A few years back, ownership of Number 3 Alexandra Gardens changed hands and in the following year or so a great deal work went into renovating and restoring the property. The result is the return of a very grand looking building which is now rented out as holiday accommodation to enthusiastic visitors to Ventnor.
The man behind the renovation was John Allen. We first met John back in 2007 at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at his property highlighting the fact that famous composer, Edward Elgar, had honeymooned there in 1889 (listen to the podcast).
John’s passion for the history of not only his property, but also the surrounding area, was clear and has been reinforced with the creation of a fascinating new historical Website about Alexandra Gardens. Ann and Paul Hutchins at the Windsor Carlton have worked tirelessly with John to create this fantastic new Website.
New Website launched today
The Alexandra Gardens Website contains an insight into who lived where.
It has touching memories from people who lived or visited the properties and amongst many other interesting facts has a great background on the Old Mill which stood on the land before the houses were designed and built in 1882 by local architect, Theodore Ridley Saunders.
They have also added a discussion forum, where people are invited to share their memories of the Gardens.
Tip ‘o the hat
The amount of work and attention to detail that has gone into the creation of the site is highly commendable and this will no doubt become a fantastic online resource for anyone interested in the history of the area. Congratulations to John Allen, Ann and Paul Hutchins at the Windsor Carlton and anyone else who has been involved in the creation of this site.
Do take a look and if you have any memories of the road, join the AG forum to share them with others.
