Description
An unique opportunity to purchase an impressive, redeveloped freehold pier business, located in one of the most attractive bays in the country, with a new bistro and planning permission for a restaurant on the pier end.
Location
The property is prominently positioned on the shoreline at Totland Bay, on the western edge of the Isle of Wight. Totland is an established coastal village, well known for its expansive sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and direct views toward The Needles and the Hampshire coastline. The Pier occupies a prime seafront position and forms part of a sought-after leisure and residential area that benefits from consistent seasonal footfall and growing visitor demand. The Isle of Wight has experienced a significant resurgence in domestic tourism in recent years, supported by substantial investment into the hospitality and leisure sectors. The Island is undergoing a period of mid to high-end tourism growth, attracting both short-stay visitors and day-trippers from the South Coast and London. The nearby Colwell Bay, for example, is home to the renowned Hut restaurant, which reportedly served over 75,000 covers in the most recent peak season, much of this demand arriving by boat from the mainland, highlighting the area's appeal to high-value coastal visitors. Totland Bay is approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) from Yarmouth, where regular ferry services to Lymington provide quick and convenient access to the mainland. In total, six ferry routes connect the Isle of Wight to the south of England, with journey times as short as 10 minutes. The Island itself is accessible via the A3054 and A3055, which link Totland with other key destinations including Freshwater, Newport, and Ryde. Over 50% of the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Island has been awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, adding to its national and international profile. With 57 miles of coastline, a wide range of outdoor activities, and a well-established events calendar, the area enjoys sustained year-round tourism and increasing investment interest. The western coast in particular has seen strong activity from visitors travelling from Sandbanks, Lymington, and the London region, reinforcing Totland's credentials as a high-potential leisure destination.
Property Description
This Victorian Pier was originally constructed in 1880 but has been the subject of a comprehensive reconstruction approximately 5 years ago. The Pier is now used for leisure uses (albeit currently closed) and offers stunning panoramic views from the property towards The Needles Lighthouse, Christchurch Bay, Hurst Castle and the New Forest Coastline. The property comprises of an approximately 140 metre structure which has undergone a multi-million pound renovation, led by one of the UKs leading Marine Structural engineers we understand. The property was fully operational and demonstrated strong trading performance, but closed last year due to unforeseen circumstances. The closed bistro comprises a high-quality, fully equipped commercial kitchen, dedicated ladies', gents' and disabled WCs, and well-appointed bar areas on both the ground and first floors. There are multiple dining areas spread across both levels, each offering stunning views across the bay toward the mainland. Additionally, an external servery known as 'The Hatch' provides further trading potential for takeaway offerings such as ice cream and light refreshments. The building has been thoughtfully designed and extends to approximately 278 sq. m (2,992 sq. ft.).
Property Description
This Victorian Pier was originally constructed in 1880 but has been the subject of a comprehensive reconstruction approximately 5 years ago. The Pier is now used for leisure uses (albeit currently closed) and offers stunning panoramic views from the property towards The Needles Lighthouse, Christchurch Bay, Hurst Castle and the New Forest Coastline. The property comprises of an approximately 140 metre structure which has undergone a multi-million pound renovation, led by one of the UKs leading Marine Structural engineers we understand. The property was fully operational and demonstrated strong trading performance, but closed last year due to unforeseen circumstances. The closed bistro comprises a high-quality, fully equipped commercial kitchen, dedicated ladies', gents' and disabled WCs, and well-appointed bar areas on both the ground and first floors. There are multiple dining areas spread across both levels, each offering stunning views across the bay toward the mainland. Additionally, an external servery known as 'The Hatch' provides further trading potential for takeaway offerings such as ice cream and light refreshments. The building has been thoughtfully designed and extends to approximately 278 sq. m (2,992 sq. ft.). Property Description At the western end of the pier is a shell and core space, offering flexibility for a buyer/investor to complete the fit-out. Planning permission has been granted for a two-storey restaurant capable of accommodating approximately 120 covers internally and 100 externally, with the potential to create a premium dining destination benefiting from unrivalled coastal views. Alternatively, the space also benefits from extant planning consent for conversion into a residential holiday home, offering an attractive lifestyle or investment option. The pier also benefits from 20 eco-friendly leasehold moorings held from the Crown Estate, allowing customers to arrive by boat and stay moored for lunch or overnight. There is ample anchorage within the bay itself, which regularly sees over 50 boats on a busy summer day, underscoring the site's appeal to the marine leisure market.
Accommodation
The property has the following approximate Gross Internal Areas:
Existing Bistro 2,992 Sq. ft. (278 Sq. m).
Totland Pier End 3,563sq. ft. (331 Sq. m).
Total GIA 6,555 Sq. ft. (609 Sq. m).
Use
The site lies within a conservation area but is not listed. The Pier benefits from existing use classes of Sui Generis and C3 Residential.
Premises Licence
The property has been granted a Premises Licence in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. We understand that the premises are permitted to sell alcohol Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 23:00, with the premises open to the public from 08:30 to 00:00.
Planning Application
Planning permission has been granted for an extension to the Pier head following the purchase of an additional section of seabed enabling further expansion. Details can be found on the Isle of Wight Planning Portal Register with the following reference 20/02263/FUL. Full design details for the pier head, two storey restaurant can be found with the reference 19/01619/FUL. Permission for a holiday home on the pier end was granted in 2010, reference P/01745/10.
Opportunity
In Savills and Spence Willard's opinion the opportunity exists is to reopen the bistro and café which had a proven trade prior to its closure. The shell and core space at the end of the Pier then presents itself to offer multiple different use opportunities such as : Leisure (restaurant / pub) Residential, Holiday Letting Accommodation.
RATEABLE VALUE
£14,250
EPC
B-3
Tenure
The Pier is held freehold on four titles (IW33241, IW55975, IW33712 & IW91782). Twenty moorings are held on a Crown Estate lease and will also transfer (further details provided upon request).
Guide Price
Offers are invited on a unconditional and conditional basis.
Viewings
For a formal viewing strictly by appointment with Spence Willard.
Important Notice 1. Particulars: These particulars are not an offer or contract, nor part of one. You should not rely on statements by Spence Willard in the particulars or by word of mouth or in writing ("information") as being factually accurate about the property, its condition or its value. Neither Spence Willard nor any joint agent has any authority to make any representations about the property, and accordingly any information given is entirely without responsibility on the part of the agents, seller(s) or lessor(s). 2. Photos etc: The photographs show only certain parts of the property as they appeared at the time they were taken. Areas, measurements and distances given are approximate only. 3. Regulations etc: Any reference to alterations to, or use of, any part of the property does not mean that any necessary planning, building regulations or other consent has been obtained. A buyer or lessee must find out by inspection or in other ways that these matters have been properly dealt with and that all information is correct. 4. VAT: The VAT position relating to the property may change without notice.
