One of a clutch of imposing 19th century mansions built in Totland by wealthy Victorians who flocked to the Isle of Wight in the wake of Queen Victoria’s move there, Sentry Mead’s grand, ever so slightly gothic, turreted exterior is a complete contrast to the informal atmosphere inside. You’ll find it in a quiet leafy avenue, alongside more of its ilk – just yards from one of West Wight’s most unspoiled beaches which has a fabulous old pier. But step inside and you’ll find Sentry Mead a pretty inclusive place, welcoming to couples, children and dogs as well as to Isle of Wight locals ho come to eat in the hotel restaurant.

Food is a big thing at Sentry Mead. Every day chef Martyn Cutler dreams up wildly imaginative menus for the restaurant, which overlooks Sentry Mead’s colourful gardens. As a result, it has built up an enviable reputation in the two years since Sarah Langford and Jean-Pierre Kujawa took the hotel over. Among the biggest draws are the regular French-themed evenings in the restaurant.

Both Langford and Kujawa have hotels in their blood: she grew up in one and he has spent much of his adult life working in them. This gives them a very clear idea of what they want to achieve at Sentry Mead. “A country house hotel by the seaside, elegant in style but unashamedly friendly and relaxed,” explains Sarah. One of many nice touches is the link with the local Earl Mountbatten hospice which means that every bedroom comes with its own teddy bear, available to buy and take away as a memory of a stay at Sentry Mead.

When Sarah and Jean-Pierre arrived at Sentry Mead they were delighted to find that it was the proud recipient of a gold award from Green Island Tourism, the Isle of Wight’s own eco tourism body. They plan to keep that award, made annually, and are industriously recycling waste and cutting their energy consumption. “It’s a way of life, not a grand gesture,” says Jean-Pierre.

Enjoy spectacular sunsets from its terraces and manicured gardens

On the door step
In one direction there’s the historic port of Yarmouth with its colourful harbour and in the other Tennyson Down, the coloured sands of Alum Bay and beyond, the Needles. Dimbola Lodge, home to the Victorian celebrity snapper Julia Margaret Cameron and now a photographic museum with an excellent vegetarian café, is nearby at Freshwater.

Going Green

A green information pack is provided in all bedrooms, which includes details of the projects underway through Isle of Wight charity Gift to Nature.