THIS LISTING: 3 BEDROOMS/2 BATHS (for 4 bedrooms see airbnb.co.uk/h/stcatsiow2)
Wake up to the sound of gulls and views of the sea from this family-friendly coastal cottage with balcony & enclosed garden. St Catherine's is tucked away at the foot of Tennyson Down on a peaceful private lane close to numerous local footpaths.
This cosy detached cottage is a 5-min walk from the beach and nature reserve at Freshwater Bay and perfectly located for exploring the quiet, rugged and unspoilt West Wight.
The space
2025 UPDATE: We have completed a garden-view ground-floor rear extension housing a fourth bedroom to the property (accessed by only four steps), with a king-sized bed and tiled ensuite shower room. This will be available for rental from summer 2025 for an additional fee; otherwise it will be closed off. See airbnb.co.uk/h/stcatsiow2 to book the four-bed listing.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY, COMFY & SPACIOUS COASTAL COTTAGE
The accommodation comprises a ground-floor sitting room to the front with a beamed ceiling and sea glimpse, modern open plan kitchen/dining room to the rear with vaulted ceiling, three first-floor bedrooms – two with access to a south-facing balcony with sea views – and two bathrooms, one on the first floor. Both rear and side gardens are fully fenced. The entire cottage was renovated to a high standard in 2021, and benefits from fast fibre broadband.
St Catherine's is entered via a stable door from the gated side garden, into a small entrance hall with storage for coats, shoes and bucket & spade.
THREE BEDROOMS AND ONE BATH ON FIRST FLOOR
To the first floor, the well-proportioned, double-aspect Master Bedroom has a king-sized bed (150x200cm) and room for a baby travel cot (set up free of charge upon request), with sea glimpse, vaulted beamed ceiling and glazed door to the balcony. There is also a large open wardrobe as well as a small desk and chair with smart TV/computer monitor for remote work (may not work with all computers).
Bedroom Two, with double doors to the balcony, sea views, and a small open wardrobe, has two 80x200cm beds which upon request can also be configured as one King-sized bed (160x200cm) or a single daybed (which is higher off the ground as the beds are stacked together). Please note that when arranged as a King or two single beds, the beds in this room are fairly low, which may be an advantage for little ones, but a disadvantage for older people.
Bedroom Three has two standard 90x190cm single beds, a small built-in wardrobe, a chest of drawers and double-aspect windows, one with views over a peaceful meadow. The first-floor family bathroom is generously proportioned with a tiled floor and a shower/bath.
All bedroom windows and glazed doors have blackout roller blinds or curtains, as well as voile curtains for privacy. Please note that the blackout blinds do not block out all light due to gaps on their top mountings.
WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN, SHOWER ROOM & COSY LIVING ROOM ON GROUND FLOOR
On the ground floor is a modern, architect-designed Kitchen/Diner extension, a light-filled room with vaulted ceiling, triple-aspect windows, two comfortable armchairs, and a dining table seating six to eight. Appliances include a built-in fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric oven and induction hob, in addition to a four-slice toaster, traditional drip filter electric coffee maker and electric kettle (coffee can also be made in the French press/cafetiere or pour-over filter cone, for the retro minded). In the Utility area off the kitchen are a washing machine, dryer, microwave, and iron/ironing board, as well as cupboards for food and wine storage.
We like to cook and bake, so the kitchen is equipped like a second home rather than a holiday cottage, with high-standard pots, pans and tools, including a vegetable steamer, decent knives and bottle openers, large roasting tray and carving board, cast iron casserole, lasagne dish and other ovenware, cafetiere, picnicware, oil/vinegar/spices, egg beaters, cake, muffin & brownie pans, baking trays, and weighing scales. And champagne glasses, bien sûr! Have we forgotten anything? Let us know!
The Living Room, a cosy space with white-beamed ceiling and sea glimpse, has two comfy three-seat fabric sofas with a matching footstool and a two-seat rattan sofa. You can access the usual Freeview channels or stream pay channels on the wall-mounted television with your own subscriptions by logging in via the installed Roku device.
The ground-floor bathroom is tiled and has a generously proportioned shower – convenient when you return from the beach.
FULLY ENCLOSED GARDENS
To the rear of the cottage, with views over a quiet, private meadow, is a small paved courtyard with table and six chairs accessed via a patio door off the kitchen/diner. This opens onto a small lawned area with raised wooden deck and seating in a sun trap. To the side of the house is a gravel path with flower border, with all areas enclosed by a secure picket fence and gate. We have built a shed next to our new garden bedroom, housing a small charcoal BBQ and beach & deck chairs for guest use.
PLENTY OF KIT FOR THE KIDS
A travel cot can be set up at no cost for your child upon request (approx size 118 x 56cm, bring your own cot linen), but please note there are not currently stair gates, cupboard locks or socket covers at the Cottage. Each bedroom has a net curtain as well as a blackout blind or curtain, but this does not block out all light due to gaps.
The two main bathrooms each have a step stool to make it easier for your little ones to reach the sink. The kitchen is home to kids' plastic crockery and cutlery, high chair with tray, and a child-size table and chairs set where your little artist can sit while you enjoy a glass of something nice.
We provide a selection of children's books and a few toys and games, including quite a comprehensive collection of dinosaur and sea creature figurines, Monopoly Junior, various card games and a few kids' puzzles. Older kids and the young at heart may enjoy Scrabble, Cluedo, Ludo/Backgammon/Checkers or regular Monopoly.
Guest access
St Catherine's is a detached Victorian Cottage with enclosed garden, all of which is for your exclusive use during your stay (please note that our window cleaning and gardening/maintenance team may visit exterior areas without notice). Safe 5-minute walk on pavement (without crossing any roads) to Freshwater Bay beach. Similarly short walk to historic local corner store in the other direction.
Parking at the house for one vehicle only. Driveway (shared with next-door neighbours) is somewhat narrow and as the turning space is tight, you may have to reverse out (or in).
The Needles Breezer bus is a very convenient way to arrive from the ferry terminal in Yarmouth (goes to Lymington) in the main holiday season, as it will drop you off at the bottom of our Lane. Yarmouth can also be reached in 20 minutes by cycle along the lovely River Yar. With easy trains to Lymington from many places including London, St Cats is perfect for those wanting a car-free holiday!
Other things to note
Please note there is only space for parking one vehicle at St Cats. A second vehicle may stop in the courtyard to unload, but when finished unloading must park on local streets, in the car park for Dimbola Museum (after hours only), or in the Freshwater Bay public car park (fee). There is no facility to charge electric vehicles at the property, but public connections are available locally.
Although we don't accept pets, this does not mean the Cottage is 100% allergen free. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us for more information.
