For all the latest news on the House and Park, click here.

WHAT IS IT?

As residents of Cowes will know, Northwood House is an iconic early-Victorian Grade II* listed house with glorious painted function rooms and surrounded by parkland, occupying a prime position above the town. It was built in the early nineteenth century for the Ward family, in whose hands it remained until 1929.  In that year the house was gifted by the family to the then Cowes Urban District Council, while the 26-acre park was given ‘for the use and benefit of the people of Cowes’. For more about the fascinating history of the House and park click here.

WHO OWNS IT NOW?

Ownership of the House and Park were handed to a Charitable Trust in 1978.  At first the then Medina Borough Council, and subsequently the Isle of Wight Council, were the sole Trustee; however, as time went on the upkeep of the House and Park required more ‘hands-on’ management and the fabric of the House fell into disrepair.  A new Charitable Scheme was drawn up in 2002 which involved local people as ‘Management Trustees’, leaving the Isle of Wight Council as ‘Custodian Trustee’; however, in 2010 the Council withdrew altogether from both custodianship and involvement in the management of the estate.  Read more about the Trustees and the background to the Trust ... Since that time the Management Trustees have been in sole charge of the House and Park; with the help of volunteers and professionals they work hard to preserve and maintain the fabric of the House and to ensure that the Park is cared for. Now a new Charitable Scheme is being drafted to make the Trust once again 'fit for purpose'. Read the draft documents on the 'Trustees' page.

WHAT GOES ON THERE?

The House is a beautiful environment and its wonderful painted rooms can be hired for all sorts of events. Click here for more information, or complete our enquiry form to make a booking. 

In addition, the Park remains a ‘green lung’ in the heart of Cowes, a peaceful contrast to the hurly-burly of the High Street and the Parade.  A children’s play area offers safe activities, tennis courts are well used throughout the summer and Cowes Medina Bowling Club play their tournaments in front of one of the best views in the country; however, the Park's main users are people simply strolling among the trees, looking out for the red squirrels who make their homes there, walking their dogs and enjoying the sensation of being in a park just a few minutes from the town centre.

CAN YOU HELP?

The Trust would welcome professional advice in the areas of property, land management and accounting.  Do you have expertise in any of these areas, and some time to devote to assisting the Trustees?  Please contact us - we would be delighted to hear from you.  

Our team of volunteers put in huge amounts of effort, time and commitment to maintaining the House and Park, doing everything from painting and decorating to clearing the drains, collecting leaves and mending the windows. If you would like to join them, we'd love to hear from you.

To contact the Trustees, to offer some time or ask a question, email us at trustees@northwoodhouse.org and we'll be happy to get back to you.