Part of Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight retreat opened as holiday accommodation

    Osborne House self catering cottages. Eileen Long Photogrsphy/English Heritage

    English Heritage opens up an exclusive area of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight as a holiday cottage.

    Sovereign's Gate, Osborne - the top floor bedroom. Eileen Long Photogrsphy/English Heritage
    Sovereign’s Gate, Osborne – the top floor bedroom. Eileen Long Photogrsphy/English Heritage

    Two luxury cottages have been developed within ‘Sovereign’s Gate’ at Osborne House, the former Isle of Wight family retreat of Queen Victoria now under the care of English Heritage.

    Sovereign’s Gate is a ceremonial entrance to the royal retreat once reserved exclusively for Queen Victoria and her family as well as lords, ladies and heads of state.

    Holidaymakers can now book a three, four or seven night stay at No 1 and No 2 Sovereign’s Gate, which also includes exclusive use of the grounds at Osborne, which include Queen Victoria’s private beach and gardens, as well as free entry to other English Heritage sites on the Isle of Wight.

    Osborne House was commissioned in the 1840s by Prince Albert as a seaside retreat for Queen Victoria and their children. Sovereign’s Gate was designed to provide the estate with an entrance worthy of the status of its guests, including Emperor Napoleon III, Tsar Nicholas and the Royal family itself.

    Tim Rogers, English Heritage Holiday Cottages Manager said: “Osborne House was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite family homes and she once exclaimed that ‘it was impossible to imagine a prettier spot.’ We hope visitors will also enjoy the peaceful setting and take their place in the island’s royal history.”

    The two self-catering cottages sleep up to four people each and retain impressive original features such as high ceilings, fireplaces and sash windows. They have been decorated with a stylish neutral décor, and fitted with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. The cottages are available to rent with rates starting from £402 for a 3-night weekend stay.

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