The Mission - a stunning Tin Tabernacle conversion

A stunning 'tin tabernacle' built in 1895 and converted by us to create a ‘building within a building’ giving two mezzanine bedrooms floating in the roofspace above a large living space with a gi-normous wood burning stove. There are 2 further bedrooms, 4 in total and two bathrooms, one with a sunken bath. Outside is a decked area and wilderness garden with a summerhouse and BBQ area. Near to coastal trails and a pub The former 'Blackgang Mission Hall' tin tabernacle was built in 1895 and has an interesting history and a unique atmosphere. The Mission is situated on Blythe Shute, just outside the village of Chale on the South coast of the island. Being in an 'area of outstanding natural beauty' The Mission is steps away from stunning coastal scenery and 'in the loop' for some great coastal walking ... or just a walk to the pub! Externally the building has been re-clad and repainted using original materials and paint colors. There is a private car park for 2 cars. Internally much of the original interior remains untouched. We have created a mostly open-plan 'building-within-a-building' inside the main body of the hall. This gives 2 double mezzanine bedrooms floating in the roof-space and underneath a large open sitting area with masses of seating and a gorgeous woodburning stove. Also in the main hall is a luxuriously large bathroom with a sunken bath ...sunken into what was the baptismal font. At the back of the main hall is the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen is a restored beautiful 1950's English Rose model and kind of looks like it has always been there. Fridge-freezer, gas cooker, washing machine and dishwasher (all modern) as well as all the usual kitchenalia. It is a great space for entertaining. Leading from the kitchen is the 'Sunday School' area - 2 further bedrooms (1 with bunk beds, one with 2 single or 1 double bed)and a second bathroom with a lovely shower. Outside is a decked courtyard a grass area and a raised garden with a bench tree seat, a little summer house and BBQ area. UPDATE MAY 2017 - Please note WiFi has been improved!!! Please note we can also book discounted ferry travel for our guests. NB commercial photography / filming is NOT permitted by making an airbnb booking - please message for details of this NB commercial photography / filming is NOT permitted by making an airbnb booking - please message for details of this Guests have use of all areas NB commercial photography / filming is NOT permitted by making an airbnb booking - please message for details of this We will be on hand if you need us but do not live on site. We love the ‘vintage’ atmosphere of the Isle of Wight. It’s much lampooned as being stuck some-where in 1955 … suits us! That small stretch of water seems to make a big difference. There are several specialist vintage shops selling clothing and furniture and we also have spectacular boot-fairs ..... one of the best is Chale Bootfair and is walkable from The Mission - worth checking if it is on as it's great for vintage lovers! Now, we aren’t all walking around like characters from an Ealing Comedy – there are of course many 2019-worthy activities and things to do – have a look online to find out more or ask us if there is anything specific you are looking for. The landscape is so varied that it is a bit like the whole of England condensed into a small island. We have fabulous beaches for surf dudes and Enid Blyton fans alike, miles of wonderful walking country (much in designated areas of outstanding natural beauty), forests, marshes and great cycle routes. There are lots of quirky places to visit – our favourites include the Havenstreet Steam Railway, Dimbola Lodge, Godshill Model Village and the shrine to all things kitsch Blackgang Chine ‘fantasy park’. There are the great classics such as Osborne House, Needles Battery and Quarr Abbey – you will never be lost for something to do and most attractions are reasonably priced. There’s a Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Farm Visits, Dinosaur Museums, Roman Villas, Alpaca and Donkey sanctuaries …. you get the picture! Activities that are popular with our guests are Tree Climbing, Water-sports, Paragliding, Ice-skating and Cycling .. deckchair lounging is also very keenly taken up. Once you have done all of that you will be hungry …. there are so many choices these days, the Islands food scene has gained national recognition and you can eat delicious locally sourced produce, beautifully presented, in many different places now – from pubs to Michelin * restaurants. Ooh and of course …. afternoon tea! In the manual we leave for guests you will find a list of all of our favourite sights, places, pubs and activities. The Mission is on a bus route - hourly service