty of the Isle of Wight.

Haven Hall Hotel is adjacent to the Isle of Wight’s Coast Path, where guests are a short, scenic walk away from many of the island’s famous attractions.

Shanklin Old Village became a sought-after destination in the 19th Century after Queen Victoria built Osborne House, her own Isle of Wight retreat. Winding streets are lined by colourful thatched cottages and traditional tea shops, transporting visitors back to old Britain.

Shanklin Chine is the island’s oldest tourist attraction, dating back to 1817. The gorge features picturesque waterfalls and thriving trees with a gentle stream running through the centre. Visitors can follow the path down to the old smuggler’s tavern; Fisherman’s Cottage and enjoy a locally brewed beer on the beach. By night, the chine’s waterfalls are lit by hundreds of colourful lights, inviting guests to an ethereal evening of exploration.

Guests can also reach nearby Hope Beach after just a ten-minute walk along the Coast Path. With gentle waves and a promenade always buzzing with activity, this short stroll makes the perfect start to any seaside holiday.

An awe-inspiring, sea-view hotel in the heart of the Isle of Wight, Haven Hall Hotel welcomes the most well-heeled travellers to experience all the beauty of island life, all enjoyed in complete serenity alongside the gentle waves.