This delightful Grade II listed stone cottage has been sympathetically converted from the former stables of the nearby Apse Manor. It nestles within an enclosed courtyard approached through a lovely large arched entrance. The original building dates back to 1695, and period stone door surrounds and lintels can be seen on its south elevation. Deceptively spacious, Groom Cottage has thick stone walls, wooden beams and an attractive appearance with four gables. It is one of a small number of cottages around an inner courtyard and has its own secluded and enclosed walled garden making it safe for both children and pets. It is very pleasantly situated in a peaceful rural hamlet with footpaths leading to adjacent fields and woodlands. More extensive paths lead to the downs above Ventnor. The cottage is only 1½ miles from the coastal resort of Shanklin with its wide sandy beaches, thatched tearooms, floodlit chine, restaurants and shops. The other seaside towns of Sandown and Ventnor are also within an easy 5 to 10 minute drive.
Groom Cottage has been renovated to a high standard and has been very attractively furnished and equipped with quality items throughout. Where possible original features have been retained and the charm of the cottage is enhanced by the beams and exposed stone walls in some of the rooms. It is centrally heated and has luxurious thick cream pile carpets throughout most of the property. The accommodation is light and spacious. There is a particularly large and attractive sitting room with huge comfortable sofas, a flat screen television and DVD player. Sky + HD has been installed for 2010 so you can view your favourite programme, or that special sports match in high definition clarity, whilst recording another. Visitors can relax in front of an attractive gas flame effect stove contained within a feature fireplace. French doors open into the garden which gives the room a pleasant open feel. Between the kitchen and sitting room there are two internal steps.
The delightful family sized kitchen has a tiled floor and fitted units. It is fully equipped with an electric range-style oven, gas hob, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and washer dryer. There is also a pleasant dining area where meals can be enjoyed. The cottage has two attractive bedrooms furnished with very comfortable quality beds and roomy wardrobes. The main large double bedroom also has a second flat screen television (with Sky reception) and the twin room contains beds that can be linked to form a super king sized double bed. The bathroom has been fully refitted for 2010 and contains a bath, luxury overhead shower system, basin, W.C and towel warmer. Heating and electricity are free of charge. Telephone for both incoming and outgoing calls plus WiFi internet.
Groom Cottage has a pleasant walled garden at the front. This is paved in a courtyard style and has a small water feature, plus fragrant plants and shrubs that include jasmine, wisteria, honeysuckle, roses and lavender. Reclining loungers, traditional garden furniture and a Weber barbecue are provided, as are outdoor tableware and glasses, to make al fresco dining a regular and enjoyable event. A private parking space for one car is just outside the garden gate. Additional parking is available.
Nearby places to visit include the picturesque village of Godshill, Amazon Adventure World and the notable Brading Roman Villa. The Isle of Wight 2008 Dining Pub of the Year is within a five minute drive.
A free Godshill Organics ‘hamper’ is provided for guests on their arrival.
The H family – March 2008 “Probably the best cottage we’ve stayed in, so well equipped”. C&A L – April 2008 “Beautiful cottage, lovely welcoming touches. We will definitely return and will recommend to everyone”. M&J&H – May 2008 “The cottage was perfect in every way and we will definitely come again and recommend it to our friends”. A&E – June 2008 – “First class cottage that lives up to the 5 Star rating”. S&L&S – June 2008 “What a fantastic week. You’ve got a beautiful place here and we hope everyone enjoys it as much as we’ve done”. Y&R&L&J - June 2008 “Well it just doesn’t get any better than this”. G&L&E&F - June 2008 “Wonderful cottage, what a week, will recommend to anyone”. The G family - August 2008 “Groom Cottage has been the perfect holiday home, well located, well furnished and well equipped. We were delighted the moment we walked in the door”. M&L&A&D – August 2008 “We were delighted on our arrival at Groom Cottage. What a superb place . Would love to come again”. C&J – Sept 2008 “Lovely cottage, comfy settees and beds. Everything in here we could want”. P&J –Sept 2008 “We have had a wonderful time. The cottage is beautifully furnished and fitted out. Thank you”. J&P – Sept 2008 “We have had a wonderful time at this extra special cottage. It is greta to find a really super cottage that accepts dogs”. E&R - Oct 2008 “This week has been as good as it gets”. C&D – Oct 2008 “We fully concur with the many positive comments in the visitors book”. J&J – Nov 2008 “Our second time to Groom Cottage has been an equal delight. It really is one of the best. Hope to repeat next year”. G&J – Nov 2008 “Thought cottage was lovely, the best we have stayed in and the bed was superb”. M&N – Nov 2008 “We loved every minute at Groom Cottage, we will be back. It’s really nice to have a dog friendly cottage of this standard”. K&D&M&B – Dec 2008 “Lovely cottage, homely, warm and welcoming. Everything we could have wished for”. |
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Public Transport - Local bus 5mins walk. Busses go to Shanklin and Sandown to the East (right) and Newport via Godshill to the West (left).. Local Shop - Grocery shops are best reached by bus or car and located in Shanklin and Sandown. Local Amenities - Local public house serving food and sunday lunches as well as library and non food shops. Local Walks - The cottage is located in a fantastic walking area and you can choose between short walks in the local woodland or longer walks along the Coastal Path via Shanklin. Local Busses make the whole Island within easy reach for walking. Activities - The cottage is located near to the sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin. They are easy to reach by bus or on foot for the more energetic. Eating and Drinking - Public houses and restaurants cluster around the beach at Shanklin. For taking tea or a drink in the sun Godshill offers a choice of pubs and tea rooms. |
