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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. |
