The House
Haven Hall began life as an Edwardian Country House built in 1908 by Sam and Mary Crook, successful greengrocers from Southampton. It’s quirky angular architecture and towers are a classic example of the Arts & Crafts period very popular at that time. But the setting on the top of the cliffs overlooking Hope Bay couldn’t have been more idyllic. The House stands near the ‘Chynklyng Chine’ waterfall mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, (later to become the town’s name: Shanklin). The Crook’s 9 children plus grandchildren loved to come visit by paddle steamer. During both World Wars, the family stayed in the House despite the thunder of guns in France and bombers destroying large areas of the Island trying to hit Shanklin Chine’s ‘Pluto’ oil pipeline.
After Mary's death in 1956, the original 5 bedroom House was turned into a 16 bedroom Hotel by dividing most of the original rooms. After buying the property in 2013, David and Arielle Barratt decided to restore these rooms back to their original sizes. By doing 2 loft conversions, adding another house with 4 apartments and re-designing the entire property, Haven Hall became a 14 bedroom Luxury Hotel. In addition to renovating everything up to current building regulations, many extra features were added like air conditioning, wifi, Smart TVs, mood lighting, under floor heating, LED lighting, and lots of security. New cornices, windows, wall paneling, skirting boards, doors, kitchens and bathrooms (all designed by Arielle) had to be sourced and installed. Antiques and chandeliers came from the local auctions, ebay and various other sources. Soft furnishings ~ the curtains, carpets, bedding and décor items are all new additions. Hence Haven Hall is now much bigger and perhaps a bit grander than the original house.
The private 2 acre grounds include a heated swimming pool and grass tennis court (completely re-built to regulation size). A new pool house with shower rooms, kitchenette and sauna have been added. Three terraces of new planting have also been added to the pool area. The grounds have been massively landscaped to make the most of the expansive sea view. Irrigation and ground lighting were installed as well as the grand entrance gates and security fencing. The Victorian style gazebo was sourced from a reclamation yard and erected. At the same time work began on building a replica of the Lutyens Steps from Great Dixter House to transition from the higher part of the lawn to the lower lawn area. Massive amounts of flowers, plants and trees transformed the garden into a 'haven'. Haven Hall has regularly won prizes for its garden, awarded by Alan Titchmarsh in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 & 2023. Ample secure private parking is available on site with Electric Vehicle Chargers. Helicopter landing is available on the lower lawn. Recent guests include Colin Firth OBE and his family for their third visit, Sol Campbell & Fiona Barratt Campbell and family, Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy (2 visits), Jimmy Carr, Lord Dan Hannan, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Rt Hon Michael Gove and Andrew Bailey - Governor of Bank of England.
