#appuldurcombe #isleofwight #virtualwalk #staycation This ornamental gateway, Listed Grade II*, is late 18th century in date and built of Isle of Wight stone ashlar with Portland stone dressings and cast iron gates. Appuldurcombe House (also spelt Appledorecombe or Appledore Combe) is the shell of a large 18th-century English Baroque country house of the Worsley family. The house is situated near to Wroxall on the Isle of Wight, England. It is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public. A small part of the 300-acre (1.2 km2; 0.47 sq mi) estate that once surrounded it is still intact, but other features of the estate are still visible in the surrounding farmland and nearby village of Wroxall, including the entrance to the park, the Freemantle Gate, now used only by farm animals and pedestrians. Appuldurcombe began as a priory in 1100. It became a convent, then the Elizabethan home of the Leigh family. The large Tudor mansion was bequeathed in 1690 to Sir Robert Worsley, 3rd Baronet, who began planning a suitable replacement. The present house was begun in 1702. The architect was John James. Sir Robert never saw the house fully completed. He died on 29 July 1747, in his memory a monument was erected overlooking the house on Stenbury Down. The house was greatly extended in the 1770s by his great-nephew Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Baronet Worsley of Appuldurcombe. The newly extended mansion was where Sir Richard brought his new wife, the 17-year-old Seymour Dorothy Fleming, whom he married "for love and £80,000". Capability Brown was commissioned in 1779 to design the ornamental grounds at the same time as the extensions. A romantic ruined folly known as "Cooke’s Castle" was built on the hill opposite to improve the view. During Sir Richard's time, the house held a magnificent art collection and was the setting for Sir Richard's entertaining of some of the most eminent figures of the age. Troops were billeted in the house during both world wars, and at the onset of the Second World War the house was taken over by the military. On 7 February 1943, a German Luftwaffe Dornier Do 217 that was engaged in a mine-laying mission turned inland and dropped its final mine very close to the house, before crashing into St Martin's Down. The mine exploded, blowing in windows and causing the collapse of part of the roof. The resulting hole in the roof was left unrepaired, and after the war much of the remainder of the roof and the interiors were removed and sold off. Although the house is now mainly a shell, its front section has been re-roofed and glazed, and a small part of the interior recreated. The house has become well known as one of the supposedly most haunted places on the island. There are frequent tales and claimed sightings ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=earb2z7TxKY

#seaview #ryde #isleofwight From Visit Isle Of Wight: With long, spacious stretches of sandy beach, a thriving independent shopping scene and fabulous eating out, Ryde is a quirky mix of a traditional seaside fun, Victorian architecture and unexpected hidden gems! One of the UK's original seaside destinations and much loved by Queen Victoria, a trip on the FastCat or Hovercraft is part of the joy of a visit to Ryde. The town is easy and quick to get to from the mainland - it's perfect for a day out or short break. If you're already on the Island you'll find Ryde easy to reach by bus, train, car and on foot and bicycle. If you’re looking for a sandy beach, Ryde is the place! To the east of the pier, Appley Beach is one of the finest on the Isle of Wight. It’s a 20-minute flat walk from the pier past beach cafes, a small harbour and other sandy beaches. Appley Beach is a stunning beach of fine golden sand, bordered by a lush green park with a small playground for younger children. The beach shelves gently into the sea, making it perfect for a family day out. In Summer the tide laps in over the hot sand, and the water is some of the warmest on the Island. In winter it’s the perfect place for splashing about in wellies. Appley Tower sits on the edge of the sand casting a magical golden spell over days spent building sandcastles, splashing and swimming. Keep heading east and you’ll find more sandy beaches and Puckpool Park with tennis courts, crazy golf and a playground. To the west of Ryde Pier, the beach is more accessible at low tide. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and a super spot for beachcombing - there's usually a jewel or two of sea glass to be found here! The beaches of Ryde are also a haven for birds including the elusive sanderling. The flat walk along the seafront is made for strolling, especially if you’re less mobile or have children, scooters and buggies in tow. Stop off for an ice cream or a glass of something on route – there's lots of space and plenty of places to rest and enjoy the views across the sea to the mainland. Wander further along to the east and you'll come across Appley Tower. This magical tower on the beach is actually a coastal folly built in 1875 by Sir William Hutt. It's the perfect backdrop for a seaside selfie especially at sunrise! The walk will take you about 25 minutes from the 'dry end' of the pier. To the west you can follow the coastal path slightly inland until you reach the Benedictine monastery of Quarr Abbey in the other direction. East or west, both routes are suitable and safe for cycling. If warm sands and sea don't tempt you, head inland from Ryde's transport connections and take a slow meander up Union Street into the heart of the town. You'll go slow be ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU_eRtgUxIg