Planning permission is being sought to transform the former East Dene educational activity centre and wedding venue in Bonchurch into a boutique 5-star hotel, boasting spa facilities and 16 eco holiday lodges.
East Dene closed its doors back in 2020 – largely due to the COVID pandemic – and has remained empty since. It’s now said that the main house is in need of investment for restoration and a viable use to safeguard the future of the historic property.
The Grade II* listed building, which was built in 1824, passed through the hands of several owners until it became a convent in 1904, operating as a girl’s finishing school until 1949. After the war years it was used as a hotel, becoming a Joseph Allnatt Center for educational activity holidays in 1978.
Under the plans being put forward to the Isle of Wight Council, the Tudor-Gothic building would be transformed into a 20-bedroom luxury hotel with the creation of a new spa and gym pavilion, complete with a swimming pool, changing and treatment rooms and associated spa facilities.
In addition, 16 eco lodges – 12x 1-bed and 4x 2-bed – would be nestled within the 10-acre grounds of East Dene, which would be restored and enhanced to create a wooded pleasure garden. The lodges would be available for 1 night or as short holiday lets, 52 weeks of the year.
It’s proposed that a narrow, winding and deteriorating glazed link corridor connecting East Dene with the Coach House, dating back to 1911, is demolished and space made for additional parking taking the existing number of spaces from 12 to 37 – an increase of 25.
It’s hoped that if planning permission is given the new hotel would become a must-visit location, competing with quality destinations throughout the UK. The hotel would promote health and wellness tourism visits.
The plans have been put forward by Joseph Allnatt Centres Limited, who closed East Dene down in 2020. However, the company is now under new ownership. The planning application gives reference to the applicant specialising in the acquisition and restoration of historic establishments.
It can be revealed that the applicant, Robert Camping, already operates Wonder Wellbeing in West Sussex and is looking to replicate its success here on the Isle of Wight.
Islanders have until 27th January 2023 to comment on the plans, with a decision set to be made by the Isle of Wight Council by 20th March.
