An Isle of Wight hotel which has been empty for a few years and ‘in a state of decline’ could be brought back to life — but as a private home.
It was hoped when the Ventnor Towers Hotel, on Madeira Road, sold in May 2021 it would be refurbished and updated to operate as a hotel again, according to Network Auctions.
Poor condition
The owner, Paul Clark of HGE Limited, said that due to its current condition, it would not be economically viable to re-open the hotel.
When the hotel was put up for sale in 2021 it did not meet the £700,000 guide price at auction, but was sold shortly afterwards.
Mr Clark has been the owner since then.
Change of use to private residence
He is now looking to turn the 30-bed hotel into a single house, with a gym, games room and at least six bedrooms.
The building is in a very poor condition with multiple water leaks and plans say no significant upgrades have been made for years which makes it not suitable for paying guests.
Negative reviews of the hotel before it closed said it was dangerous and unfit for purpose, with another saying it was “Faulty Towers meets the Overlook Hotel from The Shining.”
Once a Victorian hotel
The main building was built in 1872 as a gentleman’s residence, but was turned into a hotel in 1900.
Following a growth in popularity in the 60s and 70s, flat roof extensions were added but their quality is said to be very poor and not in keeping with the main building.
Extensions removed
The extensions to the former Best Western hotel, including the main entrance, could be demolished under the plans.
Planning documents say the renovation works could be done in a sympathetic manner, returning the building to the elegant structure it once was and preserving a local landmark.
Neglected grounds
No changes are proposed to the grounds — which include a tennis court and swimming point and used to feature a helipad — but will need a general tidy up, plans say, as it has been neglected for many years.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/01771/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 17th November 2023.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
