We’re visiting an unexpected architectural gem on the Isle of Wight now – Quarr Abbey.
It’s proper title – Abbey of Our Lady of Quarr – is a monastery that is home to a small group of Benedictine monks.
Construction on the abbey started in 1911 and it was consecrated on October 12, 1912.
The abbey itself is a gorgeous chunk of red brick that feels more at home in mainland Europe which makes sense as the original monks were exiles from France.
I love the way that the brick glows under the early sunshine and contrasts with the spiky palms that add a more Mediterranean feel to the scene.
There’s a wonderful walled garden that provides fresh fruit and veg for the tearooms and farm shop as well as the ruins of a far older abbey as well.
Definitely worth a potter around for an hour or so. You can learn lots more about the abbey here.
Wow! What an amazing place! It reminds me of Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey) which is a bit of a hidden gem, with incredible mosaics inside. This also has dramatic out-there architecture. What a find!
Yes it really is a fantastically beautiful place 🙂