Swainston Manor

Swainston Manor is a Grade II* listed country house in Calbourne on the Isle of Wight, featuring Gothic Revival architecture with arched windows and iron balustrades. The estate spreads across 32 acres with a Great Hall displaying pointed archways and surrounding gardens and structures.

The estate traces roots back to 735, though most structures were built by the Bishops of Winchester in the 13th century. The Barrington family added significant expansions around 1750 that shaped its current character.

The 12th-century chapel on the grounds displays medieval architectural details like pointed arches and lancet windows that shaped daily life here. This sacred space reflects how faith was woven into the estate's routine.

The property now operates as a hotel situated roughly 1.6 kilometers east of Calbourne village, making it easy to find. The surrounding gardens and historical structures can be explored on foot across the grounds.

The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson composed his work 'Maud' while visiting his friend Sir John Simeon at this manor. This connection to an important Victorian literary work makes the location particularly notable for literature enthusiasts.

Location: Calbourne, Newtown and Porchfield

GPS coordinates: 50.68800,-1.37700

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08