Highcliff Cottage - Clifftop Paradise

Highcliff Cottage at Luccombe is a dream holiday retreat, secluded and tranquil. A 100m high clifftop garden oasis overlooking Sandown Bay and the south of England. Relax on the deck, listen to the bird song and breathe in the fresh air. Situated between Shanklin and Ventnor, the Cottage is designed in the boathouse style with beautiful detailing inside and out, with exclusive use of a large garden and access to a spectacular cliff terrace. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is at the front gate. The space 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. Guest access You will have full exclusive use of the cottage, its deck, the grounds and garden, giving you ample space both inside and out. Sun loungers and deck chairs provide comfort in the garden. There is offstreet parking for two cars - one under a carport and the other on the driveway. There is level access into the cottage although the master bedroom is located on the first floor. There are a few steps down to the outside deck. Other things to note Highcliff Cottage sits in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Each side of the Highcliff estate is bounded by National Trust property. Haddons Pit to the north is maintained by the National Trust as grassland, grazed by a few cows in the summer, and visited by over 100 migratory bird species including locally nesting peregrine falcons. The garden at Highcliff Cottage is also a popular wildlife destination, so keep your eyes peeled for the butterflies, red squirrels, barn owls, pheasants, woodpeckers and the "black rabbit". You may also see the occasional para-glider floating above the cottage having launched off from Haddon's Pit next door or listen out for a Spitfire flyby, you will hear their lovely engines first. The Coastguard helicopter is another frequent sighting. Getting to the Cottage: By Car: Highcliff Cottage is about a 30 minute drive from the car ferries at East Cowes or Fishbourne. On foot: Alternatively it is an easy destination on foot for those on a walking holiday. Catch the Wightlink passenger ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head, then the little red Island train (a 1930's London tube train) from Ryde Pier to Shanklin, and then its a 5 minute (£6) taxi ride to the Cottage. By boat: If you are arriving by private yacht or motor launch, tie up on one of the visitor buoys or anchor off Fisherman's Cottage below Shanklin Chine, come ashore and then it's a 10 minute walk up the cliff steps and up to the top of Luccombe Road.