Northwood House, Cowes

Motherbank · Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 3 Location: Cowes

I am new to this forum, and totally bowled over to see how much support there is for Northwood House. I have lived in the Island not that long, not yet four years, and have only lived in Cowes since last summer: and I cannot believe that over the years this house, such a potential asset to the town, has been allowed to go to pot the way it has. The first time I strayed in there a few years ago, I was amazed that more was not made of it - and now apparently it is getting in a really bad way, leaking through what has been a tough winter, joists going, the roof not doing its job - and ping pong being played over responsibility for it, I feel disgusted over the treatment it has received. From what I can see, the main part of the building has no visible downpipes - and the roof, hidden from the ground level by the parapets, contains a number of skylights, so there must be a range of gullies to take the water away, which must lead to ways down, maybe through the fabric or concealed pipes. I have no idea if there is a door or window that would provide access to the roof to clear any blockages of leaves which must blow off the trees and into the gullies - how often would that get done? The roof must be the main route for moisture ingress into the house. That and that decayed string course presumably at upper floor ceiling level. It is a shame that the roof simply cannot have a tin roof set up temporarily over it to keep off the worst of the weather.

I do not know if - Channel 4 I think it was - is planning another series of Restoration, but it would be good to put Northwood House forward as a candidate. Another thought that strikes me is, all those years ago, George Ward was a wealthy banker. Despite the financial problems of our times, we are all aware there are still wealthy bankers (yes, I know, boooo, hisss) - and there must be one, maybe one whose firm makes a showing among the yachts at Cowes Week, who would relish the idea of a flat of his own in Northwood House, if he contributed a decent sum towards the repair - in giving it to charity he could probably avoid some tax. Where are all the modern George Wards out there?

One of the previous correspondents was quite right saying that enough people care about the house to help it. I only work in the summer, I have all winter on my hands and would be ready to volunteer some time and effort during the dull months.

It must not be allowed to deteriorate more. Good point about what happened to Appuldurcombe - it's a fine ruin, you can see what a beautiful house it was before its demise, but in a park, at the top of Cowes - no. The way things are going, in ten years time it will be Northwood Bungalow and the top storey will have been taken down and a roof put over the principal rooms to save them - if it's lucky. This really is no place for factions and politics: allow the house, as well as the grounds, to be for the benefit of the people of Cowes - and let it go into the hands of people who care for it, treat it like a bricks and mortar building and attend to its health, and let it earn a living. It shouldn't be pulled down for whatever reason. When you see what is being planned, and started, down by the shore below Trinity Church - it adds nothing to my trust in many of today's architects - that could also happen at the top of the hill, and it mustn't. When you see the use of arches inside Northwood House, you see what has been forgotten in the days of steel framework - even iron frames like that of Crystal Palace featured arches: all that's been slung out the window. I think the idea of events in aid of the house is worth following up. The council doesn't do much - it has to be down to ordinary people.

Good luck to everyone who cares about Northwood House

Thanks

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Medina Man · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

I can appreciate having someone else who is worried about the situation but you have just reiterated what has been said ten times over on here already.

As far as we know there are two individuals who can start restoring the house tomorrow but what is being done about it? Anyone who joins this forum has to realise that the trust can make a decision tomorrow and the house would be saved, but they wont. Who cares if there is a nursing home built on the grounds somewhere, does this detract from our House being saved and restored? No. It's hardly going to be a glass tower block now is it? I cant see the council letting someone build on the land unless it was in keeping with the surroundings.
Where were all of you nay sayers when the monstrosity of that residential home built in the sixties or seventies. If you were told now that building that would save the house you would say yes wouldn't you.

I am sick and tired of this forum going on about what to do blah blah blah. There are not enough people with enough money to spend on a building such as our House to restore it "for a laugh". Anyone who puts money in, will want money out, full stop. Open your eyes and remove those rose tinted glasses. And for goodness sake stop going on about a "saviour".... Rolling Eyes

NO AMAZING RICH BANKER IS COMING, NO TV PROGRAM IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT.
5,6,7,8,9,10 MILLION POUNDS IS TOO MUCH MONEY TO GIVE AWAY, GET IT?

Viyella or Nursing home? I'd be surprised if they both haven't run for the hills having to deal with this Island.

Northwood People · Joined: 10 Dec 2009 Posts: 9

I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the forum Motherbank and thank you for your words of support and I am sure every one will agree with me when I say we are all looking forward to future posts by you.

Medina Man, no one is disputing that any one who puts money in will want it back, I think we all fully understand that this would be the case with any one, the whole point to the posts on here is that our views and our posts on here do make a difference as has been proved before, people do read these posts and they do seem to take notice.

We need positive people like Motherbank and less people shouting them down, Median Man you obviously feel very strongly about this house and your posts are practical and to the point, I would really like to know what you think should be done? Yes the trust can do something now, but they have no funding, they can not trade, so its unlikely they will simply because they cant, the council could do something but wont as it doesn’t want to, so that just leaves someone else. A hotel, a care home or a community building, those are the only options on the table, which one do you support and I mean which one would you support in an idea world because as you said, the care home or Viyella could very well pull out if nothing is done soon.

Medina Man · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

Firstly, I am glad you can see that I am passionate rather than angry and I apologise if I come across that way, but refer to my previous post for the answer to this.

What makes you think that people take note of what is written on these forums? Just a question, not a statement.

The hotel would work but the investment would be too large to make it viable unless much larger accommodation was built. I'm sure someone mentioned on the Northwood Village Forum about two enormous other buildings that were applied for through the planning committee which were obviously turned down. The hotel interest then went away according to "someone" who seemed to know plenty of inside information.

I still am struggling to see how a Viyella plan to run things differently to the trust. Referring back to my previous posts, someone turning up with millions to "give away"? Seems rather ominous to me, needs further investigating but if it is true then this would be obviously be the best idea. But where do they get their return, this is what confuses me.

The care home is a means to an end. To sacrifice another piece of land similar to the aforementioned horrid retirement flats is not the end of the world, and I bet it look a damn sight nicer than the existing creation.

In an ideal world, Viyella first, Care home next, and I think the hotel idea is long gone.

My point is that these people are not in their respective businesses because they are "nice people" or "want to do us a favour". They are business men/women who wont hang about waiting for a sleepy bunch of people to make a decision. There are probably thousands of houses and pieces of land which they can invest their money and time, not wait around here forever.

Oh and I forgot, the house is collapsing as we speak, so TRUST, take your time about the decision, because we'll probably have no investors and no house by the time you get around to actually making a decision.

-not angry, just passionate-

Felix · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 9

Yes we all thought the hotel idea had gone away but it would seem that while our backs were turned the powers that be have been colluding and conjoining to form another plan. I received word yesterday of happenings that alarmed me. At first I thought it was nothing more than a speculated opinion but after further investigation I soon realised that this was actually factual.

It would seem that the Northwood House Trust yesterday had a very long and very heated meeting due to the ever changing attitudes of the council and certain members of the trust. As we all know the Isle of Wight Council wants rid of this house, to them it’s a huge white elephant and they would like nothing more than to pass on this poison challis to anyone that will take it. So it would seem that the official line now of the IoW Council is that the Northwood House Trust is fully responsible for the house. Initially when I heard that I thought “at last, great news” but then I very quickly learnt that although they have been dumped with the responsibility they haven’t been given any means to fund the house or run it. As we all know they are not in a position to trade, the IoW Council is still collecting the only income the house earns from the car park and spending it on their behalf, the registrars office has an agreement that it doesn’t pay rent due to the amount of money it invested into the house to have its offices there. So this has set off a headless chicken reaction amongst the trust.

I spoke with a friend within the council last night who tells me one member of the trust had been ringing round everyone and anyone as it would appear that council had pulled funding for another organisation that enables the trust to run the site as a car park during Cowes Week. The income the trust receives from this is actually the trusts only income and helps them to pay for their own professional services such as accountants, solicitors or surveys.

So what are the trust doing about this you all might ask? Well not a lot, and to be honest there isn’t much they can do. It would appear my suspicions are correct and the council are setting them up for a fall, they are being set up to fail. Why, so the council can say they did all they could, they tried to give it back to the people but it didn’t work so now they have no choice but to seek alternative uses.

Now here is the next part of the news I received and was able to confirm to be true, and if no one believes me go check it out for yourself. While we have been shouting the virtues of Viyella and protesting strongly about Nick Duffill’s care home proposal we all dismissed chef Robert Thompsons ambition along with his hotel backer. It would seem that the Cowes Harbour Commission in their vision for Cowes Harbour Redevelopment have been working silently to formulate a plan for a hotel. Now as we all know space in harbour is limited, so while our backs were turned to shout at the moon, CHC have been in contact with Robert Thompson after selecting Northwood House as the most viable site for their hotel scheme as it will elevate space in the harbour and its central location and grandeur of the site make it ideal. Many now believe that the town council only introduced Nick Duffill as a smoke screen as he his proposal has no basis and lack a true direction without the backing up of any evidence of market testing or evidence of any research.

So yet again it would appear we are being lead a merry dance by the 2 councils we put our trust in. We all saw the virtues in the management proposal, the town council copied those virtues in a bid to get is own paper passed, now this paper has now been withdrawn, I suspect due to the publicity it received on this forum, but they plan to submit another in due course, lets all wait for that shall we! Its widely known that no body wants a care home as much as a hotel on the site so by sending us all off to shout down one idea they work in the back ground and behind closed doors to formulate another.

Now again some might say the conspiracy theory card is being waved madly here, but I am sorry to say that this is all true, do the research yourself and see for yourself that this is going on right before us and again, all the name of what is best for the house. I am fortunate enough to have contacts within the council, I also have contacts of people associated with the trustees but sadly those contacts close to the trust appear to have closed rank due to the level of internal wrangling and back biting that is now taking president. It is well known within the council that some councillors are doing all they can to remove certain trustees so other more amenable trustees can be put in place so these plans can easily be put in place. The fact of the matter is that the trust is no closer to taking control as they were 6 years ago and with every week that passes and with every twist of the nice from the IoW Council and the Town Council, they become another week behind with every week that passes.

One last point I feel I should make in response to Medina Man, firstly I don’t think anyone could question your passion, and it because of that I respect your postings, and like you I agree that in an ideal world it would be Viyella first, then the care home built on the site of the service wing and allowing the main part of the house to be used for the enjoyment of the public and finally if nothing else a hotel, but only if they were able to add the extra bedrooms need to make it viable within the current footprint of the service wing and keep the park unchanged and open to the public. But as we still have Viyella’s interest, myself and many others will fight any plan for a care home or hotel on the site.

The trust is doing all it can do to take control of this house but before it can do it has to be in a position where it can firstly trade, fund and support this house and until the IoW Council and the Town Council accept this and allow them to do this, the house will continue to crumble and fall and then no one has a choice and it’s a case of put up and shut up. The posts on this forum do have an affect, people do read them and they do take notice, I know this because as I sit and type this, the councils and the trust are doing all they can to track me down and uncover who I am, now if this forum didn’t work, then why would they do that.

Onto the point of Viyella, since I started posting on here I have been contacted by a freelance journalist who has for some time now been following this company but mainly the person behind it, now although the man behind the organisation is redounded for his anonymity, he is largely seen by those who know him to be the most influential man in the property industry and has been for many years connected in some way to the majority of the major developments over on the main land. From the information we have been able to obtain Viyella was set up as form of market testing exercise but since then grown in a sizeable organisation with 4 offices. Over the past 12 months they have been buying up large chunks of land and properties, across the island and it would appear now that they are the largest independent landlord in Cowes. Its well known that Cowes is about to undergo a series of plans to improve the area, the harbour and its appeal, Viyella plan to launch its project off the back of this with new housing, retail and leisure developments. In order for them to maximise their investment they first need to increase the areas appeal, this to some extent will be done for them, but as they now own the majority of available development land they know that sooner or later what land that does remain will soon be developed and they hope that that with the improvements demand will outweigh supply for homes in the area thus pushing up prices. They know that they will not profit in any way from Northwood in the short term but an area with strong community links and bonds with man focal point of large splendid community building will in the long term go a long way to adding to the appeal of their long term plan.

Now one word to the wise, if a company like this has the power to positively influence property prices then they have the power to send those prices the other way, and I fear that if the councils continue with their own self serving plans and proposals that is exactly what they will do. It will still serve them to do this, falling property prices mean cheaper land, if they own more land then they have more control and more ability to do what they want, so one way or another this company knows it will always have the upper hand, I just hope some of those people in power see this and take note as who would want to stay in a lucury hotel surrounded by waste land?

Felix

Medina Man · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

I just don't see how the hotel would work, there just isn't enough space to make it viable. In London, Paris and New York it would work because you could charge £500 a night but in Cowes? No.
The extra space needed to build the hotel rooms to make it a viable business would just simply not get planning permission. Say they could get 20 rooms in the existing building at £150 per night (doubt it but for this purpose lets go overkill). That would make turnover £1 million per year give or take (and that's if the rooms are full all year which will never happen). Lets over exaggerate at 30% profit, making £300,000 per year.
So for the initial outlay of lets say £12 million to repair, restore and convert into a hotel with plumbing wiring etc. That would make a 40 year business plan just to get the initial investment back. That's without inflation, running costs for repair etc.

The figures just don't add up. When these hoteliers realise this, I'm sure they will run a mile, especially when they can't get permission to build new premises.

Why are the council even considering them, let alone getting into bed with them? Keep up the good work Felix.

newcowesman · Joined: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Despite all the outrage, I see none of you attended any of the last Town and Isle of Wight Council meetings!!!!!

You know if the council announced tomorrow they are planning to demolish the house and build houses on the site, how many of you would protest? How many of you wind bags would actually realise it was time to get off you back sides and do something? Is this what it will take to make you all realise? Or will you all still keep on moaning to all that will listen but take no action?

It is you that are destroying this house, not the council, you voted for them and you let them do as they please.

Posting on here is fine, it does work and does have an effect, but this needs backing up, it needs you to show support, it needs you to take just an hour away from your televisions, the pub, friends houses, even your work and show up. If you want to make sure you are heard so your journey is not wasted then submit your question a few days prior, details on how to do this are available on the councils web site

We all have an opinion, we all want to see this house saved, well come on lets save it, don’t wait for the next guy, it could be down to you and you alone.

Again below I will post details of the up and coming meetings for both councils

The next planned Cabinet Meeting is planned for 13/04/2010 - 18:00:00 – in Committee Room 1

For details on up and coming Cabinet Meetings and to download agendas and minutes click on link

http://www.iwight.com/council/meetings/current/committeeDetail.asp?cmteId=142

For Directions on how to get there click on link

http://www.iwight.com/location/default.asp

The next Cowes Town Council meetings are planned for:-

Monthly Council Meeting Wednesday 7th April 2010
Annual Council Meeting Wednesday 5th May 2010
Annual Town Meeting Wednesday 19th May 2010

Unless otherwise stated these meetings will take place in the
Medina Room, Northwood House commencing at 7:00pm

For Further information and to down load details of the minutes and meetings click on link

http://www.cowestowncouncil.co.uk/Minutes/

And before anyone says “why don’t you attend?” well as soon as I get a career for my brother I will be more than to show my support and attend, but until such time I need you, the house needs you and if you care then you need to attend and state how you feel.

newcowesman · Joined: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Hi All

Just to let you know that the Friends of Northwood House is about to be reformed, anyone wanting to join should go along tomorrow 21st April at 7pm,in the Medina Room, at Northwood House.

I know this is short notice but I only found out today myself.

This wont be a meeting so people can go along and air their own feelings, its to help find a way forward and a great chance for us all to get involved.

Please please please try and attend, it wont be like a boring council meeting it will be people like us, people who want to see this house saved and want to do something about it.

Go on get involved.

Felix · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 9

No need to shout at the people just yet Newcowesman! At the moment Northwood House keeps getting dropped from the agenda for one reason or another. The IoW Council have put together a paper spelling out their intentions to stop funding Northwood House, seems the County Press have got hold of this and ran a story on it.

The short version of this paper is that the IoWC want to stop all financial support for the house, move out the registrars within 2 years then wash their hands of the place completely. In those 2 years they will no longer fund, insure or support the house in anyway. The trusts reaction to this seems to be that of a headless chicken, they have no idea what to do or on a way forward, they seem far to preoccupied in their own internal affairs to consider the implications of what is in front of them.

It would seem that although Liz Mackenzie is no longer chair, she is still calling the shots, and the new chair Ann is nothing more than her puppet. Ann’s weekspot is that everything must be done by the book and I think Liz is using that to her own advantage.

It would seem that the Town Council are edging their bets, on one hand they have Nick Duffill with his proposal and if that fails they can then jump on Harbour Committees band wagon and support the hotel backed by the wannabe celebrity chef, either way each member will benefit in some way.

I have been doing some digging around about Nick Duffill, seems he is part of the Black Palace Group, this is a kind of social network for High Net Worth individuals, John Shackleton is also a member and it is believed that it was him who approached Nick via this network.

The reformation of the Friends of Northwood House is a good thing and I support that 100%, it was the original friends that stopped the IoWC selling off the house as a hotel and later went on to become the Northwood House Trust. Unfortunately, since it was formed others have joined and brought their own personal agendas to the table and seem to be pushing them regardless of what is best for the house.

Try and attend the meeting tonight at 7pm at Northwood House, this will be the best chance we all have of making a difference and stopping the unscrupulous few who have infiltrated the trust for their own aims and ambitions.

7pm Wednesday 21 April, at Northwood House, in the Medina Room.

Medina Man · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 16

I have only just read the forum.

What happened last night then?

Also, I thought the whole Nick Duffill thing was a council conspiracy as you (Felix) wrote earlier on here. Now it turns out after your "digging" that he was actually introduced by someone who has nothing to do with the council.

On the other forum you mention a 250 bed nursing home supposed to be built by the same Nick Duffill. I stayed in a 200 room hotel last week and got stuck there. Do you have any idea how big it was? Yet another made up story me thinks.

It seems you have a problem with this person. What is it?

Also you call chef Robert Thompson a "wannabe". I think it is you that is a wannabe with your endless ranting on these forums, making up blatant lies and conspiracies which you yourself are proving to be incorrect.

What I suggest you do is pay for the repair and restoration yourself as you seem to think that no-one else is good enough to do so.
I think this will be last post on this forum as it is fast becoming a crock of the proverbial.

Good luck to everyone who thinks they are going to make a difference but to be honest you wont. The people with the money to do it are fast going to disappear and let the big house on the hill rot away.
Oh and good luck Felix, I bet the meeting last night went down a storm..... did you make up some stories to tell them too?

Medina Man over and out.

cowes lady · Joined: 07 Mar 2010 Posts: 3

Felix,are you still out there? I am sure everyone misses your updates on what is happening about the house.

Felix · Joined: 17 Dec 2009 Posts: 9

Yes I am still here, it seems that the trust and the council are doing all they can to stem the leaks of information so my posts on here are suffering as I will only post when I something worthwhile to say.

The friends have reformed but despite it being publicised on every forum only a hand full of people turned up, typical of this island.

Seems you have changed your tune Medina Man, it was only in your last post you were saying “keep up the good work Felix”

To address the point raised by Medina Man, I have read my post on the other forum and seen what you meant, my apologies, I did make a mistake by some how managing to insert a 2 in front of the 50. I do normally try and proof read all my posts but inevitably some errors still manage to escape the eye.

So to confirm, Nick Duffill is planning a 50 be EMI care home and not a 250 bed care home, apologies to anyone who has seen the other forum and was mislead by that error, and I must point out that it is to date my only error of fact.

To address the other points, a couple of Friday’s ago the trustees met with the financial backers for Chef Robert Thompsons hotel bid for the house and last Friday the trust and members of the Isle of Wight Council met representatives of Viyella. A few weeks ago, Nick Duffill was on the island presenting his bid to the Town Council. As for the other hotel operator, they have just expressed an interest and to date no formal proposals from them have been submitted.

I am not trying to scare anyone off and I have never said no one else is good enough, all I want to see is this house saved, the trust seem too busy sorting out their own internal petty squabbling to actually do anything about the house and now it would seem the IoW Council want to cut funding all together and wash their hands of the place completely.

All I have been trying to point out is that there is a company that is willing to take the house now, not in a year, it wont need to accept subject to planning permission, it can take it on and start work right away. What frustrates me is no one is willing to see this as they are so preoccupied with their own agendas, they will not consider any other option other than disposing of the house on a long lease and they would even be willing to rewrite the deed of gift in order to do this. What will scare the people off is if this matter is allowed to carry on any longer by the trust, the house will fall into a state where no party can see any benefit in taking it on.

As for making up stories and conspiracy theories, well has anything I have said to date been proved wrong? It is all in the public domain, you just need to go and look for it.

I do agree with one thing you say, the house will rot away as it is currently doing so, the trust has no money to do anything with it, and it is also apparent no skill or gumption either. They are no closer to resolving their own internal differences and when it comes to them taking full control, I think they first need to dig their heads out of the sand.

Felix

Wight Portal · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 316 Location: Carisbrooke

Why ain't this a done and dusted deal now?

The trust has got the house, they've also got the car park income.

I thought Viyella was their original top preference, so why isn't the ball rolling?

The cost of the restoration is escalating, if summer passes without at least getting the place weatherproof, then this winter could well be it's last.

newcowesman · Joined: 07 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

No Viyella was the Peoples Number One Choice, I know they had a meeting with all the trustees on the 30th but as yet I have not heard how it went.

What I do know is that the IoWC have instead of issuing a paper spelling out what they intend for Northwood have instead issues the trust a letter telling them that as of September this year the house and everything around it is their problem and they must deal with it.

From what I can see in terms of action from the Trust, they are still enjoying coffee mornings and more pointless meetings.

With any Luck Felix has come up with more information so keep watching.

Wight Portal · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 316 Location: Carisbrooke

So having put them in sole charge they'll be able to trade right?

Because if not they're sunk before they even start.