Smugglers Lodge

“Such a beautiful place. The cabin was lovely and so peaceful, and we had some great walks recommended to us by the cafe staff. Great location to see some great sea views and the gardens and such friendly hosts.”

– Laura.

DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

Experience Victorian history from inside the Island’s only Botanic Garden

The Smugglers Lodge is a newly restored Victorian building originally part of the TB Hospital founded in 1869. The National Hospital’s history is brought to life in the Lodge through a series of period black and white photographs and antique plaques from two of the hospital’s thirteen wings or blocks.

Smuggling also played a part in the Isle of Wight’s history along the coves, beaches and chines of its southern coast. Years ago, a Smugglers Museum was located in the basements below the Lodge, so we retained the name in deference to this chapter of the building’s story. More on the Hospital’s history can be found in the Heritage Centre.

The lodge provides a large, bright bedroom with high ceilings and downlighters that looks out onto a generous private terrace and part of the Garden’s palm collection. (Below this terrace engineers once ran the large coal-fired boiler which heated the entire Hospital. The Victorians certainly loved a decent sub-basement with hand-cut stone walls). It has a king-size Victorian bed and an ensuite bathroom with a roll-top bath for two, with distinctive chrome feet situated in an open alcove.

A snug with a high, close-boarded, pyramid hip ceiling capped with a dovecote features a large leather sofa, a wood stove, an antique wicker log basket and a full kitchen (two induction hobs and conventional oven) with a small oak dining table for two.

The Lodge sits just inside the working entrance to the Botanic Garden where Lodge guests have free and out-of-hours access. The Coastal Path runs through the south part of the Garden and offers lovely walks to Steephill Cove, Ventnor and St Catherine’s Point where several less visited coves are found.

The Plantation Room Café at the Garden is open daily and our edulis Restaurant is open during the summer months. Bespoke meals can be ordered in advance through our chef and delivered to the lodge. Frozen meals are made in the Garden’s restaurant for our edulis@home brand and are available daily in The Larder. 

Property Summary

Open plan living, dining and kitchen area with views out into the Arid Garden.

Cosy fireplace.

1 x bedroom with  Kingsize bed, ensuite bathroom with roll top bath

Writing desk and Wifi.

Large private walled garden.

Parking in the garden main car park just a few meters from the Lodge.

Facilities

Electric central heating, underfloor heating in the kitchen.

Woodburning stove in the living room.

Induction hob and electric oven.

Fridge with icebox.

High chair on request.

Books.

Patio table and chairs.

BBQ.

Access to the full gardens and facilities.

Breakfast and dining options are available at the Plantation Room Cafe or the stunning edulis restaurant, both within the grounds of the garden.

Linen & towels provided.

Pet by request.

Availability

Booking enquiry