Get a taste of island life at this chocolate-box cottage. A fabulous base for friends or family, it features four bedrooms – one on the ground floor and another an en-suite – plus a choice of social spaces inside and out. The village’s 17th-century pub is within 100m, and county town Newport is 5 miles from the doorstep .
The setting couldn’t be more pretty – the cottage sits next to Shorwell’s 13th-century church and just across the road from a family-friendly pub and beer garden. Inside, the property – dating from 1750 – is equally charming, with a welcoming hallway that leads through to an elegant lounge with ample seating, a Smart TV and a wood burner. There’s character in the kitchen/diner too, where an AGA – available by arrangement out of the key winter holidays – complements all the modern must-haves. The ground floor also features the first of the property’s four delightful bedrooms – a twin located a few steps up from the lounge – while a utility room houses laundry equipment and a cloakroom adds convenience for all. The remaining bedrooms are on the first floor, some with typically uneven flooring, low ceilings and exposed beams. Choose between a twin with a permanent cot and travel cot, a cheerful double, and an en-suite king-size room; a family bathroom completes the comfort. Watch the world go by from the picnic bench in the front garden, or enjoy al fresco dining on the private walled patio at the rear of the property.
Steeped in history, Shorwell was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite countryside spots. Her own holiday home, Osborne House, is 10 miles north; visit then stop off at sailing hot spot Cowes for upmarket stores and a fine choice of chic bars and eateries. Closer to home, Newport sits at the top of the River Medina and is the island’s principal shopping destination, while landmark The Needles is 12 miles west and Ventnor is 10 miles south.