Its more recent chequered past includes being the Island first Youth Hostel in 1935 and a centre for Hitler Youth until the start of the Second World War, when it was used as a school for the children of Ventnor. During the 1970's it traded as a restaurant, hotel and conference centre until 1987. In 1990 The Hermitage was purchased by the Wells family as a private home.

In 1998 they decided to let four of the 10 bedrooms. The four rooms feature fully restored antique beds and furniture to add a touch of class to your stay. They offer a choice of Louis XV style bed with ornate headboard, a Henri II style bed with gilded decoration, a romantic Victorian Half Tester with side drapes and the full beauty of an Irish Regency style four poster.