The neighbourhood
You can easily get to the house as a foot passenger on the RedJet catamaran service from Southampton to West Cowes. From the ferry terminal, the house is a short walk through the town to the top of Sun Hill, one of the most sought-after streets in Cowes Old Town.
The High Street is just a few minutes’ walk away (downhill), while Cowes Marina and the beach are within a 10-minute walk. There are lots of shops, pubs and restaurants in the area, including the popular Smoking Lobster restaurant at Cowes Marina that adds a Pan Asian twist to delicious local island produce and seafood.
A long-time favourite haunt of the sailing community, Cowes is well-known for its yachting scene, while windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and jet skiing can all be enjoyed too.
There is plenty to do on the Isle of Wight and more than half of the island is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so getting out and about is a must. It is a popular destination with walkers and cyclists with 68 miles of coastal footpaths and around 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways to explore.
If there’s one iconic landmark that you simply must see, it is the Needles chalk stack at the western tip of the island. You can get a closer look with a ride on the famous chairlift – the views are amazing, so remember to take your camera.
Beautiful beaches are plentiful and those on the south of the island are also rich in fossils and offer an insight into the dinosaurs that once roamed the island.
When it comes to gourmet offerings, do pop into the Mermaid Distillery near to Ryde to sample some locally produced gin. A meal at The Hut in Colwell Bay is recommended too, especially if you like fine seafood combined with fine sea views.
Getting around
While not essential for getting to the property, a car is a great idea for exploring the island. Car ferries operate from the mainland to three points on the island, with the closest from Southampton to East Cowes and there are two off road parking space for the property just along from the house. Another option is the very frequent and reliable bus service, with a stop just a stone’s throw away (outside M&S), that can provide a ride to most parts of the island.