The Bookshop Apartment

About this property

The Bookshop Apartment is an inviting retreat in Cowes, Isle of Wight, offering reverse-level accommodation, distinctive book-lined interiors, and a central position near the beach. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, or friends seeking a characterful island stay, this first-floor apartment sits above the award-winning Medina Bookshop, placing stories and the sights of Cowes right on the doorstep. Enter through the private High Street doorway and find the double bedroom alongside a spacious shower room, where a walk-in shower offers a refreshing start after mornings beside the Solent. Upstairs, the open-plan living space provides a welcoming setting for slow breakfasts, shared suppers and evenings planning the next island adventure.

Prepare favourite dishes in the well-equipped galley kitchen before gathering at the dining area or settling into the sitting space. Handcrafted bookshelves reflect the apartment’s connection to the bookshop below, inviting guests to choose a new read and enjoy a quieter evening indoors. Visitors also receive a discount on purchases from the shop, adding a memorable literary touch to their stay. Outside, Cowes High Street presents a varied collection of shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, while roadside and nearby long-term or metered parking options are available. Wander through Cowes to the Parade, waterside green and beach, or watch boats crossing the Solent from this celebrated sailing town.

Take the chain ferry to East Cowes and explore the opposite bank of the River Medina, enjoying another perspective on the harbour and its maritime activity. Travel to Newport for the Isle of Wight Music Festival and onward connections across the island. Back in Cowes, Northwood House hosts the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, while the marina comes alive during Cowes Week, the Round the Island Race and Cowes Classics Week. For a coastal break filled with books, sailing heritage and island discovery, choose The Bookshop Apartment. Note: This property can be booked with ref. 1166333, together sleeping up to 5 guests.

The bustling port of Cowes is situated by the mouth of the river Medina, and is divided into two distinct towns, linked by the regular floating bridge chain ferry. Both communities have much to offer visitors, with West Cowes known as a world famous yachting centre, with superb facilities for all kinds of watersports, as well as being considered the cycling gateway to the island with the National Cycle Route 23 running through it. It also has a beach and a wealth of excellent restaurants, inns, and plenty of interesting niche shops; there is something for everyone with a fabulous vibe. East Cowes is best known for Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s Italian style country retreat - a tour of the sumptuous royal apartments and magnificent gardens is a must. Cowes is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island, such as sandy beaches, lovely walking country, picturesque chines and many family attractions such as the The Needles and the Isle of Wight music festival.

Accommodation

Two-storey, reverse-level, first-floor apartment.

One double bedroom.

Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC.

Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area

Gas central heating.

Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, coffee maker, kettle, toaster.

TV, WiFi.

Fuel and power included in rent.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Roadside parking available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Long-term parking is available at Northwood House, or you can use metered parking on the Esplanade or Castle Road.

Two well-behaved pets welcome.

Sorry, no smoking.

Shop 0.1 miles, pub 0.1 miles, beach 0.3 miles.

Note: Apartment situated above the award-winning Medina Bookshop - guests receive 15% discount on any purchases.

Note: Please bring your own beach towels