Whitecroft Hospital, which was built in 1896, has been lying empty since the 1990s. Oakdene Homes bought the property and is converting the historic building into 54 two and three bedroom apartments. A further 36 new apartments and 24 new houses are being built in the grounds. The hospital, which has a Grade II listed clock tower, was originally built as a pauper lunatic asylum, but as it slowly became unsuitable for modern needs, wards were gradually shut down and by 1997 only the laundry remained in use. Now the 25 acre site in the centre of the island, surrounded by countryside and only a few minutes from the capital town of Newport, has been renamed Whitecroft Park and will be gated with private leisure facilities of tennis court, gymnasium, sauna with café/chill out area and concierge service - a first for the island. The island is only two hours from London and a paradise for walkers and sailing aficionados alike. 'The Isle of Wight offers an excellent quality of life to its residents and Whitecroft Park reflects this, offering high standards of finish and facilities and creating an intriguing place to live which is shrouded in history,' says Ann Fulker, sales and marketing director for Oakdene Homes. Prices will start at £249,000 and joint agents are Watson Bull & Porter (01983 533691) and Countrywide (02380 228822). * Houses for sale
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A well-connected rural playground with 23 acres on the edge of the South Downs National ParkOld House Farm is an impressive family home with a wealth of amenities that would inspire any rural passion.
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The UK gets its first ‘European stork village’ — and it's in West SussexAlthough the mortality rate among white storks can be up to 90%, the future looks rosy for breeding pairs in southern England.
