St Catherine's Cottage

About

Welcome to St Catherine's Cottage

St Catherine's Cottage is a bright and spacious Victorian cottage with sea-view balcony and enclosed gardens, offering flexible family-friendly accommodation in either three or four bedrooms. Situated on a peaceful lane beside the stunning Tennyson Down, ‘St Cats’ is 600m from the charming beach at Freshwater Bay, and is ideally located for exploring the rugged and tranquil natural beauty of the West Wight.  

Charming countryside cottage on the Isle of Wight

This stylish cottage, which comfortably sleeps a couple or a small family, as well as up to eight guests, is located in a Conservation Area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the historic Dimbola gallery and tea room. It is also a short stroll from The Orchard Brothers, a family-run grocers trading since 1865, and popular restaurants, The Piano and The Rock. St Cats is convenient for a multitude of cycle rides and local walks, including along the coastal path towards Compton Bay, along the Yar estuary to Yarmouth, and to Tennyson Monument or the Needles over Tennyson Down – one of the most scenic walks on the island, with breathtaking 360-degree views. 

Nearby attractions and dining options

Popular local attractions include the large sandy expanse of Compton Bay beach (offering great fossil hunting, as well as dinosaur footcasts at Hanover Point), the iconic Needles/Alum Bay site and adjacent National Trust Needles Old Battery, Tapnell Farm Park, and Farringford, the former home of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The pubs, restaurants, shops, playground and indoor public swimming pool in Freshwater village are also only a 20-minute walk away from the Cottage.

Ground floor overview

On the ground floor is a beamed living room with sea glimpses and comfy seating for eight, with a wall-mounted smart TV for streaming your favourite shows. There is a ground-floor WC and shower room for when you come back from the beach, a utility area with washer and dryer, and a modern double-height rear extension, where you will find a table for eight and well-equipped kitchen, including dishwasher. Off the utility area on the ground floor and up four short steps is an ensuite garden-view double bedroom (Bedroom 4), which can be included in your booking for an additional fee, and is perfect for those who are less mobile or just want a bit of quiet. 

Upstairs layout

Upstairs are three bedrooms, two with doors off the balcony and sea views: Bedroom 1 with a king-sized bed and Bedroom 2, which can be configured with either two singles or a king. Bedroom 3 has two singles and overlooks the owners’ quiet meadow. There is also a family bathroom with WC and shower over the bathtub.

Outdoor sanctuary

The side and rear gardens are fully fenced, with a patio and outdoor dining table, flower borders, a lawned area and a sunny decked corner where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea. 

Family friendly cottage

St Cats is well equipped for families, offering a travel cot, high chair, child-sized art table and chairs, step stools for the little ones to reach bathroom sinks, and a good selection of books, games and toys for both young and old. Dinosaur fans especially will find plenty to keep them busy, with a comprehensive selection of books, puzzles, games and figurines. The rear garden also houses a guest shed with small charcoal barbeque, beach chairs and children's beach/outdoor toys. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a red squirrel!