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Ghillie Cottage

(Ref. 1069501)

Freshwater, Isle of Wight Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Seaside
  • Sky TV
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance

33 Customer Reviews

  • "A clean, comfortable and extremely well equipped cottage in a nice area of Freshwater and within a few minutes walk of Colwell bay."

    We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Ghillie cottage, thank you.

    Reviewed by DianFeb 2024

  • "Another amazing stay at Ghillie cottage a perfect base to explore the Island."

    Property is extremely clean and well maintained with all you need to have a perfect stay.

    Reviewed by JodyDec 2023

  • "Our second stay at Ghillie cottage, so that goes to show how much we enjoy being there."

    Perfect for a winter break as it is such a warm home especially with the log burner. Very clean and everything you need for an enjoyable stay. We could hear the next door’s dogs more this time but as we are dog owners ourselves it didn’t bother us, but other guests may not be as tolerant. It’s a shame the property is being sold as we would not hesitate to book it every year for our winter stay on the IOW.

    Thank you for your great feedback and we are very pleased you had a nice time, even staying on for an extra week. Although the property is for sale it is most likely to remain a holiday let managed the same way. The booking calendar is open for 6 months at a time to cover any change over period that might be required and this sorts out our intention of making sure all bookings taken are honoured. Property Owner

    Reviewed by CaroleNov 2023

  • "The cottage has been stocked so well with pretty much everything eventuality considered."

    We’ve been particularly impressed at just how spacious the property has proved to be. Great location too.

    Reviewed by GrahamOct 2023

  • "Clean, comfortable, functional, could have done without the red bordered notices everywhere, it made us feel like we were staying in a youth hostel, we felt all the rules and restrictions could have just been placed in the information book."

    The parking space was adequate, however, trying to get in and out of it was a bit dangerous as the dropped kerb was right on the junction of the road to the beach, fortunately, the roadworks which closed off the road meant that passing traffic was reduced, in high season this might be very different.

    Reviewed by StuartOct 2023

  • "Accommodation was the only disappointment of an otherwise enjoyable holiday - especially after the lovely cottage in Ringmoor last year."

    Although clean the property needs bringing up to date and a number of maintenance issues sorted. However it was spacious enough for our 4 adults and the equipment provided was good.

    We thank you for your feedback and noticed your note left about the downstairs loo sink tap not working again. Having been fixed by a plumber very recently this is frustrating and a new plumber is squeezing us in asap to sort it. Must say we are surprised about your low facilities and maintenance score as great care and effort is taken to keep the property in excellent condition. But again thank you for comments re equipment and suitability for 4 adults etc. Property Owner

    Reviewed by CaroleSep 2023

  • "Excellent facilities and location."

    We had a great week and would like to return. Unfortunately it appears the house is unavailable for the ext year. Is this correct? Gary and Sue

    Thank you for your feedback and for looking after Ghillie Cottage so well. So pleased you had a nice time. The cottage should still be available but is currently marketed for a rolling 6 months into the future only. Property Owner

    Reviewed by GarySep 2023

  • "So the property was lovely the only issue we had was it was on a main road that gets busy and as it was summer we had the windows open and the early morning traffic woke us up."

    A tiny complaint was it could do with a radio in the kitchen as the stereo/radio was in the lounge which was quite a way from the kitchen and a dishwasher would be mist beneficial as a self catering cottage I really don’t want to have to wash up. Other then that it was a great property.

    Reviewed by MichelleAug 2023

  • "A little gem in an ideal location near Colwell Bay."

    Our family of 4 had a great stay at Ghillie Cottage and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a clean, cozy and comfortable base to explore the island.

    Reviewed by DavidJul 2023

  • "We had a lovely week at Ghillie cottage 8/7 to 15/7."

    There was a very nice note when we arrived along with milk, biscuits & wine, all very much appreciated. The cottage was very clean & comfortable & fully equipped with everything you could need. Well done to the owners for making this a lovely home from home.

    Reviewed by Margaret RJul 2023

  • "We had a week holiday at Ghillie cottage and loved every moment of it!"

    The house is really big and has everything that you need!! The stairs are small and there is a step into the bathroom but they were not a problem for us. We would definitely come back here again!

    Reviewed by MichelleJun 2023

  • "Lovely welcome note with wine and milk in the fridge."

    Property is well-maintained and comfortable and the perfect location for dogs both for the beach and the walk around the green common area. The Saturday Car Boot there was good too! Really enjoyed reading some of the Isle of Wight history from the well-stocked book shelves.

    Reviewed by SarahMay 2023

  • "Ghillies Cottage was an excellent find."

    The cottage was excellently equipped and we had everything we needed plus a very comfortable bed; we would strongly recommend it. A problem with the television was solved by the owner on the night of reporting it. It was a bonus to be able to stroll to Colwell Bay down the lane at the side of the cottage. Grateful thanks to the owner, Gavin.

    Reviewed by MargaretMay 2023

  • "Our second stay at Ghillie Cottage did not dissapoint a great spot to explore the island or just relax."

    The accommodation is very clean, well equipped and comfortable. The sunshine and warm temperatures were also provided which was a lovely bonus.

    Reviewed by JodyMay 2023

  • "Very enjoyable stay, garden very secure for our dog as stated."

    Ideal base for enjoying the island and the cottage was very well maintained and comfortable. I would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by PhilipApr 2023

  • "The cottage was perfect for us,my only criticism would be access to the garden which involved going through five doors(including the two kitchen ones) to get to a small lawn where my dog could do her business in the morning,I found this extremely annoying,sorry but you did ask ."

    Reviewed by BarbaraMar 2023

  • "Spotlessly clean accomodation, no problems, and thanks for the lovely welcome pack, much appreciated."

    Reviewed by KevinMar 2023

  • "We have enjoyed a lovely week at Ghillie cottage."

    Beautiful cottage, a thought welcome pack, very well equipped, clean , an cosy log burner and in a perfect location. Lots of local walks, one in particular was a circular walk, with our dog, out the door, to Alum bay, over Tennyson down finishing with a delicious Sunday lunch at the Red Lion on Freshwater.

    Reviewed by GillianMar 2023

  • "Great setting and everything thought of."

    Reviewed by GrahamMar 2023

  • "Beautiful property."

    Visited with our two little Grandsons and they loved it! Incredibly clean. Boys loved playing in the back garden annex. Wanted for nothing in the property. Close proximity to the beach. Would definitely like to visit again. Thanks for the wine, milk and biscuits, much appreciated.

    Reviewed by LauraFeb 2023

  • "Lovely house, clean with all amenities for a nice holiday."

    Only thing I would point out, which I think should be listed is the steepness of the stairs, those with limited mobility would struggle to get up & down them! Nice touch with the welcoming gifts.

    Pleased you appreciated our cottage, we agree the stairs are typical old cottage style and are a little steeper than modern properties, this is already clearly stated on the Sykes listing. Property Owner

    Reviewed by MichaelFeb 2023

  • "The cottage is superb, very comfortable, very clean with a very well equiped kitchen."

    Close to the beach, thank you for taking the time to put out a Christmas tree and decorations and the welcome items. We look forward to returning.

    Reviewed by CeliaDec 2022

  • "Loved our stay at Ghillie Cottage, we really felt at home."

    Amazingly well equipped with everything we could have needed and more! Milk (and wine) very much appreciated on arrival. Plenty of towels and pillows, local information and plug sockets, and sky and netflix a great plus with older children. Tastefully decorated for Christmas time. Great location for dog and coastal walks. Really secure garden for the dog and I'm sure we would have enjoyed it too if stayed in summer time. Thank you!

    Reviewed by KimDec 2022

  • "A fantastic winter holiday staying at Ghillie cottage."

    The weather on the island during our stay was rather cold as was the rest of the UK, but Ghillie cottage was toasty and warm throughout with a wood burner too. It was spotless clean and the welcome pack was a lovely surprise and exceeded our expectations. The description was very accurate and yes, the stairs are steep but not unsafe with handrails on both sides, however they may not suit people with physical impairments. We even extended our stay by a couple of days and this was sorted quickly and efficiently. The location of the cottage is excellent, right by Colwell Bay and lots of dog walks on the doorstep. It was lovely to walk to Fort Victoria and our favourite cafe, The Boathouse. All in all a great cottage and we would definitely stay there again when visiting the Isle of Wight. Thank you Ghillie Cottage for making our holiday memorable.

    Reviewed by CaroleDec 2022

  • "We absolutely loved our stay at this lovely, warm and very welcoming cottage."

    From the moment we arrived we knew we had made a great decision is choosing this cottage. The location is excellent (few mins walk to Colwell Bay) and we just really enjoyed everything about our stay. The cottage was spotless and well laid out with very comfy beds/pillows and furnishings etc - comfy sofa for example and super, clean linens. We very much appreciated the welcome gifts and wine left for us and our teenage son was delighted with the sweets and hot chocolate - what a lovely gesture. Thank you. It is these little gestures that made our stay special as you feel appreciated by the owners and not just the next paying guest. The cottage really was beautifully warm and the log burner in the evening was superb. We were very lucky with the weather, enjoying stunningly mild days, with many a gorgeous sunset enjoyed in Totland as we sat at the Waterside Inn. This is so easy to reach along the lovely sea front from the cottage being two miles there and back. I loved getting up early and running with our dog along the seafront and enjoying the beach with him with the tide being out a little as this early hour, what a way to start the day! We had some quite strong winds whilst here and again loved to watch the crashing waves and then amble back to the lovely cottage for dinner and a cosy evening in the lovely lounge. Again, we made use of the board games that were available and just really enjoyed our stay as a family. This is a great base from which to explore the island and although our preferred side of the island has always been Ventnor/Bonchurch we would definitely choose to stay here again as this cottage was just wonderful and we loved the location for evening walks after being out all day. This really made it for us. In all a fabulous holiday which was made perfect by choosing this cottage. The stairs are not what we would call steep, more the treads are quite narrow but there is a handrail on both sides and none of us struggled at all. We thought the info on this, on the Sykes website was more than adequate, and you just adapt to your surroundings and take a little extra care. We live in the quietest of villages and this makes us very noise sensitive which is why we never usually booked a semi-detached cottage when going away however here there are no concerns hear as the neighbours were not heard at all. I heard their dog yap for about 5 seconds on our last morning at about 8.10am (my son and husband never heard it at all), but dogs can yap anywhere including at home.... we have a very vocal dog who does not actually bark but tries to talk (truly) so i have no doubt at dinner time the neighbours may have heard his chelp for a few seconds as he demanded his dinner after another long day of walks...! works both ways! We certainly never heard their dog more than the once I heard a few yaps and it wasn't out in the garden barking whilst we were there. When next on the Isle of Wight we will definitely stay here again, it would be our first choice without hesitation, and we cannot recommend this place highly enough. Well done owners and thank you for allowing us the chance to stay in your cottage and making us feel so very welcome... what a super location you have! Parking is also very good, we have a XC60, so quite a big car but there was loads of room and easy to manoeuvre in and out of the drive... There is nothing that wasn't spot on. Everything was thought of and washing up liquid, hand soap etc was all provided, sometimes you get nothing! How nice to arrive after a long drive, a ferry crossing and another half an hour drive to the cottage and find fresh milk in the fridge and tea, coffee and hot chocolate waiting for you. This means putting the kettle on can be the first job rather than rummaging for your packed tea bags and trying to source milk! We stay in a lot of cottages, usually through Sykes and this is defiantly one of the best and cleanest we have ever stayed in. We were so sad to leave. Can't wait to come back!

    Reviewed by NeilOct 2022

  • "Lovely big cottage."

    The stairs really are steep and narrow and you have to watch your step when going to the bathroom in the night as there are a few steps down from bedroom and into bathroom. The tv instructions are useless especially if you are not used to a sky tv. Also the neighbours dogs were awful at 7am every day. The big dog howling and the little dog barking. We would not allow ours to do that.

    Thank you for your mostly positive feedback. The age and style of property does have steeper stairs than modern properties and yes there are two steps down into the bathroom, but this is clearly advised about by Sykes , and as pictures show also , there are good handrails both sides of the stairs to help those who made need them. I guess if you have no familiarity with a sky remote control then could be a little awkward for you as the instructions we left were only for turning the tv and sky box on. For future reference once turned on there are easy access guides on the sky menu to help. We lived there previously and know the neighbours, they are lovely and very apologetic and always minimise any dog noise. From the note you left in the cottage we see you are referring to when they let the dogs out in the back garden first thing. Having spoken to them today they assure us that as always any early excitement is only for a minute or so and quickly sorted. Many thanks. Property Owner

    Reviewed by ValeskaSep 2022

  • "Great location, clean and comfy."

    Dogs next door howled and barked from about 6.45am every morning but understand you can’t really fix that!

    Thank you so much for appreciating and looking after Ghillie Cottage so well. We have just spoken to the neighbours who are very nice and helpful and were very apologetic, they have had the dogs in an internal room for a while during renovation of the extension at the rear. This work finishes shortly and all will be back to normal from the 18th September. Property Owner

    Reviewed by SarahSep 2022

  • "Great house and nice welcome pack ."

    Reviewed by MartinAug 2022

  • "This was a lovely property with well thought out touches."

    It was so comfortable, bright, and airy. My son loved the little fairy lights in the kitchen and garden room. The rooms were spacious and the beds were super comfy! Only one criticism in that the shower head might need replacing or maintenance as it sprayed in all directions, but this was a minor inconvenience. A superb property!

    Reviewed by CorinnaJul 2022

  • "It was not made clear in your listing how very steep and narrow the stairs were."

    I had to sleep downstairs as the stairs were too dangerous for me to come down the normal way. The cottage was very clean and the welcome pack excellent. However I was told to bring tea towels and oven gloves which were provided, it would have been nice to have been given the correct information. We only stayed one night as it was so noisy and due to the severity of the stairs.

    Thank you for your comments and for acknowledging the cleanliness of Ghillie Cottage with your excellent cleanliness score and I'm glad you enjoyed the welcome pack. The advert information has now been updated to clarify that tea towels, hand towels and oven gloves are provided. The property is on a road but there are no particularly high volumes of traffic. It is of course possible that through the recent heatwave if windows have been open through the night, that the occasional vehicle may have been heard; there have certainly not been any previous guest concerns at all regarding any noise whatsoever. The property was built in the early 1900s and so the stairs are steeper than they would be in a modern house, and they are in keeping with the character of Ghillie Cottage. We are transparent with our advert so that guests can make an informed decision as to whether the property is suitable for them before making a booking, we do include a picture of the stairs and the advert did highlight to be aware of steep stairs at the time you made your booking. I can also confirm that the stairs do also have handrails on both sides. Sykes Cottages have a dedicated helpline for guests who need assistance and this number is provided to guests before arrival. If Sykes Cottages had been contacted or made aware at any point while you were at the property that you needed help or were struggling with the stairs, they would have contacted me and I would have been happy to look at an alternate bed layout arrangement for you on this occasion. I'm sorry that Sykes Cottages and myself were not given the opportunity to help you. Property Owner

    Reviewed by SarahJul 2022

  • "What a lovely cottage, much bigger than it looks from the outside and with everything we could possibly need, including the welcome pack."

    Would definitely book again and recommend to others.

    Reviewed by RosemaryJul 2022

  • "Good location."

    clean spacious . well presented holiday let. good local bus services, would use again if vising the island in the future,

    Reviewed by MauriceJun 2022

  • "We had an enjoyable stay."

    The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped. We will be happy to recommend thus property.

    Reviewed by BobMay 2022

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Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be a super-king on request)
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Ground-floor cloakroom
  • Kitchen
  • Utility
  • Dining room
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove (available for use between October - April inclusive)
  • External garden/playroom
  • Gas central heating
  • Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer
  • TV with Sky, Netflix and WiFi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. tea towels, kitchen towels and oven gloves are provided
  • Stairgate and highchair available on request
  • Off-road parking for two average-sized cars, with roadside parking nearby on Colwell Common Road also available
  • Secure, dog-friendly garden with outdoor furniture
  • One well-behaved dog welcome, and a further one may be possible on request Dogs must not be allowed on furniture or upstairs
  • Please note dogs cannot be left unattended at the property at any time and stairgate is in place to keep dogs downstairs
  • Please note that regrettably this property cannot accept cats
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 0.4 miles, pub 0.5 miles, beach 0.3 miles
  • Note: Steep stairs, please take caution
  • Note: Two internal steps down to bathroom, please take caution
  • Note: Check-in is from 4pm, check-out by 10am
  • Note: Note: There is a stairgate available for one of the bedroom doors on request

The property

Ideally situated on the glorious coast of the Isle of Wight in the picture-perfect village of Freshwater, is this characterful dwelling, Ghillie Cottage.

Well suited to a small family of four, this fantastic holiday home is the perfect base from which to tour this glorious island.

Feel the warm and welcoming embrace of this humble abode, as you step inside this charming cottage and discover an inviting sitting room with a traditional woodburning stove, where you can enjoy many of your evenings snuggled up with loved ones as you watch an enthralling movie on the flat-screen TV.

Make your way through to the pretty country-style kitchen, whipping up a delicious treat for all with the help of the handy gas hob and excellent appliances, before taking a seat in the dining room to devour your fantastic feast with friends.

Head outside to the garden for drinks on the patio or in the garden/play room where numerous outdoor games can be found, or retreat to the first floor as you unwind with a peaceful soak in the bathroom.

Just down the hall, two restful and delightfully decorated bedrooms offer a wonderful space to lay your head to rest, as well as housing an abundance of storage for all of your belongings!

Uncover the hidden gems of the Isle of Wight as you explore your breath-taking surroundings, whether it be on an exhilarating hike along The Needles Headland & Tennyson Down, or on trips to some of the finest landmarks and attractions that fill the area.

Take a very short stroll down to Colwell Bay and along the coastal path, taking in views of the world-famous Needles, to Totland Bay, both supplying a great range of in-season eating and drinking opportunities.

See views of Fort Warden and continue along to Fort Albert and Fort Victoria Park, with its shops and facilities along with the imposing ruins and admire views of The Solent.

Uncover the hidden gems of the Isle of Wight as you explore breathtaking surroundings, look for dinosaur footprints at Compton Bay, walk along Tennyson Down to the Needles old and new Batteries, travel to Queen Victoria's stunning Osborne House and gardens or visit the wonderful Carisbrooke Castle; why not go back in time with a visit to Brading Roman Villa, too?

Fun for all ages include the Needles Landmark attraction, Robin Hill, Tapnell Farm Park, or take an alpaca for a walk at West Wight Alpacas, travel back in time at Havenstreet Steam Railway, and enjoy Blackgang Chine amusement park, and more!

The local town of Yarmouth includes a 16th Century restored Castle, a lovely pier, and some excellent restaurants; enjoy the coastal path or the old railway line path between Yarmouth and Freshwater, too.

Close to home, Freshwater village has two lovely pubs, a medium-sized, well-stocked Tesco store, along with many lovely, individual shops, cafes, and a sports centre with an indoor swimming pool.

The multiple downs are home to luscious green landscapes with wonderful sea views all across the island, for you to explore via numerous walks.

Live incredible moments with your loved ones on an escape to Ghillie Cottage on the Isle of Wight.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

About the location

FRESHWATER

Yarmouth 3 miles; Cowes 16 miles; Fishbourne 16 miles; Ryde 18 miles.

Freshwater is situated at the western tip of the Isle of Wight and consists of Freshwater Village and Freshwater Bay. Freshwater village offers a good selection of small independent shops, cafes and the West Wight Sports Centre and Indoor Swimming Pool. The magnificent high chalk cliffs, rolling downs and delightful beaches at Freshwater Bay and nearby Compton Bay attract many visitors and surfers all year round. The renowned Freshwater Bay Golf Club, which overlooks the English Channel has stunning coastal sea views from most tees and offers a superb day out for golfers of all abilities, whilst the area is a haven for birdwatchers, cyclists and walkers with many wonderful walks to be enjoyed not only on West Wight but across the entire Isle of Wight criss-crossing over a much varied island landscape. Locally, Afton Down (the location of the famous 1970 Isle of Wight Music Festival), and Tennyson Down are the most popular walks. At the foot of Tennyson Down is the Dimbola Museum and Photographic Galleries. The Needles Pleasure Park at Alum Bay with its coloured sand cliffs and chairlift to the beach is just south west of Freshwater, plus a little further afield on the north coast of the Isle of Wight is the premier yachting centre of Cowes. Osborne House (the former home of Queen Victoria) is located at East Cowes. The nearby Farringford Hotel on the edge of Freshwater Bay was once the home of the British Poet Laureate, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and many notable poets, authors and painters have been attracted to the area of West Wight over the years. With the seaside town of Yarmouth close by with its busy harbour and pier, shops, inns, eateries and impressive Tudor castle, this is an ideal base for an enjoyable holiday.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas