Villas
fit for Gentlemen
Alexandra
Gardens, named after HRH Alexandra, Princess of Wales, is a private
road of eight grand villas overlooking the beach and harbour in
Ventnor on the south coast of the Isle of Wight.
The
villas had, and many still do have to this day, wonderful gothic
style carved staircases from the ground up to the second floor with
ornate plaster cornicing and magnificent ceiling roses. The ground
and first floor front rooms were large with high ceilings, bay windows
and magnificent views. Unusually high skirting went round all of
the rooms. The main reception rooms had large marble and slate fireplaces.
When built they would have been among the finest houses in Ventnor.
Alexandra
Gardens today
In
the 21st century the street is undergoing a revival. Between 2006
and 2009 four of the houses have been completely refurbished, improving
the street environment. Only two of the houses remain as single
units, number 5 is the Windsor
Carlton, providing four star Guest Accommodation and number
3, Bermuda
House, is a large four star self catering holiday let. It is
the owners of these properties who have collaborated with the help
of neighbours and the Ventnor and District Local History Society (particular thanks go to Fay Brown) to produce this site.
Please
use our Forum to add to our knowledge of this fascinating street, or contact
us by e-mail.
