Located in the grounds of a ‘Cottage Ornee’ style house by the sea, this attractive property is perfect for those looking for tranquillity and plenty of outdoor splendour.
Puckaster Cottage is situated in the grounds of Puckaster House and surrounded by six acres of garden, with lawns going down towards the sea. Prince Phillip stayed at Puckaster House on several occasions when he was learning to sail. Princess Elizabeth is also reputed to have visited. The house is approached by a long driveway and is within the village of Niton Undercliff on the south coast of the Island. It is a haven for wildlife with rabbits, badgers, foxes, pheasants and a variety of birds. The sandy beach of Ventnor is within a 15 to 20-minute drive and there is easy access to the smaller beaches and coves on the south west coast. This is also a wonderful walking area with easy access to the coastal path which extends to The Needles on the western tip of the Isle of Wight.
Puckaster Cottage is on one side of an attractive courtyard in which stand the original coach houses for the main house. It is a detached property, separated from the main house and wing by a small courtyard. The cottage is built of Island stone and dates back to the 1800s. It provides spacious accommodation for six people and has been decorated and furnished with care. Many original features have been retained including the flagstone floor in the hall. There is a large, comfortably furnished sitting room with windows overlooking the courtyard. A television with Freeview and DVD player is provided.
There are three charming twin bedrooms; (travel cot and high chair are available); a bathroom with shower, and a separate lavatory. The spacious kitchen has a central dining area, fitted units and a tiled floor. There is an AGA, only available for use in colder winter months, as well as an electric cooker, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Storage heaters keep the cottage warm. Heating and electricity are free of charge. We regret it is not possible to use the wood burning stove.
There is a terrace at the rear of the cottage and from here there are views across the courtyard to the gardens and sea. (This terrace is accessed from the upper level of the cottage via the main bedroom). Visitors can also follow a path through the beautiful larger gardens of the main house to secluded areas of garden and a place where children can play games. (Please be aware that there are two ponds in the gardens, so children need to be closely supervised). One car can be parked in the garage and a second car in the adjoining courtyard. The cove of Castle Haven is only a 15-minute walk away, as is St Catherine's lighthouse. The Buddle Inn is within a five-minute walk, and within a 15-minute walk there are general stores, a post office, hardware shop, chemist, library and a doctors, plus a second public house for meals.