Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
  • MENU

Ryde Architecture

Westridge House near Ryde

WESTRIDGE HOUSE & ESTATE

Just a few of the residents who owned or rented the House and Estate.

In May 1878 the Westridge Estate, Ryde, the property of the late James Young, Esq., was sold by Auction, by Messrs. Farebrother, Lye and Palmer, of Lancaster-place, Strand, W.C., at the Mart, in London, to Richard Phipps, Esq., of Northampton.  He was the owner for the following ten years.

There were many applications over the years made by Mr Binfield Bird, estate agent, on behalf of the owners of the Estate, to supply the house with water, which were each time refused, the house being beyond which the borough could supply. For example: in 1883 applied and refused, and then by February 1892 the borough surveyor estimated that it would cost the Board £118 just to take the water main to the lodge gates, inclusive of the cost of the meter, valves, hydrants, &c. Again refused.

In May 1888 the Westridge Estate was advertised for sale by Auction.  Francis Pittis and Son, auctioneers, being instructed by the owner R. Phipps, Esq. The upset price was £3,600.

With window looking towards the sea

The property was described as an exceedingly choice distinguished residence comprising a spacious family mansion, in grounds of the most charming description, surrounded by well-timbered park-like lands, commanding splendid views of the sea. It contained handsome dining and drawing rooms, library, breakfast room, 18 bed rooms, and well-arranged domestic offices.  Excellent stabling, a small farmery, four cottages, and numerous outbuildings.  The extensive surroundings tastefully disposed in lawns, tennis, pleasure grounds, flower and kitchen gardens.  Numerous ranges of glass houses.  Skirting the pleasure grounds were park-like pastures, handsomely timbered with ornamental oak and other trees.  The whole estate containing an area of about 53 acres.  Property freehold and the land tax redeemed.

In August 1892, the local press announced that Westridge House, near Ryde, had been let by Messrs. Marvin and Sons to Mrs. Staniforth for her residence.

At the beginning of November 1892, Captain R. G. Gaussen (late Grenadier Guards, and owner of the schooner yacht “Myrtle”), had taken Westridge House for the winter. He was still in residence in March the following year, as he was amongst the list of people having generously given a £1.1s.0d. contribution to the Royal I.W. Infirmary & County Hospital.

In May 1913 the Westridge Estate was again advertised for sale by Auction, described as a medium sized country residence, embracing an area of about 55 acres. This time the contents included five reception rooms, 15 bed and dressing rooms, bath room etc.: stabling for five horses. Lodge and three cottages, small farmery and rich pastures.  1 mile from the Sea and St. John’s Road Station and 1¾ miles from Ryde Town and Esplanade Stations.

Sources: I.W. Observer & RSHG Archive
Photos: RSHG Archive & Roy Brinton Collection