4 bedroom Cottage near East Cowes, Isle of Wight, England

What’s finer in life than gazing out over the river and meadows from the wide-windowed mezzanine of your country island cottage? Families will adore this fusion of rural history and sleek contemporary style, set in idyllic countryside 2.5 miles south of East Cowes. Cowes dates back to 11th-century Viking settlements, and its 1000-year history imbues it with immense beauty and charm. Bask on beaches at promenaded East Cowes (3 miles), the shingly sea-lane at Cowes and Gurnard, with its lovely Solent views (both 4 miles ferry/8 road). Queen Victoria said of enchanting Osborne House (2 miles) – “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”.

Relax and unwind in this beautiful home, now part of our exclusive Joules Collection. You’ll find the brand’s signature style throughout the property, including a comfy armchair, scatter cushions, dinnerware and accessories.

Set along a private drive, this beautiful barn conversion has been lavished with love, maximising light, air, space and rural charm. Up two steps and through the hall, the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner is a magnificent space, and opening the patio doors lets nature in. Wake in the blissful ground-floor double bedrooms and savour a garden breakfast. After thrilling days of sea, sand, steam trains, cruises, water sports and wildlife, gather round the glowing wood burner to reminisce and plan new thrills. Prepare sumptuous seafood feasts in the sleek, bright kitchen, and enjoy your culinary delights on the wide decking. The first-floor king-size bedrooms share the mezzanine with style and tranquillity; it’s a spectacular platform for viewing the wonders beyond.

Find more fabulous beaches at peaceful Thorness Bay (8 miles), a Site of Special Scientific Interest; Ryde (5.5 miles) has vast stretches of sand at low tide – the west beach is quieter; Spring Vale (7 miles) is superb for water sports; Seaview and Seagrove Beaches (8 miles) fringe a charming Edwardian sailing resort. Discover the haunted history of Carisbrooke Castle (4.5 miles) and the myriad independent shops, pubs, galleries, museums and eateries of this remarkable island.