Guests say
Bodwen is a beautifully presented holiday home in Ryde, set in stunning grounds with glorious views and a wealth of activities for all ages. Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality of the owners, the spacious and well-equipped house, and the abundance of thoughtful touches. The property is especially popular with families and groups, offering excellent play areas, a hot tub, and easy access to the beach. While the stairs may be steep for some, the overall experience is relaxing and memorable, with many guests eager to return.
Multiple reviews highlight the immaculate condition of the house, describing it as clean, fresh, and tidy throughout. No negative comments regarding cleanliness were noted.
Guests appreciate the beautiful setting, stunning grounds, and views over the Solent, as well as proximity to the beach and easy access from the Fishbourne ferry. The location is described as calming and ideal for a relaxing stay.
The house is described as spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, with plenty of room for large groups and families. Some mention steep stairs, but alternative ground floor rooms are available. Overall, comfort is highly rated.
Facilities are frequently praised, including the hot tub, play equipment, games, and well-equipped kitchen. The grounds offer ample activities for all ages. One minor mention of low water pressure in showers, but otherwise facilities are excellent and well maintained.
Guests repeatedly mention the owners' warm hospitality, helpful communication, and thoughtful touches such as welcome packs and extra bedding. While gifts like welcome baskets are mentioned, it should be noted these 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
Nearby points of interest
- HMS Warrior
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Reviews (14)
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Confirmed Guest
My family had the best time! My son said: 'I have never felt more welcomed when I've been on holiday'. Peter and Claire were just amazing as was Peter's son. Their communication was excellent. We went kayaking and shrimp fishing with Claire which was brilliant. Our grand children adored the hot tub and the play area. A sandy beach (not the one in the grounds) was 200 metres away. The house was phenomenal with everything you could want. The grounds were excellent. I can't praise this place enough. And, so much to do for our grandchildren, 10,9,8 and 6. We're coming back again next year that's how good it was.
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Confirmed Guest
What a fabulous holiday we had last week. 14 of us in total for a family holiday. Bodwen is absolutely beautiful. Peter and Claire went out of their way to ensure we had a great time and everything was exactly as we wanted it. We would definitely holiday there again and highly recommend it if you are thinking of booking.
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Confirmed Guest
Excellent.