Ryde Architecture
VILLA D’ESTE George Street, Ryde
The Wyatt family had a long association with the Isle of Wight, they lived at Nettlestone in 1841 and were in Melville Street, Ryde by 1851. At some point before 1855 Commander Henry Benjamin Wyatt RN, his wife Elizabeth and their family had moved into Villa d’Este, George Street, Ryde. This was very much a family home, with several generations occupying the house. It was also large enough to accommodate a variety of live-in servants.
On the 21st May 1863, at Villa d’Este, Ryde, the death of Henrietta Sarah Warburton Wyatt, the younger and beloved daughter of Captain Henry Benjamin Wyatt, Royal Navy, in the 24th year of her age
13 June 1863 On the 11th June at his residence, Villa d’Este, Ryde, only three weeks after the death of his younger daughter, Captain Henry Benjamin Wyatt, Royal Navy, died in the 77th year of his age, which was deeply regretted by the family and a great many friends in Ryde.
In 1859 the eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bennett Wyatt, had married a dashing young Lieutenant of the 19th foot, George Douglas Harris. Villa d’Este became their home with the rest of the Wyatt family. All their five children were born at the Villa. Unfortunately, Mary Harris died in 1870 at the young age of 32, and so left five little children to be cared for by her husband George Douglas Harris and a governess. The Villa was put up for sale or let, but it subsequently remained in the family and didn’t appear to have been occupied by anyone else at that time.
For Sale or Rent notice (1870)
A substantially-built and well-arranged private house, pleasantly situated in George-street, with sheltered garden. The house contains on the ground floor – entrance hall, dining room with bay window opening on to lawn, morning room, bed room, large china closet, &c.; first floor – lofty drawing room with bay window commanding pretty sea view, three best bed rooms, and bath room; top floor – three good attics, and store closet. There is an easy access to the roof, from which extensive views can be obtained. The offices comprise kitchen, scullery, larder, good cellarage, &c. Town water laid on. An extra piece of ground adjoining, forming a croquet lawn, may be rented. For further particulars, and cards to view, apply to Riddett and Son.
It was only eight years later in 1878 that Captain George Douglas Harris, aged 46, died at Villa d’Este His children were then looked after by his brother Philip Harris, a Colonel in the Army & Lieut Colonel Second Command Royal Marine Portsmouth, and his wife Eleanor, who had taken Villa d’Este for their home.
Philip Harris was promoted to the rank of General during the next six years, in which time he and his family, including his nieces and nephews, continued to live at the Villa in George Street. In April 1886 the family removed to Anglesea House, Buckingham Road, Ryde.
In November 1893 Dr. Brereton and Mrs. Brereton took Villa d’Este for their residence. Dr. Brereton was very much involved with the Holy Trinity Parochial Schools.
By May 1904, Mr. John Walter Pridmore, MRCS. LRCP.Lond. physician & surgeon & medical officer & public vaccinator for the district, and Mrs. Pridmore were living at the house, and they were still at the property many years later. They did good works in aid of the Church Missionary Society, frequently opening their garden for use by the society and holding events to raise funds for that organisation.
Other doctors, Firman-Edwards and Liesching, joined Mr. Pridmore in the medical practice held in this building during the first part of the 20th century.
More about Capt Henry Benjamin Wyatt here
More about Capt George Douglas Harris here
More about General Philip Harris here
Sources: IW Observer & Directories
Image: Trevor West
Article: Ann Barrett