Dairy Maid Cottage is a beautifully restored Grade II listed stone cottage dating from 1695, tucked away in a peaceful rural hamlet little more than a mile from the golden sands of Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. The single-storey conversion retains thick stone walls, exposed timbers and an impressive inglenook fireplace, yet offers every modern comfort, from Sky Q television to Wi-Fi. An enclosed cottage garden, private parking and a generous seasonal welcome pack complete an enticing setting for families, walkers and couples seeking a quintessential island escape.
Entry is through a heavy oak door that opens into a hallway linking all the rooms. To one side lies a king-sized bedroom dressed in crisp linens, while opposite is a bright twin room, both finished with thoughtful touches that reflect the cottage’s 17th-century origins.
The family bathroom presents the best of both worlds with a full-sized bath and a separate walk-in shower, complemented by soft towels and quality toiletries.
Two shallow steps lead from the hall into a generous sitting-dining room where an ancient inglenook houses a large wood-burning stove; two leather sofas and an armchair invite relaxed evenings after days on the coast. French doors frame views of the rear garden and flood the room with light, while the dining table stands ready for leisurely breakfasts or candle-lit suppers.
Cooks will delight in the separate farmhouse kitchen, fitted with hardwood worktops, a Belfast sink and a dual-fuel Rangemaster with double electric ovens and a gas hob. A dishwasher, washer-dryer, full-height fridge-freezer, microwave and coffee machine ensure effortless self-catering.
Outside, the enclosed back garden is a tranquil haven bordered by mature shrubs and a shady tree. Garden furniture and a barbecue encourage alfresco dining, and a further sunny lawn with a bench sits at the front of the cottage. Two private parking spaces are reached via the central stone archway that divides Dairy Maid from its neighbouring cottage.
Throughout the year the cottage is warmed by gas central heating, with two baskets of logs supplied for the stove. At Christmas and New Year the house and garden are dressed with festive decorations, adding a touch of seasonal magic to your stay.
A mere five-minute drive delivers you to Shanklin’s gently shelving beach, its esplanade cafés and the winding lanes of the Old Village with thatched tearooms and welcoming inns. Step outside the gate and within a hundred yards you join a network of footpaths that connect to the island’s principal walking trails, revealing sweeping views across farmland, woodland and the sparkling Channel.
The picture-postcard village of Godshill, famed for its medieval church and cream teas, is close at hand, while the market town of Newport offers broader shopping and dining. Ryde, Cowes and the island’s wilder west coast are easily reached for day trips and children will adore attractions such as the Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle and the steam railway. Whether you spend your days collecting shells on Sandown Bay, exploring Ventnor Botanic Garden or simply lazing in the garden with a book, Dairy Maid Cottage provides a charming base in every season.
Rates: £500 – £1500 per week.
Maximum of 4 people.
Children welcome.
Up to three well-behaved dogs aged over 12 months accepted at £20 per dog per week.
Wi-Fi Access.
Private off-street parking for two cars.
Heating and electricity included; no EV charging permitted.
Strictly no smoking, vaping or parties inside the cottage.
Please note that map locations may be approximate.
To make a reservation or to request more information about staying at this accommodation, contact the owner Linda Savage
telephone 07825 886939
or email [email protected]