“The Sail Loft, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.”
20/08 - 27/08/2016 we stayed at The Sail Loft, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
First of all we collected the keys from the caretaker / owner at 1600. The Sail Loft is located just outside Yarmouth near Victoria Fort. A very pleasant location just on The Solent with the beach just yards from the Loft. Parking is at the front which is shared by all 7 units and The Boathouse Restaurant next door, we had no problem parking.
The loft is a two bedroom apartment with main living area kitchen diner all in one, with a shower room sink etc. Two bedrooms, one double and one twin. The loft is the biggest unit out of the seven, and easily accommodates a family of four.
We paid £666. For one week which I thought was ok. I would rate this property 7 out of 10, or 3 Star. Why?
Well, we found the loft pleasant enough but there were things that would make it better. The kitchen was basic, to basic, with old pots and pans (quite an old frying pan that needed bining to be honest) that needed updating along with the fridge that had a damaged door. The hot water in the kitchen is slow to run. Dining area is fine, the lounge area, the suite was tired, grubby rug/carpet and a seen better days coffee table. An older TV and digibox, which kept dropping the signal and no DVD player or board games etc., for that bit of evening entertainment. I have stayed in cottages with WiFi, and it can make a difference. Fresh sheets and quilt covers supplied but take your own towels. We would of anyway.
Unfortunately the unit was not as clean as we expected with cob webs, fluff and other dusty pieces of furniture. These sort of things make all the difference to returning clients and ones who will not. The one outstanding asset is the view from the balcony windows absolutely fantastic. Big ships, yachts, small boats all pass by your window. It is a good base to explore the island which we did extensively. Our recommended bits are;
1. The Needles Old Battery plus the walk upto Tennyson Monument around 2 miles there and back.
2. The Alum Bay glass works within The Needles. There are other attractions but they were tacky.
3. Adventure Activities at Freshwater Bay, paddle boarding, sea kayaking etc.
4. Ryde Beach, best place up by the Old Watch Tower.
5. Arreton Barnes craft centre.
6. Oasis home style outlet.
7. Yarmouth Harbour and Pier.
8. On The Rocks Grill - Steak and Fish with a twist.
9. On the Rails Bistro - Yarmouth Old Railway Station, we really liked that.
10. The Boathouse Restaurant, especially for a cooked breakie!
Overall we had a great week. Lucky with the weather which topped out at 30c. But would we stay at the sail loft again.....?
Answer is No, only that there to many other places. Saying that maybe one day .
- Rich S, August 2016
