History of the Old Park Hotel

The history of Old Park can be traced back to the fourteenth century, when, known as Southwathe, it formed part of the Manor of Wathe. In 1309 a charter was issued for hawking, and in 1340 saw the introduction of hunting of rabbits, pheasants and partridge. By the sixteenth century the area produced high quality corn, and the central part of the present house became a farmer's residence in the early 1600s.

The estate was owned by the Worsley family for more than 200 years, but after the death of Sir Richard Worsley (Governor of the Isle of Wight 1780 - 1782), it was put up for sale in 1809. It was bought by Thomas Haddon in 1820, who spent 12 years converting it to a gentleman's marine residence. 

At the time the house was a small farm dwelling. This is now the bar area which is formed by the original 3 feet thick walls. During the period 1820 to 1832 Haddon enlarged the building in the Gothic style, including the beautiful arched windows.  Timbers from ships wrecked on the nearby coast were used for floor timbers of the new extension.  General Sir John Cheape demolished the remainder of the old farmhouse and added the Victorian wing in 1865. His family lived here until 1881. 

William Spindler a German industrial chemist, bought the estate in 1882 with ideas of building a new town. You will find many roads lost in the woods and the remains of his promenade on the beach. He also cleverly incorporated the staircase tower in 1888 to provide access to his library. Hence the beautiful west wing of the present hotel came into being. In the few years he lived in the area, he completed many projects such as providing piped spring water to the area.

William Spindler died suddenly in 1889 and his widow lived here until 1906. Then most of the one hundred and forty-four acre estate was sold off. The Old Park remained empty until 1947, when it was "re-discovered" by Mr. William Thornton, who converted it into a hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Robin Thornton added the east wing in 1972. They also converted the old stables into the indoor swimming pool and a large apartment. The adjoining Gate House was converted to the charming Worsley Cottage suite.

They also converted the lake and the adjacent walled kitchen garden to the east of the hotel to become the Tropical Bird Park. This closed in 1999. This has now been transformed into the Haddon Lake House.

The hotel was purchased by Mr & Mrs Sharp in 1999. They have 2 young children and hence have maintained the hotel as a child friendly holiday destination.