Here at Classic, we jump at the chance to explore the British Isles (just like our guests do!). The different landscapes across our counties offer a totally unique experience, where ever you end up. The same can be said for our properties, each providing a one-of-a-kind holiday home for those holiday memories to be created. On this occasion we were lucky enough to stay in Sunset Cottage in late September.
A gorgeous three bedroom cottage, near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. A perfect location for a holiday, feeling like you're in a lusciously green retreat away from the world, whilst only being a stone's throw from the coastline and popular beaches.
I've been in the Marketing team at Classic Cottages for just over three years now and from the moment I joined the company I had always hoped I'd make it to Sunset Cottage. And it was everything I'd dreamt it would be and more! I travelled with a friend from Cornwall. The ferry itself was a treat, instantly making you feel like you were travelling abroad and switching you into holiday mode as you crossed the Solent.
Arriving on the island and driving to Sunset Cottage, near Ventnor, was equally a pleasure. The Isle of Wight's lanes weave through beautiful countryside. We spent the journey catching glimpses of the coastline and its local wildlife.
The Cottage
The drive way into Sunset Cottage is almost as magical as the property itself. The private lane winds through the manor grounds, across a pond, passed the ducks and chickens and through to a small yard where you find your private parking at the back of the house.
We grabbed all of our things from the car and headed into Sunset Cottage, walking through a pretty country garden in the lead up to the main door. Walking into Sunset Cottage instantly felt like a luxurious retreat. Beautifully furnished and thoughtfully finished, it oozed rural charm but with all the home comforts. The welcome tray was fantastic too. In front of you as you walk in is a wicker basket of goodies, including fresh eggs from the chickens!
I don't know about you, but as soon as I walk into a holiday cottage I love to see what's behind all the doors! So scuttled off through the open plan living area and upstairs where I found the master bedroom. And it was just lovely. A huge window is in front of you that looks over towards the coastline and white cliffs and catching the sunsets (which is where it gets the name Sunset Cottage). The second window overlooks the swimming pool. Honestly, it could've been the south of France. Turquoise in colour, surrounded by pretty flowering plants. It was far too tempting so hopped straight in. A perfect way to relax after a day's travelling.
Our holiday itinerary
The days were spent exploring the coastline, with great walks from the doorstep. And the afternoons spent reading by the pool in the sunshine, with the occasional dip in the water. We were here for three nights in total so we wanted to explore the Isle of Wight but also wanted to enjoy everything Sunset Cottage had to offer for our short break. With this routine it meant that we both came away feeling like we'd seen the islands awe-inspiring coastline as well as some of the popular destinations to visit but also completely relaxed, thanks to the idyll that was Sunset Cottage.
It would certainly have not been as wonderful without the generosity of the hosts. We received the warmest welcome and nothing was too much trouble. You could tell that everything had been thought of so that the guests staying in Sunset Cottage would have a fantastic time.
So Sunset Cottage was everything I'd hoped and more, a perfect home-from-home for a short break or for weeks at a time on the Isle of Wight. If you'd like to take a look at Sunset Cottage for your next holiday with Classic Cottages, just click here. I have also added a few suggestions below including travel tips and a few places to visit on your next holiday to the Isle of Wight.
Holiday recommendations
Travel: To get to Sunset Cottage we took the ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne. The drive from Fishbourne to Sunset Cottage is around 40 minutes. We offer guests ferry discounts for both Wightlink and Red Funnel and all of the ferry terminals on the Island are easy to travel to and from so you can pick the ferry journey that's most suited to your route.
Food and drink: We did make a visit to the famous Garlic Farm for a walk around and lunch on the first day. It was a great day out, with pretty walks, educational boards about growing garlic, a fantastic shop and a lovely cafe for lunch. The food was delicious and appropriately garlic-y too.
We made an impromptu trip to The True Food Kitchen, near Niton. It is quite a bumpy track down to the parking area but it is well worth it! The True Food Kitchen is perched right on the cliffs and gets the very last of the evening sun. They serve food and drinks throughout the day as well as great cocktails and meals in the evening too. We stopped here for a drink and a couple of small plates to share before heading down the path to the nearby beach to catch the last of the sun before it set.
We also have a blog dedicated to the best places for a Sunday roast on the Isle of Wight, so this is well worth a read for your next Isle of Wight holiday.
We have a real variety of holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight. Why not take a look (by clicking here) and start to plan your next staycation adventure with Classic?
