Friends, families and furries will adore this exquisite stone house, set on the southwestern fringes of the picturesque village of Carisbrooke. The iconic Carisbrooke Castle is just 1.5 miles away, and Queen Victoria’s Osborne House is 6.5 miles to the north – well-behaved doggies are allowed in the grounds of both. Steeped in history and intrigue since the Norman Conquest, Carisbrooke Castle is the jewel at the island’s heart; see the donkeys at work, and visit the atmospheric chapel, excellent museum and the gorgeous Edwardian garden. Discover the independent shops, galleries, restaurants and canine-friendly pubs of Carisbrooke village and Newport, such as the brilliant Bargeman’s Rest. Parkhurst Forest (3 miles) is one of England’s oldest, sheltering red squirrels and many rare birds.
Inside you’ll find a welcoming home from home, bursting with rural charm and contemporary comforts. After thrilling days of seaside and island exploration, gather round the wood burner in the cosy lounge to reminisce with island ale or wine and plan new adventures. Prepare sumptuous local seafood straight from the creel in the sweet country kitchen, and savour it in the conservatory, or alfresco on the enclosed lawn or patio. Soothe tired limbs with a steaming tub in the tranquil bathroom, before drifting to your blissful bedrooms; the king size has a fabulous feature wall and fireplace, and both upstairs bedrooms offer tempting glimpses of Carisbrooke Castle.
Bask on blissful fur-friendly beaches at Shepherd’s Chine (7 miles), Watcombe Bay (10 miles), Mount Bay and Orchard Bay (both 11 miles), Monks Bay and Luccombe Bay (both 12.5 miles). Explore the twisting lanes of Cowes (7 miles) and Ryde (11 miles); the former has some intriguing museums, and the latter has an abbey, pier, vineyard, distillery and harbour. Learn to sail, kayak, paddle board, windsurf and coasteer around this sensational island.