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  • Sheepwash Barn - Isle of Wight & Hampshire - 951450 - photo 1
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Sheepwash Barn

(Ref. 951450)

Middleton near Freshwater, Isle of Wight Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (40)
  • lovely (31)
  • our (29)
  • owners (28)
  • location (28)
  • barn (26)

73 Customer Reviews

  • "We very much enjoyed our stay at Sheepwash barn."

    Well equipped and comfortable. Stephen responded very quickly to a couple of minor issues we experienced. Ideal for dog as fully enclosed garden and lots of places for local walks.

    Reviewed by DuncanFeb 2024

  • "Lovely property with very welcoming hosts."

    Comfortable and clean accommodation. It was kind of the owners to take the time to decorate for Christmas, which made it cosy and pretty. Very dog friendly, which is brilliant for us and Arthur really enjoyed his stay at Sheepwash barn. Thank you for a lovely stay.

    Reviewed by SandraDec 2023

  • "Great stay at Sheepwash Barn!"

    Quaint and quiet location with easy access to all areas of the island. All the expected amenities were available and the cottage was cosy and comfortable. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and fully recommend!

    Reviewed by SarahOct 2023

  • "A beautiful converted barn, next to owners equally beautiful cottage, ideally located to explore West Wight."

    Fully equipped kitchen, fantastic shower and comfortable beds. Local shops and bus links a 5 minute walk away down a footpath which runs down the side of owner's property. A perfect week.

    Reviewed by AmandaSep 2023

  • "Thank you for a lovely stay."

    Sheepwash Barn is a beautiful thatch and an ideal getaway in such a peaceful location. We loved being able to leave the car and walk to the coast and enjoy exploring with our dogs. Having an outdoor seating area to make the most of the sunshine with a glass of wine was a bonus too.

    Reviewed by RichardAug 2023

  • "A beautiful cottage to stay at for a relaxing week, Steve & Julie were the perfect hosts."

    Would absolutely recommend this property. Will definitely be returning again.

    Reviewed by DavidJul 2023

  • "We've absolutely loved our week at Sheepwash Barn!"

    So clean, cosy and peaceful. Steve & Julie are so friendly and helpful, but leave you to it. Feels so rural at the barn, but a short walk down a very pretty bridleway, takes you to Freshwater Village shops and amenities. We'd book again in a heartbeat, and would heartily recommend.

    Reviewed by DeborahMay 2023

  • "Very comfortable cottage in a nice quite location with the town centre just a short walkaway, ideal location walking and exploring the island we really enjoyed our stay."

    Reviewed by MichaelApr 2023

  • "Very well located cottage, a really good location especially for your dog."

    It is in a nice quiet spot, ideal for just about everything we wanted. We really enjoyed our week.

    Reviewed by NoelApr 2023

  • "We had a great time very clean and everything you need to enjoy a fantastic break thank you"

    Reviewed by Angela JayneApr 2023

  • "Sheepwash Barns was a delight too see on our arrival there was everything you needed cosy & comfortable and to have a welcome pack ."

    It was great to meet the owners who were friendly and could not do enough for you .Will definitely return and hopefully stay for longer . Thank you

    Reviewed by SharonMar 2023

  • "Really nice property and very welcoming hosts."

    Thank you very much.

    Reviewed by SoniaDec 2022

  • "Beautiful, comfortable & cozy cottage in a great location."

    We had a lovely week relaxing on the IOW, which was made even more enjoyable by the lovely Sheepwash Barn. If you’re looking for a homely cottage and lovely hosts, you can’t go wrong with wonderful Sheepwash Barn.

    Reviewed by JamesOct 2022

  • "We enjoyed our stay."

    Unfortunately, we found the mattresses extremely uncomfortable, which did compromise our experience.

    Reviewed by JaneAug 2022

  • "Stunningly beautiful property in a wonderful quiet location, but with shops, cafés and other facilities of Freshwater a short walk or drive away."

    Freshwater, Colwell and Totland Bays are all nearby, as is the small but perfectly formed harbour town of Yarmouth. Perfect for two or three and dog friendly, with a small common immediately outside.

    Reviewed by GlennAug 2022

  • "A wonderful place to unwind and relax."

    In the heat we appreciated the cool of Sheepwash Barn and our westies loved it too!

    Reviewed by JudithAug 2022

  • "We were very happy with every aspect of our stay."

    The barn is comfortable,tastefully decorated and very homely and the owners friendly. Our dogs had a good time too!

    Reviewed by SandraJul 2022

  • "This holiday home was everything we we looking for."

    The location was lovely and Sheepwash barn was well equipped and very homely. The owners we very welcoming. We had a wonderful week and would certainly return.

    Reviewed by JocelynJun 2022

  • "We had a lovely stay at sheepwash barn, would definitely come back"

    Reviewed by LeeJun 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, just the right size for us and our 3 year old, great location, ..."

    Lovely cottage, just the right size for us and our 3 year old, great location, quiet area to come back to after a day out exploring the beaches, lovely friendly owners, felt very at ease and relaxed, if we needed help with anything they were close by and at the end of the phone :)

    Reviewed by GemmaMay 2022

  • "We really enjoyed our stay at Sheepwash Barn which is well-placed for exploring Freshwater and the rest of the Isle of Wight."

    The owners, Steve and Julie, were very welcoming and available to offer local advice. The cottage was very comfortable and we made good use of the local walks with our dog. We would thoroughly recommend this cottage and hope to return in the future.

    Reviewed by SarahMay 2022

  • "Everyone's idea of a thatched cottage holiday retreat."

    Lovely area hosts very helpful. Good off street parking and pleasant sunny patio

    Reviewed by MichaelMay 2022

  • "A relaxing holiday in a very comfortable cottage"

    Reviewed by PatriciaApr 2022

  • "Very pleasant cottage in an excellent location."

    The owners were on hand and helpful when required.

    Reviewed by SallyMar 2022

  • "A beautiful little thatched barn in a pretty and tranquil location."

    A great place to rest or explore Cosy and equipped with all the necessities. We loved it and so did our dogs Very friendly and helpful owners too Best wishes, Helena and Bob

    Reviewed by HelenaMar 2022

  • "It is such an idyllic cottage well positioned for walks and amenities lovely hosts will be booking again"

    Reviewed by PeterDec 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage."

    Perfect for what we needed. Owner was available to answer any queries. Very nice.

    Reviewed by TeresaOct 2021

  • "The cottage was just perfect!"

    Our hosts, Julie and Steve were exceptionally kind, helpful and welcoming. The cottage exceeded my expectations for style, cleanliness and comfort. We will definitely be returning guests!

    Reviewed by CarolineJul 2021

  • "Frying pans and baking trays, worn out, greasy and unusable."

    Beds/mattresses low quality and uncomfortable. Too many unnecessary worn out, ugly ornaments/pictures

    Reviewed by JohnJun 2021

  • "Very peaceful lovely cottage had a great break"

    Reviewed by SaraMay 2021

  • "Totally amazing place and great hosts"

    Reviewed by LynnetteMay 2021

  • "The cottage was warm and welcoming, with everything there to make it feel like home."

    There was a welcome gift from the hosts which was lovely. There were dog blankets available for the sofas which our Emily used to sit with us on the comfy sofas. The shower was amazing and the bed although creaky was very comfortable. Outside, the secure courtyard was ideal for the dog to lay in the sun. The local area is perfect for exploring on foot with lots of footpaths to explore and many things just a short drive away. We did benefit from a visit to the friendly local pub in Freshwater before we were locked down due to COVID. However this took nothing away from us exploring the countryside and coastal bays. Can’t recommend enough and we definitely hope to return sometime soon.

    Reviewed by AnnieOct 2020

  • "I thought the property was exceptional all amenities were close and fantastic walks"

    Reviewed by PeterOct 2020

  • "Beautiful cottage, very well equipped."

    ......fabulous, peaceful location......local shops within a short walking distance.....fabulous walks on the doorstep, you can just leave the car behind! Hosts are very friendly and welcoming.....all in all an AWESOME place to stay.....my 2 dogs and I will definitely be returning!

    Reviewed by LaviniaOct 2020

  • "A good week with excellent weather and a super base for walkers like us."

    Leave the car at base and head off. This week was rescheduled from June because of the pandemic and was therefore cheaper. It would be nice to have the balance refunded instead of being kept in credit.

    Reviewed by MichaelSep 2020

  • "This is our second stay at Sheepwash Barn, which probably says it all, but we really like it."

    Very good location, well presented, well equipped, a comfortable bed, a dog secure front garden and a property that is very clearly very well looked after. You can walk to Totland Bay or Colwell Bay, both of which have very good restaurants. Freshwater (a very quick walk) has several restaurants and good breakfast places plus a Sainsbury's and Coop. Top tip: you can walk to the top of a hill just off the footpath to Totland Bay and watch the fireworks from Alum Bay on Thursday evenings - though not in 2020 as Covid has canned that for this year. Recommended.

    Reviewed by AdamSep 2020

  • "The cottage is extremely comfortable and well equipped."

    It is also thoughtfully furnished with a home from home feel. Sheepwash Barn is in a very peaceful and relaxing spot. There is a good WiFi connection which is not always the case.

    Reviewed by TrudySep 2020

  • "Very comfortable accommodation and helpful hosts."

    Reviewed by PeterAug 2020

  • "A really lovely property-comfortable and spacious for two."

    Our hosts were helpful and friendly. The Sheepwash Barn was an excellent introduction to the Isle of Wight.

    Reviewed by KimbalenaAug 2020

  • "Perfect location, lovely house and helpful and friendly owners."

    Reviewed by JoAug 2020

  • "The cottage was lovely."

    Perfect for our family of 3. The owners live next door and are charming. The cottage is comfortable and well appointed. Nice to have the little patio. The nearby pubs are good and we enjoyed a good meal out. The nearby beach is pretty and fun for the kids. All in all we had a wonderful holiday.

    Reviewed by BethanJul 2020

  • "Excellent accomodation and very helpful owners."

    Couldn't find any to fault.

    Reviewed by CatherineNov 2019

  • "Good little cottage the owners gave good walking places for our dogs a nice and ..."

    Good little cottage the owners gave good walking places for our dogs a nice and relaxing holiday shame its booked up for next year would go back again

    Reviewed by DavidSep 2019

  • "Sheepwash Barn is a delightful, attractive property."

    Situated in a quiet lane, good access to walking routes and beaches. There is a small but pleasant outside patio with table and chairs and inside is clean, cosy and comfortable with good facilities. Appreciated the welcome pack ie: wine, milk, biscuits. Would certainly stay here again.

    Reviewed by SueAug 2019

  • "Lovely cottage in all ways."

    ...well equipped and fabulous location for walkers. We didnt move the car for several days. The only tiny criticism was the really heavy midwinter duvets......13.5....we have 4 at this time of year...A really hot week so just used the covers. Great to be so rural yet 7 mins walk from shops etc. We visit frequently as I was born and bred on the island...long been exiled to the mainland...but this was the best cottage we have had so hope to return.

    Reviewed by MichaelJun 2019

  • "A beautiful, private feeling, clean and cosy cottage with original features and much character."

    Reviewed by RosalynApr 2019

  • "A fantastic property and location for walking from the doorstep and so dog friendly."

    We had such a lovely welcome from the owners, who were very helpful and knowledgeable about the area.

    Reviewed by SarahDec 2018

  • "This is a lovely cottage so cosy and comfortable and so spotlessly clean would recommend it."

    Reviewed by lindaNov 2018

  • "Great hosts and a wonderful cottage with great amenities."

    Quiet location but close enough to Freshwater. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet spot.

    Reviewed by JaneOct 2018

  • "The owners Steve & Julie made us and our dogs feel extremely welcome and the barn is a fantastic base to explore the Island ."

    Located in a quiet and secluded part of the village but only a short walk from the centre of Freshwater with a good pub and brilliant fish & chip shop . The barn has everything you need with lots of old world charm . Highly recommended !

    Reviewed by StuartOct 2018

  • "If you like a peaceful holiday sheep barn is for you."

    The barn is situated in a really nice peaceful spot with easy access to the rest of the island. This property is cosy and well equipped

    Reviewed by SusanSep 2018

  • "WEBSITE DESCRIPTION SPOT ON AND NOT EMBROIDERED."

    LOVELY POSITION. CLEAN, COMFORTABLE, CHARMING, GOOD GENERAL LOCATION, HOT WATER, EXCELLENT WIFI. WELL EQUIPPED AND NICE OWNERS. AND OUR DOG LOVED IT!

    Reviewed by DavidSep 2018

  • "OMG, wow by far the very best cottage we have stayed in."

    We really enjoyed staying within this chocolate box cottage. Exceeded our expectatations in fact the pictures look lovely but don't do it justice. A lovely warm welcome from the owners Steve and Julie, the wine, biscuits and milk were a lovely touch too. The cottage is very homely and comfortable and very well equipped. The location is absolutely perfect, freshwater a 10 minute walk and has everything you need from large supermarkets, a bakery, Chinese, Indian and two very good pubs. The Tennyson downs is a must to see Tennyson monument then on to the Needles. Oh and stop off at Warren farm for the best cream teas around. We couldn't get just how dog friendly this island is. They are welcome everywhere. To all thinking of booking this cottage "do it" you very lucky people and enjoy.

    Reviewed by ChrisAug 2018

  • "Fantastic holiday, the owners Steve and Julie were really helpful and made us all feel so welcome."

    Beautiful cottage in an amazing location. Short walk into freshwater from the cottage - which catered for all of your needs, butcher, fish monger, two pubs and a bakers. Lovely part of Isle of Wight, would definitely recommend. Welcome gifts a nice touch - particularly the milk for a cup of tea! Thank you to Steve and Julie for a wonderful holiday.

    Reviewed by EmmaJul 2018

  • "Sheepwash Barn is situated in a prime location."

    We were completely satisfied with our cottage for the week we stayed. The kitchen is well equipped and we were happy with everything else supplied. Steve and Julie were great. They welcomed us after we arrived and we were delighted with the milk, cookies and a lovely bottle of wine. Thank you. They also told us of many places to visit during our stay also on hand if we needed anything. Lovely couple. We travelled round the Island preferring the east, where Sheepwash Barn is positioned admiring the beautiful scenery. Our three dogs had a great time. We would definitely recommend this cottage as we ourselves have already done. We hope to return.

    Reviewed by JillJul 2018

  • "The owners were a delight very helpful and extremely friendly and leaving at the end of the holiday was like leaving very good friends."

    A country path almost on the doorstep was a delight to take the dogs on their very first walk of the day and their last one of the day. The location took a little time to get use to and found it was very central for all our needs. Now for the cottage a Lovely tranquil dwelling relaxing and peaceful . Everything you could wish for . Two loos were favourable and the shower was just awesome .Beds most comfortable and quite and the living room with a easy TV to work straight on to the channel was what we needed for the Wimbledon and world cup finals with a sporty hubby' no codes to fiddle with like other cottages we have been too I just enjoyed sunbathing on the patio watching the world go bye .It reminded me of holidays in 50's and 60's Forgot the kitchen this was well equipped with all mod cons . Just as the brochure says. We have at last found the perfect cottage to spend a quite week away Booking with Sykes in the past has not always what we had imagined but Sheepwash Barn was all and more Thank you Steve and Julie for very thing you have done to make this little cottage cosy even the bottle of wine and the cookies was a lovely touch thank you . Oh forgot to mention for any bird watchers the odd bird feeds at the window sill bird feeder which was most entertaining . The love birds Pigeons cuddle together at dusk on their perch at the end of the day If you're tempted go for it book it you will not be disappointed Yarmouth White Link ferry is the closes if you are searching for the nearest ferry to the cottage. If you go enjoy you will love it .

    Reviewed by AngelaJul 2018

  • "Fantastic cottage, really comfy and in a great location, everything we needed, like home from home."

    Reviewed by MartinJun 2018

  • "Very dog friendly with plenty of walks on the doorstep."

    Owners extremely helpful without your feeling they were watching you all the time.Will definitely visit this side of the island again.

    Reviewed by GuyJun 2018

  • "Sheepwash Barn is an excellent holiday cottage in an equally excellent location."

    The owners are extremely helpful and have created a beautiful holiday cottage that is very well equipped, well maintained and spotlessly clean. Nearby there are lovely walks and easily accessible amenities and facilities in Freshwater and Totland. All in all Sheepwash contributed to a most enjoyable holiday for us and George our Labrador, who loved it as much as we did. Thank you Julie and Steve.

    Reviewed by PatJun 2018

  • "Lovely cottage, in beautiful surroundings."

    Reviewed by RobertMay 2018

  • "Good location and the owners were very friendly and helpful."

    They are also dog lovers.

    Reviewed by JulieMar 2018

  • "Sheepwash Barn was an amazing place to stay."

    We were welcomed with a box of chocolate biscuits and a lovely bottle of wine as well as milk in the fridge. What a lovely touch! The cottage was delightful with a big, well equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, TV, wifi and extremely comfortable beds. Lovely clean towels were provided for the humans along with dog blankets! A lot of care and thought had been applied to make our stay one that easily exceeded all expectations.

    Reviewed by LesleyMar 2018

  • "I booked Sheepwash Barn for my Mum and 2 sisters, so they could be local to me for a weeks visit."

    They loved their stay in the cottage, which they said was charming, comfortable, well appointed and very clean. It's located in a pretty & quiet country road, but with good access to the village (only 10 minutes by foot) with it's local shops, chippy, cafes and pub. There is also a sports centre with swimming pool. Freshwater Bay is a 20 minute walk. Walks to Tennyson Downs start just over the road. If you don't want to drive there is a good local bus service. My family said Steve and Julie, the owners, were a lovely friendly couple. They settled my folks in, making sure they knew where everything was and resolved any issues straight away. My family will definitely be returning to Sheepwash Barn in the near future.

    Reviewed by PaulineMar 2018

  • "The cottage was well located and very well looked after the owners had thought of everything even down to the lovely biscuit and wine pack on arrival."

    We enjoyed our week immensely and feel very relaxed. The only criticism I would perhaps make is the shower it did tend to flood the bathroom if you had shower running to high....it is advertised as a wet room. But apart from this there is nothing I would change. Sheepwash Barn is a delightful gem!

    Reviewed by TraceyFeb 2018

  • "The cottage has everything - it is fully equipped in the kitchen, and has nice little touches, such as the ornaments, quality of the curtains, carpets, furniture."

    Home from Home. The cottage is in a quiet little hamlet, with lots of walks for the dog literaly on the door-step - and its a short walk into Freshwater. Stephen the owner was extremely helfpul and welcoming. We will go back.

    Reviewed by KeithNov 2017

  • "This is a lovely location and the barn is well equipped and very clean."

    There is a patio off the kitchen which can be made dog secure by closing the gates :) Despite my booking being October I was able to sit outside in the sun and have a glass of wine on several occasions. Freshwater is nearby and has a bank, a good pub, fish and chips and good chinese takeaway. I would have no qualms in recommending this holiday let. The two steps between the lounge and the bedrooms make the property unsuitable for people with a wheelchair but otherwise it is disabled friendly.

    Reviewed by PeterOct 2017

  • "This cottage is a little gem."

    So clean and comfortable and situated in a lovely little village. A really nice part of the island. The owners of the cottage who live next to it are such lovely people and made us feel so welcome. Would definitely consider returning here and would recommend it to family and friends.

    Reviewed by BeverleySep 2017

  • "A lovely cosy cottage, extremely well equipped and in a beautiful location."

    Welcoming gift of wine and biscuits and made to feel at home by the owners. Fantastic property if taking dogs.

    Reviewed by KimberleySep 2017

  • "A beautiful cottage, set in a quiet location, with local shops only a 5 minutes walk away and the local sea front a 5 minutes drive."

    The cottage was a delight to stay in, with all the comforts for a relaxing holiday. Our 8 year old daughter loved her bedroom and all the character from the wooden beams running through it! Very clean and tidy and everything you need to make your holiday stress free- though we were lucky with the weather, we wouldn't have worried about staying in for the day as it was so comfortable. We wouldn't hesitate in going back and spending another week in this lovely cottage.

    Reviewed by StephenAug 2017

  • "We found he Agency instructions to reach the property from Yarmouth confusing."

    The property itself exceeded expectations - very well equipped in every detail, beautifully prepared even down to hairdryer and dog blankets. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed by PamelaJul 2017

  • "A lovely location, very quiet and calm, just what we wanted."

    There is no garden, but a a lovely green is just a few paces from the cottage so ideal for dogs to take supervised comfort breaks with a dog bin for easy disposal. There is a nice pathway leading to Freshwater with a small brook alongside and safe for dogs to run lead free for most of the walk. Lots of nice walks within a few mins of Sheepwash. We loved it there.

    Reviewed by PaulJul 2017

  • "The owners of the cottage were very helpful and grinds also our dog was most welcomed"

    Reviewed by JanetJun 2017

  • "The property was excellent and the owners were very friendly."

    The property was furnished and fitted to a high standard

    Reviewed by JimMar 2017

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single
  • Wet room with shower, basin and WC
  • Separate basin and WC
  • Kitchen with dining area leading to sitting room.
  • Electric central heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off road parking for 1 car
  • Front patio with furniture
  • Three well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop and pub 7 mins walk
  • Beach 1 mile
  • Note: Although the property is set over the ground floor, there are two steps up to the bedrooms, wet room and separate basin and WC
  • Note: No BBQs allowed due to thatched roof.

The property

Freshwater 0.5 miles.

This superb detached, Grade II listed thatched cottage is next to the ownerÂ’s home in the hamlet of Middleton, half a mile from the village of Freshwater and three miles from Yarmouth.

Dating back to the 17th century, this delightful holiday home is ideal for a couple or small family who wish to explore this lovely part of the Isle of Wight.

After parking up you enter into a front patio area, where alfresco dining in the evening can be enjoyed after a day out and about or a breakfast before venturing to one of the nearby sandy beaches.

The first room you enter after stepping over the threshold is the kitchen with dining area, then you step into a cosy sitting room.

From the sitting room you take two steps up where you will find a small corridor with the bedrooms and wet room off it.

ThereÂ’s two bedrooms at this wonderful cottage; a comfy double and a single, and completing the accommodation is an additional basin and WC.

The nearest shop and pub are just less than a mile away, with the nearest beach being a mile from the property.

The village of Freshwater, which is reached via a footpath directly outside the cottage, has shops and cafes, with Freshwater Bay boasting beaches and high chalk cliffs.

Walkers, cyclists and watersport enthusiasts are well catered for in the area, and thereÂ’s plenty to see and do within reach, including the charming seaside town of Yarmouth, The Needles Pleasure Park at Alum Bay and Osborne House.

An excellent Isle of Wight base for whatever you wish to see or do.

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.