Rylstone Chalet is an imposing Grade II listed building located within the grounds of Rylstone Gardens, a beautifully landscaped clifftop park in the seaside town of Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

Constructed in circa 1880, the building is in the design of a Swiss chalet, probably inspired by the one within the grounds of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former home in East Cowes. Stylistically it has affinities with Keats Inn (in Osborne Road, Shanklin) and may be built by the same hand.

A sign outside the Chalet describes it as follows:
"This building in the Swiss style is a good example of nineteenth century romantic architecture at the end of its period in fashion. Built at the same time as Rylstone Manor it was designed to complement a dramatic situation on the edge of rugged cliffs and a wild sea shore. The use of stone instead of wood is unusual but consistent in using a local material for an idealised peasant home."

A detailed description of the Chalet’s features can be found in the extract from the Listed Building Register.

It is believed that the Chalet originally was used as a library and billards room for the nearby Rylstone Manor when it was a private residence.

In 1916, the Chalet, along with the gardens, was bought by the Urban District Council and came into public ownership. It has been owned by the various tiers of local government in place since then.

During the first half of the 20th century it was used as tea rooms and café looking out onto Rylstone Gardens, and is appropriately described as the “Chalet Café” in the Listed Building Register. Pictures show bands playing outside the chalet whilst refreshments were served from the veranda.

The Chalet’s potted history is somewhat sketchy, having had various uses over the years, but most recently from 1989 until 2001 it housed the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society.