Albert Cottage Hotel
Albert Cottage Hotel is located on the Isle of Wight approximately 1.0 mile south-east of the centre of East Cowes, adjacent to West Cowes and is the gateway town for ferry services to the mainland. East and West Cowes have a combined total population is approximately 14,370 with the Isle of Wight 140,400 (2021 Census).
The property occupies a prominent roadside position on the A3021 on the eastern fringe of East Cowes, adjacent to a built up residential area and the entrance to the hotel is adjacent to Sovereign Gate, which was once the formal entrance to Osborne House. The beautiful and secluded grounds of Albert Cottage have a mature wooded backdrop that adjoins the Osborne Estate. Osborne House has wonderful grounds, extending to its private beach and is a significant visitor attraction and plays host to numerous events. East Cowes is a gateway to the Isle of Wight, divided by the river Medina into East and West Cowes and linked via a chain ferry, this busy harbour town has many amenities including a number of pubs, restaurants and shops, including Waitrose. The waters of the Solent play host to the annual Cowes Week Regatta, Round the Island Race and a variety of other sailing events and attracts significant sailing visitors through the season. Marinas on both sides of East and West Cowes offer great mooring facilities for visitors and residents.
PROPERTY
The property is Grade II listed and the hotel blends extensive original features with modern comfort, extending to a gross internal area of approximately 11,358 sq ft.
The original building retains much character and features and comprises:
* 10 individually styled bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
* Reception area & public lounge
* The Victoria Restaurant, Bar and Garden Terrace, which can cater for up to 60 guests
* Commercial kitchen & servery, cloakroom & office
* Small staff suite – one bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom
* Laundry & Plant Room
* Historic listed corridor commissioned by Prince Albert; now linking original hotel building to additional facilities
* Parking for 30 cars immediately outside reception
Additional facilities:
* Main Restaurant – 90 covers
* Main Bar – 24 seated covers plus additional standing
* Large commercial fully equipped kitchen
* 120 seat outdoor garden terrace which leads directly to the lawns beyond
* Ladies, Gents, Disabled and Baby Change Facilities
* Bar cellar & storage facilities
* Parking at the rear entrance off York Avenue for 20 cars
Indian Summer House
A characterful detached cottage located in its own exclusive gardens within the grounds; currently used as a holiday let and extending to approximately 732 sqft
* 2 bedrooms, kitchenette, dining area, lounge, bathroom
* Parking for 2 cars
The approximate Gross Internal Floor Areas as follows:
Hotel – Ground Floor 7462 sq ft 693 sq m
Hotel – First Floor 3347 sq ft 311 sq m
Hotel – Cellar 549 sq ft 51 sq m
Total 11358 sq ft 1055 sq m
Indian Summerhouse 732 sq ft 68 sq m
EXTERNAL AREAS
The mature grounds with lawns and wonderful mature trees from Queen Victoria’s era and planted by Prince Albert form a superb setting with its extensive terraces and garden gazebo, which is perfect for weddings, functions and events and present a very flexible space.
In addition to the impressive main entrance that passes Osborne House’s Sovereign Gate, there is a separate access into an overflow, staff and deliveries car park off York Avenue.
THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
At ground floor an arched porch leads to a reception hall with features including tiled flooring, decorative ceiling and a period fireplace. Customer areas include the Victoria Restaurant and Bar with original fireplace with marble surround with French doors lead to a west facing terrace and a built-in bar. On the other side of the foyer is a guest lounge which is subdivided with bi-fold doors and has a pair of matching fireplaces with marble surrounds and French doors lead to the west facing garden. Ancillary areas include a small service kitchen, utility, WC with cellar and stores.
An original tiled corridor links through to the modern southern wing comprising a bar and lounge.
DINING
The main restaurant (90 covers) located to the south end of the main building is the connected and purpose built restaurant with a series of French doors opening on to the garden terrace (120 covers). A high ceiling featuring skylights makes for a light space. There is a corridor linking to the bar area and other ancillary facilities, kitchen, toilet facilities, storage etc.
The smaller Victoria Restaurant and Bar (30 covers) is in the original building and retains many original features, open fireplace, fine high ceilings and original ornate mouldings with French doors out to the smaller Garden Terrace (30 covers) and lawns directly beyond. It is decorated entirely in keeping with the Victorian style.
BEDROOMS
The en-suite bedrooms provide a variety of good sized rooms with many period features and many modernised bathrooms, with three located on the ground floor and seven on the first floor. The rooms comprise:
One double master suite (Bridal Suite), one family suite comprising one double, one twin and bathroom, one family suite comprising one double, one single and bathroom; one twin and five double rooms. In total all the rooms can sleep a total of 23 persons (plus five rooms can accommodate additional guest beds totaling 28 guests).
THE INDIAN SUMMER HOUSE
This unique detached property is set to the east of the hotel, approached via a driveway that extends from the main entrance to the hotel and is set in wooden grounds. The Summer House provides two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, breakfast area and bathroom.
HISTORY
The property is Listed Grade II with particular mention to the historic covered passageway built as a link with Osborne Cottage, commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, plus the walled entrance with decorative urns. The Italian classical architecture is related to Osborne style and believed to have been built with the input of Thomas Cubitt. Albert Cottage was acquired in 1852 by Prince Albert to be part of a Botanic Garden development of the Osborne Estate, and was originally used by Queen Victoria to entertain close family and friends and Royal guests. Princess Beatrice lived in Albert Cottage for 6 years after her marriage, it was a condition of Queen Victoria granting her permission to marry that she stay close by.
When Queen Victoria died at Osborne House in 1901, the funeral procession left the Osborne Estate from the Sovereign Gate at Albert Cottage. Her successor, Edward VII, kept Albert Cottage for the use of Victoria’s youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice until 1913 when she moved to Carisbrooke Castle and then Albert Cottage was sold to Sir Richard Burbidge, philanthropist Managing Director of Harrods. It was again sold in 1924 to The Hon. Elizabeth Storr, widow of Major L.P. Storr DSO, a war hero killed in action in France in 1918. After a period of neglect in the late 1990s, it was extended and turned into a hotel and has been subject to ongoing restoration by the current owner.
THE BUSINESS
For detailed information please visit https://www.albertcottagehotel.com/
The restaurant and bars are open to the public and the business has operated successfully with weddings, functions, awards evenings, birthday celebrations, private social events and corporate events plus outdoor events and ticketed events such as the award winning outdoor Opera. There are two restaurant and bar areas, with great flexibility. The business has a excellent reputation for
delivering excellent food, service and ambience and the team delivering the services are all excellent and the business supports and subscribes to continuing professional development for the whole team and prides itself on the quality of the staff and service.
The hotel currently enjoys a high rate of occupancy with discerning guests and partners with key travel package operators to offer packages to include ferry travel, accommodation, dining and visitor attraction tickets. This is particularly successful with visits to Osborne House, partnering with English Heritage. The business has an ongoing commercial relationship with the ferry operators which allows them to offer discounted travel to staying guests.
The property offers huge potential and there is scope for adding additional bedrooms, a spa and other upgrade to facilities which would elevate the business considerably. All of which would be subject to seeking planning and listed building consent. The grounds offer considerable opportunity for new and exciting events.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT AND GETTING HERE
Only 23 miles by 13 miles, and a short sea crossing from the mainland, the Island has a unique atmosphere boasting many attributes, not least of which is its slower pace of life and its own microclimate. It enjoys unspoilt villages and fine seaside resorts with many miles of impressive coastal scenery. With safe sandy beaches, it is a place for sailing, windsurfing and swimming, ideal for both young and old. There are many ways of crossing The Solent to the Island. If travelling by car there is a choice of three routes all with frequent services: including, Southampton to East Cowes (1 hour) and Portsmouth to Fishbourne (45 minutes). If travelling on foot, there is a fast and frequent catamaran service from Portsmouth to Ryde (15 minutes) and a similar service from Southampton to Cowes (23 minutes), both connecting with regular mainline train services to London Waterloo. There is also a hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde, taking 10 minutes. The Island is an international sailing mecca with many events throughout the season. An abundance of walking and riding is available on country and coastal lanes and paths offering some dramatic scenery. There are also a number of golf courses across the island including adjacent at Osborne.
TENURE & PRICE
Freehold, comprising titles IW45325 and IW55813. The sale will include the business and all trade fixtures and fittings that are owned outright. There may be an option to sell with vacant possession.
Freehold offers of £2,250,000 are sought.
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION
The property is Grade II listed and part is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (but not a Conservation Area). We understand the property benefits from Hotel C1 Use under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).
SERVICES
Mains water electricity, drainage and gas. Gas fired central heating.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE
Exempt.
RATING
The 2023 Rateable Value is £36,000 (small rates multiplier .499p = £17964 payable) but only paid £4,491 for 2024-2025 as Albert Cottage is eligible for 75% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief. The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief has been announced by Government to continue for 2025-26.
PRICE
Offers in the order of £2.25m for the freehold titles, with the benefit of a turnkey operation, delivered to a high standard and specification. There is also the opportunity of vacant possession.
REGULATORY
The business benefits from all the necessary compliance and health and safety certificates and licences Wedding Licence ,Premises Licence, Class C1, Grade II Listed.
VIEWINGS
Strictly by prior appointment with the joint selling agents, Savills and Spence Willard. Please do not approach the business or staff directly.
For further information and all viewing requests please contact joint sole selling agents Savills or Spence Willard.
Spence Willard
Charles Spence
01983 20 0880
charles.spence@spencewillard.co.uk
Savills Southampton
Chris Bickle
078 0799 9504
CBickle@savills.com
Harry Heffer
079 2908 5103
harry.heffer@savills.com
Adam Bullas
023 8071 3957
abullas@savills.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE: 1. Particulars: These particulars are not an offer or contract, nor part of one. You should not rely on statements by Spence Willard in the particulars or by word of mouth or in writing (‘information’) as being factually accurate about the property, its condition or its value.
Neither Spence Willard nor any joint agent has any authority to make any representations about the property, and accordingly any information given is entirely without responsibility on the part of the agents, seller(s) or lessor(s). 2. Photos etc: The photographs show only certain parts of the
property as they appeared at the time they were taken. Areas, measurements and distances given are approximate only. 3. Regulations etc: Any reference to alterations to, or use of, any part of the property does not mean that any necessary planning, building regulations or other consent has
been obtained. A buyer or lessee must find out by inspection or in other ways that these matters have been properly dealt with and that all information is correct. 4. VAT: The VAT position relating to the property may change without notice. November 2024
