Scallop Shell Cottage is nestled on a quiet country lane on the edge of the quintessential English village of Niton, on the south side of the Isle of Wight. Niton and the surrounding area enjoy some of the UK's sunniest summers and mildest winters.
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the cottage looks out over fields and is the perfect bolthole.
It is a ramblers and cyclists paradise with long walks and bridleways at the end of the garden; follow the path at the back of the cottage up to St Catherine’s Oratory to enjoy miles of rolling hills and spectacular coastal views.
Close by are St Catherine's Lighthouse, Niton "Undercliff " (officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB) and Castle Haven Beach, all within walking distance of the cottage.
The cottage is 5 minutes walk from the centre of Niton where you will find a shop, a pharmacy, a post office with tea rooms and pretty garden, 2 pubs, a GP’s surgery and a local pottery store.
There are several churches, with the church at the end of Pan Lane being a real centre for village gatherings and Christmas events.
In addition there is a large play park with zip wires, climbing walls and large fields for children to run in.
4 miles south is Ventnor, a traditional seaside resort and one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts due to its unique micro-climate.
The town lies beneath St Boniface Down (the highest point on the Isle of Wight) and is built on the side of a steep hill leading down to the seafront and its sandy beach.
Ventnor has plenty of things to do both in the town and nearby.
Ventnor Beach is a great suntrap, and the sand and shingle beach is great for sunbathing and family swimming. The beach huts that line the back of the beach are converted Victorian “bathing machines” and are available to hire, along with deckchairs.
Ventnor Harbour and the bandstand development are very prominent on the seafront and offer a great viewing platform to look out to sea. Ventnor Haven Fishery sells the best in local crab and lobster.
On the main promenade there are cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours. Opposite the harbour the spectacular Cascade Gardens run down the side of the cliff where the main road zig-zags its way back up into the main town.
Further along there is a children’s paddling pool which features a giant map of the Isle of Wight - hours of fun.
At the foot of the Ventnor Undercliff area, and only accessible by foot, is one of the Isle of Wight’s true hidden gems; Steephill Cove. A great place to relax and escape from the world, The cove offers a great mixture of beautiful scenery, clear swimming waters and rock pools to explore.
The buildings in the cove make up a large part of its charm with brightly coloured beach huts and old fisherman’s cottages, with traditional deck chairs, lobster pots and fishing tackle dotted around the area.
There is a beach café which serves food and drinks, and there are also restaurants serving locally caught seafood during the season.
Steephill Cove is a beautiful place to visit whatever the time of year, however out of season many cafés and restaurants are closed, so be aware during the winter months.
For adventure Blackgang Chine Adventure Park is just 15 minutes drive from the cottage. The fun packed park is designed to appeal to the child in all of us!
The island's favourite award winning country attraction of Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park is also close by, set in 88 acres of beautiful countryside. It boasts a whole day of entertainment and more.
10 minutes north of Wroxall is Godshill, a picturesque village known for its thatched cottages and cream teas.
Also close to Wroxall is Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was held prisoner before his execution. A little further on in Cowes is Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favourite country retreat.
For more historical houses visit Appuldurcombe House or Arreton Manor.
There are an abundance of beaches as well to visit: Shanklin and Sandown with miles of sand, Bembridge where the life boat is, Seaview with its rock pools and sailing club, Compton Bay for surfing and body boarding or Chale for fossil hunting.
Ultimately this is the Isle of Wight - much to do with nothing too far away.
