Appley Manor Unveils Unique Victorian-Inspired Cloakroom Refurbishment

Guests visiting Appley Manor in Ryde can now experience one of the Isle of Wight's most unusual refurbishment projects, after the historic hotel unveiled a Victorian-inspired transformation of its cloakroom facilities.

The newly completed project features a range of restored and repurposed period items, including a working grandfather clock concealing a toilet cistern, hand basins crafted from antique copper pans and traditional fittings designed to reflect the building's Victorian heritage.

The refurbishment forms part of a wider programme of investment at the country house hotel and was carried out by Hampshire-based Anchor Maintenance.

Among the standout features are ornate cast-iron fireplace surrounds framing traditional pedestal lavatories, copper pans converted into wash basins and mounted on a genuine Victorian range, as well as patterned encaustic floor tiles and gilded mirrors.

The project was designed and delivered by the craftsmen and engineers of Anchor Maintenance, part of the 1851 Group, which owns Appley Manor.

Hotel owners say the aim was to create a space that combines practicality with character while celebrating the property's historic roots.

Appley Manor has long been one of the Isle of Wight's best-known historic properties.

Its Victorian architecture and grounds have played an important role in the Island's history and, before becoming a hotel, the building was home to Little Appley Preparatory School.

The school was attended by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons between 1955 and 1962, before the property evolved into the hotel visitors know today.

The newly unveiled cloakrooms are expected to become a talking point among guests, offering a distinctive glimpse into Victorian-inspired design while preserving the character of the historic building.