Highcliff Cottage - Clifftop Paradise, Shanklin

Isle of Wight. Sleeps up to 4

Probably the best view on the Island. Highcliff Cottage at Luccombe is the dream holiday retreat, secluded, tranquil with 180 degree sea views. Relax on the deck, listen to the bird song and breathe in the fresh air. Situated 100m above the shoreline between Shanklin and Ventnor, Highcliff Cottage is designed in the boathouse style with beautiful detailing inside and out. Includes exclusive use of a large garden. The famous Isle of Wight Coastal Path is at the front gate.

Highcliff Cottage sits adjacent to the 1870's built Highcliff House. The cottage is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Although a cliche, the 180 degree sea view is an ever changing spectacle. Whether it's the sun or moon reflecting off the sea, a storm thrashing up the waves hammering the shoreline or the myriad of passing yachts, cruise ships and other vessels, there is always something drawing your attention out to sea. Wake up early and watch a stunning sunrise, or in the evening have a glass of wine on the deck as the golden light of the setting sun bounces off the white chalk of Culver Cliff across Sandown Bay. The vibrant blues, greys, greens and turquoises of the sea are a mesmerising vista. 

At night the lights of Shanklin and Sandown illuminate the darknesss and the Esplanade street lights mark out the arc of the bay. The flashing lights of the Nab Tower, which marks the entrance to the Solent, which all large ships steer by, flicker off shore, as do the twinkling lights of towns and navigation markers all along the English south coast, from the Witterings to Brighton. In winter, when the air is thin, the night lights of the mainland south coast are particularly bright and stunning. If you happen to be here during a full moon, seeing it rise up over the English Channel at night is an extraordinary sight. The horizon is curved, the moon is spherical and you realise you are standing on a planet floating around in a much larger universe. 

The Coastal Path is right outside the front gate. Turn left and you have one of the most popular coastal walks on the Island from Shanklin to Ventnor, through the Landslip, ancient woodlands, and hidden narrow steps up a sheer rockface known as Devil's Chimney. Carry on for Blake's fish and chips at the quay at Ventnor, or head around to the charming Steephill Cove. If you want to make it a really full days walk then aim for St Catherines Lighthouse and get a taxi home.

Turn right outside the cottage and walk down the hill to the amazing Shanklin Chine with its waterfall and botanical gorge, Shanklin old town, or the beaches of Shanklin and Sandown. You can access the beach below the cottage by a spectacular set of steps that cut down the cliff face at the bottom of Luccombe Road. These steps will bring you out at the thatched roof Fisherman's Cottage pub located on the beach. At low tide you can walk south from the cliff steps to the rock ledges and sandy beach immediately below the cottage.

Shanklin high street is about a 15-20 minute walk away or 5 minute drive.

Located in Shanklin, this cabin is on the waterfront. Shanklin Theatre and Dinosaur Isle are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Pirates Cove - Shanklin and Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Sandown Pier and Isle of Wight Owl and Falconry Centre are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

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