Located on The Undercliff, little more than a mile east of Ventnor, Bonchurch is one of the island’s oldest settlements and boasts a wealth of literary associations. The beach here is famous for the rock pools revealed at low tide, while inland, the local inn has a fine reputation for serving tasty meals, many with an Italian influence. Beyond, Ventnor is home to a mouth-watering selection of seafront restaurants, a vibrant town centre and a splendid botanic garden. Further west, Blackgang Chine (7 miles) is the UK’s oldest family theme park. Head eastwards along the coastal path instead and you’ll pass through rural hamlet Luccombe en route to the larger resort of Shanklin (4.5 miles). The historic village is home to thatched cottages, tea rooms and unique shops, while Shanklin Chine is a lush gorge with waterfalls and rare plants that are beautifully illuminated in the evenings.
One of a small cluster of coastal retreats set amid a landscape of rolling hills, this first-floor apartment comes with free parking so you can unpack and explore the surrounds at your leisure. Step inside and drop your luggage straight into the bedrooms – on one side of the hallway, the master has a king-size bed and en-suite shower room, while the other has a king-size bed and easy access to the main family bathroom. For ultimate flexibility, both beds are zip-and-link, which means they can, on request, be made up as twins if you’d prefer. Further along the hall, a door opens into your main social space, an open-plan room where you can cook, dine and unwind companionably. In one corner, the kitchen is chic and white, perfectly complementing the wood flooring. There’s bar-style seating to one side of the cabinets, while a dining suite sits before sliding doors onto the balcony. As night draws in, stretch out on a choice of comfortable soft seating to watch TV.
For a breath of sea air and stunning English Channel views, slide open those doors from the dining area and step onto your private balcony – outdoor furniture invites you to make the most of this elevated vantage point. Close by, you also have shared use of a lawned garden area with a bench and picnic table. If you’d like to holiday with a larger group of friends or family, other properties are available – please ask for details.