Stunning Grade II listed mansion on the Isle of Wright that was home to the UK's most prolific dinosaur fossil hunter hits the market for £1.4million

In a Jurassic-sized property deal, a magnificent home - steeped in history and with close links to the discovery of a rare dinosaur - is now up for grabs on the picturesque Isle of Wight. 

Priced at £1.4 million, the Grade II listed property is located on Rectory Lane, Brighstone Bay - where the bones of a rare dinosaur were found on a cliff nearby by clergyman and palaeontologist, Reverend William D Fox.

But the property boasts more than just dinosaur bones in its closet - as Charles Darwin himself even paid a visit to the reverend at the sprawling six-bedroom home. 

The building carries a legacy intertwined with the remarkable work of Rev. Fox, who discovered a dinosaur fossil in a bed of blue shale clay at a cliff on Brighstone Bay in 1865. 

He brought the bones back to his home and meticulously reconstructed the ancient beast across the lawn.

The dinosaur was later named Polacanthus Foxii: a rare, spiked, plant-eating species, which lived around 120 million years ago. 

A pioneer in his field, Rev. Fox discovered more species of dinosaur than any other palaeontologist in the UK, and when he died his work was donated to the National History Museum.  

The four bathroom property which spreads over three floors, features a reception hall, a drawing room, reception hall, utility room, dining room, kitchen, study and a number of vaults.

The layout of the residence is separated into two dwellings: the ground floor and first floor, as well as a second floor apartment.   

The apartment contains two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, a kitchen and a number of storage rooms - all accessed by its own gate from the lane or from the first floor landing.

A cottage, which is in separate ownership, is also attached to the incredible property.  

A series of exceptional features decorate the property, including working period fireplaces, ancient wooden panelling, bold colour interior design, original window shutters, and scenic country views from the upper floors. 

Emma Bradley, Spence Willard estate agent, said: 'The best feature of the property is the carved detail in the hallway of the home.'

The historic residence is situated on the fringes of the popular coastal village Brighstone and within grounds of about half an acre.

The property has multiple gardens, with well-stocked borders and a gorgeous variation of flora, fauna and mature trees.

Local facilities including a village shop, the pub, post office, primary school and doctor’s surgery are just a short stroll or car ride away from Rectory Lane.

Charles Spence from Spence Willard, said: 'After being in the same ownership for several decades, the owner is selling to spend more time between homes in London and Menorca.'

It comes after a stunning Mayfair home which once belonged to the Earls of Crawford, was sold to an American buyer for £11.5 million in January.