Ecclesiastical escapes – spiritual places to stay on the Isle of Wight

From a cosy stone farmhouse set in the grounds of a Benedictine monastery to a converted tin tabernacle on the rugged south coast, the Isle of Wight has plenty of unusual accommodation with a spiritual link or two. Whichever you plump for, you’re sure to find peace and tranquillity – and (if you’re lucky) perhaps a touch of divine inspiration too.

Following the winding roads from St Boniface Down, heading south towards the sea, you might just pass Pilgrim’s Loft, a swanky first-floor apartment housed in a former church (and boxing club) set on Ventnor High Street.

Since 2022, this bright and lofty bolthole has been impressing guests and visitors with its plush velvet upholstery and sleek, elegant decor – so much so it took silver for the region at last year’s ‘Gems’ awards, organised by Sykes Cottages. Described by the owner as a ‘serene’ spot to sleep, it also offers the perfect location for seaside swims and mindful walks amongst the lush, green shrubs of Ventnor Botanic Garden.

Meanwhile, alongside the medieval ruins of Quarr Abbey, within sight and sound of a flock of bleating sheep, is Old Abbey Farmhouse. This sturdy stone cottage comes with plenty of rustic charm, a toasty log burner for those chillier nights and a private patio outside – to soak up the warming rays of spring sunshine. For those bringing a canine companion, you can rest assured there are plenty of lengthy walks through ancient woodlands right on your doorstep too – as well as more sticks for fetch than your pup will know what to do with.

Maybe, however, you fancy something a bit more deep and meaningful during your Isle of Wight sojourn, in which case, consider taking a room in the ‘new’ Quarr Abbey just up the road. Guests are invited to stay with the Benedictine monks in their Edwardian red-brick home, joining them for prayers, silent retreats and a thoroughly pared-back lifestyle.

Moving south, you can’t fail to miss the cheerful red and green paint of The Mission near Chale – a late Victorian chapel made from sheets of corrugated tin. Constructed in the 1890s (by a British family returning from Madras in India), its warm woody interiors and colourful mid-century design now welcome visitors looking for a tranquil countryside retreat on the Island’s south coast.

With two bedrooms on the mezzanine and two others in the old Sunday School, The Mission comfortably sleeps up to eight people, with fun features including a sunken bath, a retro record player (with a plethora of vinyl) and a Japanese-style kamado barbecue outside in the garden. Although hard to leave all these things behind, a trip beyond the front door is well worth the effort, with surf-suitable beaches and an atmospheric country pub just moments away.

Just around the corner, on the fringes of Chale Green, you’ll find Chapel House – an impressive former church, bordered by green fields and thatched cottages. Set up for self-catering getaways in 2015 (after sitting empty for more than a decade), visitors will notice its lovingly restored original features, including stained glass windows and carved stone archways, as well as its elegant furniture and oh-so-sinkable beds.

Located in a hamlet, surrounded by some of the Island’s most impressive scenery, Chapel House is a particularly good option for those with countryside hikes high up on their agenda. Nearby paths and bridleways lead to the 19th-century Hoy Monument (built to commemorate the visit of a Russian tsar), as well as the ancient lighthouse on St. Catherine’s Down and the magical mini waterfall at Bierley.

If you prefer your ecclesiastical escape to be a tad more urban, then swap the sticks for Station Road in Sandown, home to The Light Chapel. Once a Wesleyan church, designed by London-born architect William Wilmer Pocock (whose portfolio included chapels in Winchester, Hastings and Petersfield too) it has since been tastefully divided and converted – with the bright red door to the side (with its shiny lion-shaped doorknocker) marking the entry to The Light Chapel.

Here, up to four guests can bed down in lofty rooms, set amongst the beams – with sea glimpses on offer from the original criss-crossed lead windows. There’s also a restful living area and sunny private garden, however, with the sandy beaches and lapping waves of The Channel just a short walk away, you probably won’t be spending very much time here.

Last but not least, visitors looking to locate themselves on the eastern side of the Island can’t go wrong with Old Church Lodge in St Helens. This rustic stone cottage, owned by the National Trust, takes its name from the ruins of the ancient church of St Helena, most of which has been claimed by the waves over centuries past. Today, all that remains is the 13th-century tower, which was bricked up and made into a seamark for the navy in 1719.

Restful and homely, Old Church Lodge makes a great dog-friendly stay – and with no wifi on hand, it works well for any digital detoxing you may wish to do as well. Just behind the cottage sits the undulating turf of St. Helens Duver, an ecologically important area of sand dunes and grassland home to chiffchaffs, crickets and rare species of bees.