Guests say
Hill Farm Cottage is a charming, characterful property in a peaceful rural setting, ideal for families and dog owners. Guests praise its spacious, secure garden, well-equipped kitchen, and proximity to local attractions and beaches. The friendly owners and the adjacent riding stables are frequently highlighted as standout features. While some mention quirks typical of a 400-year-old cottage and occasional maintenance or cleanliness issues, most guests enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay, appreciating the unique atmosphere and thoughtful touches.
Many guests found the cottage clean and tidy on arrival, but several reviews mention issues such as cobwebs, dirty kitchenware, and the need for a deep clean. Experiences vary, with some guests reporting spotless conditions and others noting areas for improvement.
The location is widely praised for its tranquillity, beautiful surroundings, and convenient access to Freshwater, Yarmouth, beaches, and local attractions. The rural setting and secure garden are especially appreciated by families and dog owners.
Guests generally find the cottage comfortable, enjoying the spacious layout, cosy atmosphere, and comfortable beds. Some mention issues with low water pressure, tired furniture, and challenges for taller guests due to low beams, but overall comfort is rated positively.
The cottage is well-equipped with kitchen essentials and a secure garden, and the riding stables are a valued bonus. However, some guests note maintenance issues, such as low water pressure, missing items, and dated furnishings, suggesting room for improvement.
Many guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers and a bottle of fizz or juice on arrival, as well as the owners' friendly and helpful attitude. Please note that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This lovingly-restored semi-detached cottage is a 400-year old thatched farmhouse with a Victorian extension with Welsh slate roof, set within the grounds of a friendly riding stables, situated amidst picturesque countryside in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. Sympathetically modernised to provide contemporary holiday cottage accommodation, yet retaining its character features, this cottage is next to the owner's home and is perfect for families and friends looking to experience countryside living, with the added benefit of the beach being just a short walk away. This Isle of Wight cottage has a modern farmhouse kitchen, a light and airy sitting room, and boasts stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Outside there is a large lawned garden perfect for children to play, while you enjoy a refreshing drink and soak up the views as the sun sets over The Needles. With a riding stables on the doorstep of your Isle of Wight cottage, there's no better place to learn to ride, or enjoy an exciting hack through some of the island's stunning countryside. With Freshwater Bay open to the channel, there is an ever-changing backdrop all year round, while Yarmouth offers an array of cafes, pubs, boutique shops and art galleries. Whether you're on foot, bicycle, or horseback, this Freshwater cottage is perfectly situated for exploring West Wight.
The village of Freshwater and Freshwater Bay make the perfect base for a great holiday. The main village is full of eclectic little shops, with a choice of lovely restaurants and some good hotels. Freshwater Bay is a picturesque location that boasts scenic downs, white chalk cliffs and gorgeous beaches – no wonder visitors flock there all year round! Freshwater Bay is the ideal destination for lovers of the outdoors including bird watchers, walkers and cyclists, with many wonderful walking trails over the Tennyson and Afton Downs.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x double with TV, 1 x twin with countryside views.
Ground floor bathroom, with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area and door to garden.
Sitting room with gas woodburner-effect fire.
Electric convector heaters with gas boiler for hot water and gas fire.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD, radio, WiFi, selection of books, DVDs and games.
All fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent (please bring own beach towels) Cot, highchair and stairgate available on request.
Off road parking for 3 cars.
Private garden with far-reaching views, furniture and BBQ.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops 1.2 miles, pub 1 mile, beach 10 mins walk.
Note: Dogs must be kept on a lead around the property due to horses in neighbouring riding stables.
Nearby points of interest
- Sammy Miller Museum
- Red House Museum and Gardens
- Model Village Godshill
- Carisbrooke Castle
- Osborne House
- Castlehaven Beach
Reviews (45)
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Daniel
The secured garden was perfect for our large dog to run around. The cottage is as it shows in the pictures, and the kitchen offers a variety of utensils. There's a cafetiere available for coffee drinkers. Very random selection of items in the cupboard, but no salt or oil. (I don't use sugar so can't say if it was available or not). We had a prosecco waiting for us in the fridge which was exciting and frustrating at the same time since there were no glasses available. We managed to find 3 wine glasses (not the same size) in a box and had to share it between 4 people (house accommodates 7 people). The bed is very comfortable and the pillows are ok. Sofas in the living room could be more comfortable but it's fine. The bathroom downstair would DEFINITELY benefit of a shower head hanger and a curtain for the bath so one could have a shower downstair instead of having to do it only upstairs in the in-suite. And here's a strong suggestion: AVOID IF YOU'RE A TALL PERSON. I'm 1.80m (5'9") and hit my head several times especially in the bathroom downstairs. Also, since the bed has a footboard I couldn't fit in comfortably either. Internet is included bit it was hit and miss. There's a BBQ with tables and chairs in the large garden. The house was clean and tidy on arrival. Only other issue was several dogs barking at the gate and it was a bit stressful when having to open the gate and move the car out. Overall it was a very good experience and knowing the place I'd stay again and certainly recommend to friends and family.
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Kay
It was great having a secure garden so our toddler could run around in the garden safely. The accommodation is well furnished and the kitchen is well equipped . The shower was fabulous, plenty of hot water. Beds were comfortable. We appreciated the bubbly and orange juice left for us, a lovely touch.It is an old property so donât expect to be able to creep along the landing without creeking! The host was very nice and quick to respond to any contact. We would definitely go again.
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Ricky
A proper old farm cottage with plenty of character that felt bigger than it looks in the photo's (We had 4 adults & 2 children and it never felt cramped). Nice sized garden perfect for playing plenty of garden games. Good location for exploring all IoW has to offer. Bramble Chine Beach, Yarmouth, Needles all within walking distance. Convenient for accessing the excellent bus network (10min walk to nearest stops).