One of the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious manor houses — once home to Barons, Sirs and MPs — could soon open its doors to the public for the first time.
Mottistone Manor, near the south coast of the Island, is already a popular attraction, with visitors flocking to see its gardens, but you cannot venture inside unless its for special, invitation-only events.
The plans to open up the former houses have been put forward by the National Trust, which was gifted the manor and estate, in 1963, on the death of its former owner John Seely, the 2nd Baron Mottistone and great-uncle to current MP Bob Seely.
In recent years, the wedding reception of Seely-descendant, and theatre and opera director, Sophie Hunter, was held at the manor after her marriage to actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
The manor was first mentioned in documents relating to the Domesday Book in 1086 but what we currently see today was built in three phases, starting in the 15th and 16th centuries under the Cheke family.
The most radical work on the manor was carried out by John Seely and his architectural partner Paul Paget in the mid-1900s, which still remains today.
Seely and Paget subdivided the manor into three separate dwellings, and until 2020 two of the three properties — Mottistone Magna and Dower House — were leased as one.
It is those two units the National Trust is looking to turn into exhibition and visitor space while the third, The Old Rectory, would remain in private residential use.
In planning documents, submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, the National Trust explains it would exhibit part of its collection and the interpretation of the manor’s history, as well as showcasing pieces from mainly Island artists.
The former residential spaces would also be used as storage for the National Trust’s archive and collection, as well as office usage and a meeting room.
The Trust says Mottistone is already an established attraction and opening part of the manor would further enhance the visitor experience.
The proposed change would not involve any physical alterations to the Grade II listed building.
You can view the plans, 23/01278/FUL and 23/01302/LBC, on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning register. Comments can be made until September 11.
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