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.
F&C.A. - 22/5/10 - We have enjoyed a fabulous week at Groom Cottage. We have stayed at a cottage in Cornwall for many years which we were pleased with, but Groom Cottage breaks that record. Thanks for the 'Welcome Pack' and special treats.
K&J.S. - 15/5/10 - Great location, great cottage, great sofas for an evening's lounging after a long day walking.
The S Family - 8/5/10 - A lovely cottage with a 'Wow Factor'. The cottage is lovely and very comfortable. Our dod loved the bag of toys and the dog treats.
C&S - 1/5/10 - This was our second stay at Groom Cottage, and again have had a lovely break. The cottage is lovely, especially with the new bathroom.
H&A&R&F - 3/4/10 - A wonderful return visit to Groom Cottage - love the new bathroom. Hope to be back again soon. Thanks for keeping it so pristine.
J&SR&N - 17/4/10 - We have had a great week at Groom Cottage. The cottage is lovely - very comfortable - a real 'home from home'. We would definitely recommend Groom Cottage to friends and would love to come back.
J&B&L - 24/4/10 - Enjoyed our holiday at Groom Cottage. Thank you for the wine and welcome pack.
J&C.S. - 27/1/10 - This was our second stay at Groom Cottage and again we had a most enjoyable holiday. The standard in the cottage is higher than ever - the new bathroom is superb.
P&W.R. + R.B. - 6/3/10 - Groom Cottage exceeded all our expectations, it was just like living 'home from home'. We back all the comments from previous guests.
M&M - 19/3/10 - Very happy with accommodation and appreciated the wine and bag of goodies. Information and supply of maps also excellent.
C&R.F.+L.B. - 12/12/09 - We have enjoyed every minute of our stay. Thank you for providing a super cottage for us to 'borrow'.
Mr G B - 10/09 - "We enjoyed our holiday very much and would certainly recommend Groom Cottage to my family and friends. Very comfortable indeed, especially the beds. Having WiFi and phone was an added benefit."
Colette L - 08/09 - "Everything you could wish for. Like a home from home. One of the nicest cottages we have stopped in."
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”.
Visitor Comments
Richard S - 05/10 - "A lovely cottage with a wow factor! "
Claire B - 04/10 - "Groom Cottage is an exceptionally good holiday cottage, this is the 3rd year running we have booked it. Everything to a very high standard and love the new bathroom. Had great holiday."
More