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 including Reeth Bay and Brighstone Beach. 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 furnished with sympathy to the buildings history. 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 smart television is provided as is a wood burner for cosy nights in.
There are three charming bedrooms; (travel cot and high chair are available); a shower room, 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 warm the cottage.
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). Guests can also sit out in the front courtyard for meals al-fresco, drinks or a BBQ. Entrance to the neighbouring property The Wing - Puckaster House is via the same courtyard. 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). There is off road parking for 2 cars. The cove of Castlehaven is only a 15-minute walk away which is home to a seasonal beach cafe. St Catherine's lighthouse is also nearby and a popular site for walkers and photographers. The Buddle Inn public house 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. Popular, well established eateries are available at nearby Ventnor and Bonchurch.