Guests say
Bodwen is a beautifully presented holiday cottage in Ryde, set in stunning grounds with glorious views and a wealth of activities for all ages. Guests consistently praise the warm and attentive hospitality of the owners, the immaculate condition of the house, and the abundance of thoughtful touches throughout. The spacious rooms, play areas, and hot tub are particular highlights, making it ideal for families and groups. While the steep stairs may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues and water pressure could be improved, the overall experience is relaxing, memorable, and highly recommended.
Multiple reviews mention the house being immaculate, clean, fresh, and tidy, with extra bedding and towels provided. No negative comments about cleanliness were noted.
Guests highlight the beautiful grounds, glorious views, proximity to the sea, and easy access from the Fishbourne ferry. The setting is described as magical and calming.
The property is described as spacious, comfortable, and relaxing, with ample seating and large rooms. Some mention is made of steep stairs, but ground floor rooms are available for those with mobility needs.
Facilities such as the hot tub, play equipment, games, and open fires are frequently praised. The only minor issue raised was water pressure in the showers, but otherwise facilities are described as excellent and well-maintained.
Guests repeatedly mention the owners' warm hospitality, helpful recommendations, and thoughtful touches such as welcome baskets and extra amenities. Please note that gifts or welcome packs are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Set within a 9-acre estate, this holiday property is ideal for exploring the many attractions the Isle of Wight has to offer.. 6 steps to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Living room: Sky, DVD Player, Ipod Dock, CD Player, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Woodburner, Patio Doors To Garden
Dining room.
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Combi Microwave/Oven/Grill, Fridge, Freezer, Dishwasher
Living room 2:
Utility Room: Microwave, Freezer, Freezer, Washing Machine
Conservatory.
Separate Toilet 1.
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 3: Bunk (3ft) Beds
Bathroom: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Second Floor:
Bedroom 4: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 5: Zip And Link 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 6: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bedroom 7: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds
Bathroom: Bath, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Separate Toilet 2..
Electric central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Cot and highchair. Welcome pack. 5-acre landscaped garden with woodland, terrace, patio, garden furniture, children’s play area and BBQ. Wood fired-hot tub (private, wood is not provided). Private beach (shared with owners). Bike store. Private parking for 6 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are 64 steps from the garden to the private beach.. Situated along a private road, this Victorian home was formerly the summer residence of the Countess Cowley, a member of Queen Victoria’s entourage. Located to maximise the sea views it is set within a beautiful 9-acre estate surrounded by woodland and the coast. Here you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings - and you may even spot one of the island’s famous red squirrels. Bodwen has been designed with large families and groups in mind with carefully co-ordinated interiors and contemporary furnishings. The property also has the added bonus of an outdoor tap, perfect for washing off walking boots and bikes.
A children’s playground has been created, complete with a dragon tunnel, walk-the-plank, hopscotch, picnic area, swings and much more. Both adults and children are able to make use of the sports equipment available, such as cricket, badminton, croquet and boules sets, along with football. On the front terrace, which looks onto the lawn and the Solent, you can enjoy lazing on the rattan patio furniture and table. You will also find a patio on the beach, with an oak table and benches along with a BBQ area; a perfect shady spot for reading, relaxing and watching the kids on the beach. A Scandinavian, 7ft cedar, wood-fired hot tub is the ideal place to lie back and watch the stars.
The Victorian fountain in the grounds has been beautifully restored and looks amazing, especially at night, giving you the feel of driving into a stately home.
Just 4 miles away is the seaside town of Ryde with its good selection of individual shops, restaurants, bars, tea shops and large sandy beach. There is also an abundance of attractions to visit which include the Isle of Wight steam railway and Museum of Havenstreet, 3¼ miles. Osborne House, which was a former royal residence that was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat, 4¾ miles. Robin Hill Country Park offers exciting rides and adventure play all set in beautiful rolling down land and forest, 4½ miles. Also worth a visit is Amazon World, an educational and conservation centre offering over 200 animal species and rain forest plants, 7½ miles. Calbourne Water Mill, 11 miles, the only working water mill on the Isle of Wight and also features a small war museum, rural exhibits and a café. The island is also a walker’s paradise, filled with over 500 miles of footpaths across contrasting landscapes and beaches. Outdoor pursuits include walking, cycling, riding, sailing and fishing. Private beach 200 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Bodwen can be booked together with Bodwen Corner Cottage to accommodate up to 20 guests.
Free WiFi
You can gain access to the house in two other ways: A) from the front lawn there are 2 steps that aren’t as steep as the uneven 4 at the front entrance. B) The back door of Bodwen has 3 less steep steps into the property (rather than the 6 at the front entrance. The four steps are old stone steps (original to the house) and are uneven – there is no hand rail. In addition, there are also 64 steps leading to the property's private beach. Can be booked with 29735 to sleep 20. Narrow spiral stairs to the 2nd floor.
There is a wood-fired hot tub (please provide wood as is not supplied)
Water hazard - The property is 200 metres from the sea
Reviews (10)
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Nick Langridge
What a place!An absolutely fantastic house in a beautiful location.Lots of space inside and out. Easy to get to from the Fishbourne ferry.Beautifully presented and the wood fired hot tub is perfect for a relaxing afternoon soak.I dont have enough lovely things to say about Peter, the host. Friendly, always on hand and keen to make sure that your stay is perfect.I was part of a group of 12 friends and no one had a negative word to say. Highly recommended! We hope to return.
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Confirmed Guest
Can’t recommend Bodwen enough - Peter and the family made us feel so welcome, the gardens and views are spectacular, and the house was beautiful, clean and well equipped. The children loved exploring all the play equipment, and there was plenty of seating inside and outside the house. We had a lovely stay, and would recommend the house to anyone visiting the Isle of Wight
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Linzi
We had a wonderful break at Bodwen House for 10 hens and our bride to be. The property is beautiful and you can feel how much love and attention the house and garden has had from Peter and his family. Peter the host has thought of everything and we were pleasantly surprised by all the extra touches (hand soap, fairy, tea and coffee etc) that we needn't have brought with us and the wonderful welcome basket too. We managed a swim in the sea and the party loved the gardens and hot tub. There are so many wonderful features and seating areas and the entire property felt very spacious and light. The only thing that could have made it better was better water pressure in the showers but everything else was absolutely spectacular. We all agreed the trip was a fantastic success and would book again in a heartbeat! Thanks Peter :)