This week I was asked to carry out a probate valuation in Ryde on The Isle Of Wight for an overseas executor. This was a valuation I was looking forward to doing as it was at a very special property. It was in fact Prince Consort Building in Ryde.
The building was completed in 1847 at a cost of £4,500 and its foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert in the spring of the previous year. The Prince Consort building was previously known as the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, set up by Queen Victoria to rival the male-only Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes. The four-storey building was a yacht club until 1966.
My client was a delightful lady who had recently lost her long term husband. She made me breakfast of tea and toast upon my arrival and we sat chatting while overlooking Ryde Pier. I felt quite spoilt and very relaxed in the pleasant environment.
I was able to complete the valuation in just over an hour, had some more tea then made my way back to the hoverport for the short ten minute crossing by hovercraft back to the mainland and just 2 hours later I was back in my London office. Ready to produce the probate report.
Author – Jeffrey Avery
