Notes from the host
The Old Abbey Farmhouse
The Island Holiday Company welcomes you to The Old Abbey Farmhouse – A Tranquil Retreat Steeped in History
Step back in time and into peace at the Old Abbey Farmhouse, a beautifully restored Grade II listed property nestled within the grounds of Quarr Abbey, a working Benedictine monastery on the serene Isle of Wight.
Surrounded by woodlands, red squirrels in abundance, walking trails, and the ancient ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, this unique farmhouse offers a rare chance to stay within the spiritual and historical heart of the island. After a day of exploring, head to The Abbeys well known locally, Café serving hot drinks, delicious cakes and lunches, before heading back to the Farmhouse, lighting the fire and enjoying the tranquillity of its unique location.
Whether you're drawn by the beauty of the countryside, the calm of abbey life,the architectural wonder of Quarr itself, this home is the perfect base for rest, reflection, and exploration.
The farmhouse sits adjacent to the atmospheric ruins of the original Quarr Abbey, founded in 1132 by Baldwin de Redvers, Earl of Devon. The site’s name—Quarreria—comes from the nearby Binstead stone quarry, once used to build grand cathedrals like Winchester and Chichester.
Just steps away is the modern Quarr Abbey, built between 1907–1914. Its red-brick church is open daily (5:00am–8:30pm) and offers beautiful Gregorian chant services sung by the resident monks. A peaceful and contemplative atmosphere fills the grounds year-round.
The Old Abbey Farmhouse is more than just a place to stay—it’s a deeply restful experience. Set in one of the most historic and spiritual locations on the Isle of Wight, guests will find space to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature and history. Guests are welcome to explore the grounds.
On entering through the eighteenth-century front doorway of the Farmhouse, a bright hallway opens to both the dining room and living room. The dining room, with a wood burner, has seating for four guests. The kitchen has newly fitted units with a dishwasher, oven and hob. There is a small utility room with washing machine next to the kitchen. Off the kitchen is the bathroom with a roll top bath, basin and toilet. Access to the garden is through the kitchen which also has a small, enclosed seating area, perfect for an afternoon drink in the sun. The garden is enclosed and is suited for a small dog to enjoy. The living room is a bright and airy room with another wood burner and Smart TV. The views across the farmers’ fields are inspiring, a peaceful place to sit and enjoy. The staircase leads up to a landing and two bedrooms. The master bedroom has a double bed and a recently fitted ensuite with shower cubical. The second bedroom has a king size bed. Outside the rear garden there is a patio area for guests to enjoy an afternoon in the sunan evening under the stars after you have taken in the sights of the Abbey grounds.
The more modern Quarr Abbey, built from 1907 to 1914, is an architectural wonder, constructed entirely of brick. Its magnificent church, a jewel of the Isle of Wight, is open to the public from 5.00 am to 8.30 pm every day. Church services, sung by the monks in Gregorian Chant, are held throughout each day.
Many different activities are held on the Abbey grounds throughout the year. If walking is something you enjoy there are many public walkways, including a woodland walk. The abbey has an Art Gallery with different local artists exhibiting each week. It also has a Farm Shop with a large variety of goods for sale, a Monastery Shop selling religious books, cards and rosaries, and a Visitor Centre explaining about the life and history of the monastic life at Quarr. Why not stop by the Quarr Abbey Tea Shop and enjoy homemade cakesa light meal in its beautiful tea garden. Then you can feed the pigs, always a popular attraction!
Ryde town centre is 2 miles from the property where you can find many restaurants, pubs, cafés and shops. The nearest ferry terminal is at Fishbourne which is a short ten-minute walk from the abbey along its bridle path.
THE ISLAND HOLIDAY COMPANY ARE ABLE TO OFFER DISCOUNTED FERRY TRAVEL TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY THROUGH US.
LOCATION:
The setting of the Old Abbey Farmhouse is truly one-of-a-kind—not just for the Isle of Wight, but across the British Isles. While Wales and Ireland are rich in ancient monastic sites and Celtic heritage, few offer what Quarr Abbey does: a living, working Benedictine monastery with daily Gregorian chant services, set among the ruins of a 12th-century abbey and active farmland. Unlike many historical sites in WalesIreland, where the ruins stand empty, Quarr is alive with purpose—welcoming visitors into its rhythm of prayer, nature, and simplicity. Staying here is not just a retreat it’s a rare opportunity to be part of a timeless spiritual and cultural legacy.
Fishbourne is a village between Wootton and Ryde, on the Isle of Wight.The name "Fishbourne" might mean "stream of fish""fish spring".
The nearby village of Wootton has a selection of pubs a handful of shops, a fish and chip shop, chemist and a Post Office. The location is a paradise for walkers, country lovers, bird watchers and cyclists. There are local forests in which to enjoy walks and horse riding, and for cyclists, there is a choice of challenging off road bridleways, peaceful byways and level, purpose-made tracks running along former railway lines directly from the property, other attractions within easy reach include Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, Robin Hill Adventure Park and the world famous yachting at Cowes.
The Isle of Wight is renowned for having a warm, sunny climate, and there are plenty of tourist attractions you can enjoy in the sun. Discover quaint villages, indulge in cream teas, enjoy local produce, including garlic at The Garlic Farm, adventure parks, museums, zoo, donkey sanctuary, wildlife centres, the Isle of Wight Pearl Factory, The Needles landmark, traditional pottery, vineyards, steam railway, pretty coves and much more
ACCOMMODATION:
GROUND FLOOR
Hallway: bench seat and staircase to first floor
Lounge: sofa, armchair, wood burner and Smart TV
Dining room: wood burner, sofa, dining table and chairs
Kitchen: electric oven, induction hob, fridge/ with ice box, kettle, toaster and dishwasher
Sun room: armchair, side table and garden view (access via kitchen)
Utility: washing machine
Bathroom: roll-top bath with handheld shower attachment, toilet and wash basin
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom 1: double bed, dressing table, chest of drawers and en-suite
En-suite: shower cubicle, toilet and wash basin
Bedroom 2: king size bed, bedside cabinets, chest of drawers and ottoman
OUTSIDE
Enclosed walled garden with exterior seating
Private parking for 2 cars adjacent to rear garden.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES / SERVICES:
We've partnered with Yhangry to bring exceptional dining right to your accommodation. From arrival meals to celebration dinners, enjoy restaurant-quality dining without ever leaving your new home. (Prices from £30pp). Start planning your getaway menu, by contacting us for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can choose to either pay a non-refundable damage waiver of £35 or provide a pre-authorised security deposit of £150 before check-in. If the security deposit option is selected, no money will be taken unless damage is reported at the property within 7 days after departure
There is no electric car charger on site and guests are prohibited from using the mains electric in the property to charge a car.
This property can accept a maximum of 1 pet(s). The charge is £35 per pet, per week and we kindly ask that you bring your own bedding for your pet(s). Please ensure that you correctly add your pet(s) when making your booking, so this additional cost is included. If it becomes apparent that you have brought a pet(s) with you but did not advise us, we will contact you to request payment separately.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Island Holiday Company are responsible for the marketing only, of this property and the owners’ details will be made available to you by email ahead of your arrival, should you need to contact them with any issues queries relating to your stay, please also refer to your property brochure left inside the property, for further information and contact details.
No stag/hen parties are permitted at any of our properties.
There is a strict no smoking/vaping policy, inside all our properties.
Linens and towels are provided, but please bring your own beach towels and cot linen as necessary.
Initial fuel and logs for multi-fuel / wood burners will be supplied at the beginning of your stay. Guests will be required to purchase more if required.
Please be respectful of the property and the neighbours during your stay leaving the property as you found it on your arrival
A breach of the above rules and guidelines could mean forfeiture of the Security Deposit.
THE ISLAND HOLIDAY COMPANY ARE ABLE TO OFFER DISCOUNTED FERRY TRAVEL TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY THROUGH US.
Hosted byThe Island Holiday Company
