By Ben Wheeler
THIS STUNNING manor could be the UK’s most sought-after island wedding retreat available on Airbnb for just £30 per-person per-night.
Weston Manor is located in the village of Totland between Freshwater and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and has been beautifully restored in recent years after originally being built in 1861.
The property’s private Catholic chapel was re-designed in 1898 and is considered one the finest private chapels in England, ensuring that bride and groom have a truly one-of-a-kind venue for their special day.
Weston Manor is Grade II listed and is regarded by English Heritage as being of special interest for its quality, completeness and rarity of survival.
The site is licensed as a wedding venue for up to 60 guests whilst there is plenty of space for late arrivals as the capacity doubles for receptions.
If a traditional Catholic wedding in the chapel isn’t what you had in mind for the big day, then not to worry, the bespoke nature of the venue means couples can take their pick of locations at Weston Manor, which is owned by husband and wife Rex and Cinzia Reckitt, whether it be light and elegant drawing room, sumptuous banqueting room or even the breath-taking outdoor arched pillars.
“Weston Manor House is a huge manor over looking the sea and we have acres of private woodlands with a BBQ and bonfire area,” said Rex
“Because of the size of its grounds, it is ideal for families and friends to get together for all occasions. We allow full access to the bar and banqueting room and are also pet friendly.
“We are able to offer events facilities from corporate to weddings in our beautiful private chapel which was used by Basque refugees who were looked after by the Nazareth sisters during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.”
The property boasts six elegant bedrooms, four of which have their own en-suite, and comfortably sleeps up to 14 guests for as little as £35 per person, per night.
Upon arrival at Weston Manor, guests will be greeted by an impressive entrance hall that leads into a fully equipped kitchen and the drawing room which overlook the vast gardens as well as providing commanding views over Totland Bay and the Solent, right across to the mainland.
The ground floor is also host to a lavish cocktail bar and the games room, which should ensure that guests have plenty to keep themselves entertained whilst staying at the manor.
However, if you did get fed up of propping up the bar or being beaten at snooker then there is plenty to do nearby.
Totland Bay is just a short walk and guests can stroll along the promenade, full of bars and restaurants serving exquisite seafoods, to neighbouring Colwell Bay, which is said to be one of the most picturesque beaches in West.
Venture a little further afield and guests can see all that the island has to offer. The Needles Landmark Attraction is a must visit for the famous coloured sands of Alum Bay in addition to its chairlift, boat rides and lighthouse.
Guests could also take a trip to Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park or why not visit Queen Victoria’s holiday residence, Osborne House.
Whatever the purpose of your visit, a stay at Weston Manor will be one you will never forget and could even be the start of your happy ever after.
