Say I do: fairytale-themed Isle of Wight B&B with 11 bedrooms, hot tub and a wedding licence for sale
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You could be king or queen of the castle in this fabulous 11-bedroom country pile, presiding over a kingdom of fairies, cherubs and badgers for the princely sum of £900,000.
The Enchanted Manor B&B has been listed for sale, offering a tempting business opportunity for buyers after a unique challenge.
Nestled in the peaceful village of Niton on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, the property is currently an award-winning fairytale-themed hotel with rave reviews on TripAdvisor.
Far from understated, the entire place has been decked out with mythical touches, fairy lights and glitter.
The crowning glory of the 10 guest suites are the hand-carved, opulently-draped four-poster beds, with original marble fireplaces, Venetian glass chandeliers, pastel-coloured soft furnishings and indulgent rolltop baths among the other luxury flourishes.
The self-contained one-bedroom apartment will have fans of all things whimsical in raptures and the Victorian billiards room retains a sense of old-fashioned charm.
Ornate Chinese pergolas provide ideal spots for watching red squirrels play in the day and the family of badgers who emerge to feed on cornflakes every evening.
The garden is sprinkled with fairy dust, too, from miniature front doors nailed onto trees (the fairies live here, so knock first!) to fountains, bird baths and unicorn sculptures.
There is a hot tub and a Swedish BBQ grill hut, too.
The Enchanted Manor has two years left on its renewable wedding licence, allowing the next manager to continue hosting intimate weddings.
There is currently one dedicated ceremony room and an ivy-covered dining room for use with day receptions.
No further capital investment is required as the business can simply be picked up where the current owners have left off, but there is plenty of scope for further development if you wish.
There is no restaurant or bar at present despite the fully-equipped kitchen with restaurant facilities on-site.
This and all furnishings will be included in the sale.
Wedding packages could be expanded, as could the spa (there is currently just one therapy room used for massages), and the top floor could easily be converted to include a deluxe penthouse with sea views and a roof garden.
The Enchanted Manor commands a top end tariff with low overheads.
It has featured on many TV shows, including winning Three in a Bed and being named viewers’ choice on Four Weddings.
The owners number Bee Gee Robin Gibb’s widow Dwina, wildlife presenter Nigel Marvin and acts playing at the Isle of Wight festival among past celebrity guests.
Owners Maggie and Ric Hilton were running a five-star B&B elsewhere on the island 12 years ago, when friends began urging them to take a look at Windcliffe Manor, as it was then called.
Dating back to the mid-19th century, it was the former home of the Kirkpatrick family, who counted the royal family among their aristocratic friends, but had fallen into ruin.
“It was very tired, rundown and unloved but it enchanted us the minute we walked through the door,” said Maggie. “We both looked at each other and knew we had to buy it.”
The couple secured a £1million loan from their bank manager and bought the country pile for £750,000 at auction with Homes under the Hammer filming.
The next year was spent lovingly restoring it and transforming it into a “special haven for couples looking for somewhere different from run of the mill accommodation”.
Inspiration for the theme struck when Maggie spotted British fantasy artist Josephine Walls’ greetings cards in a local shop.
The pair became “firm friends” and Walls' artwork now hangs in the suites, along with murals painted by her daughter-in-law Johanna and stained glass windows created by her husband Bob.
The Hiltons, now in their sixties, are selling up to retire and spend time with family in the UK and Australia.
“Ric was only meant to have been in the UK for a year but 20 years later we are still here as love the beautiful Isle of Wight,” said Maggie, who hopes “younger blood” will breathe new life into a place she holds close to her heart.
“We want the right people with the same enthusiasm and passion that we have to carry on our legacy. We are flexible and would consider any ideas and still help run it, if required. There are no restaurants in the area despite high demand, so a chef wanting to live in a beautiful environment would be perfect.”
There is also the potential to buy the neighbouring cottage where the Hiltons have been living – but be prepared for their arms to need some twisting.
“We would consider selling The Fairytale Cottage and surrounding woodland with the Enchanted Manor but would prefer to keep it as it took us six years to build and was intended as our retirement home,” said Maggie.
“However, if the right people came along, this would be negotiable.”
Should “the right people” not be found, the Hiltons intend to apply for planning permission to turn the Enchanted Manor back into a residential property.
“It would be such a shame as it has meant everything to us and we have built it up with so much love, care and attention, but it would make a fabulous family home, set in stunning secluded surroundings in an affluent and desirable area,” said Maggie.
“It would suit someone looking to relocate from London to a safe, tranquil environment without the stress of a big city.”
The property is a minute’s stroll from the coastline overlooking the famous St Catherine’s lighthouse and a stone’s throw from local pubs, village shops and a highly-rated primary school.
It is a short ten-minute drive to the picture-perfect village of Godshill and the popular coastal resort of Ventnor. The historic town of Newport is also within easy reach.
Online estate agents Tepilo, who are marketing the Enchanted Manor, have seen “plenty of interest” but are only considering serious buyers.
“Not only is this an already successful business, the potential in the property is huge,” a spokesperson said.
“The sky truly is the limit with what the new owners could do. Without any changes to the property, they could target photography groups, walking groups or hen and stag weekends.”