Longstone Cottage

This former gamekeepers’ cottage offers a holiday that’s all about serenity, simplicity, and the simpler things in life. Accessed by a National Trust track through a grazed common, this rustic Edwardian cottage is surrounded by rolling green hills, and abundant wildlife. You’ll have a superb view down the Longstone Valley too.

With a unique charm, this three-bedroom red-brick hideaway has Edwardian fireplaces and wooden floors that add to its period character. And although there are solar panels to power the cottage lighting, there’s no power for appliances, so you’ll really be off-grid when you stay. Your heating comes from a log burner in the cosy living room, and there are gas powered wall heaters in the bathroom and dining room. The cooking and fridge facilities are also powered by gas. Outside, the lawned garden has a table and chairs perfect for soaking up the peace and quiet as well as those sensational valley views.

Sitting on the glorious Mottistone Estate, which includes cliffs, common, down as well as village and farmland, this special spot is ideal for a tranquil break. The cottage looks out over the ancient and incredibly rare Neolithic monument, The Longstone. You’ll also be close to the lovely gardens of Mottistone Manor where you can sample the tea and scones. If you’re keen to explore more of the island then a short drive along the coast is the surfing hotspot of Compton Bay, and the natural spectacle of the Needles Headland. Wherever you head, the coastline is captivating.

The cottage is also a fabulous spot for star gazing, as the area is known for its dark skies. It’s also brilliant for walkers and cyclists who can explore the many paths and tracks. Take a trip to the Old and New Battery or go fossil hunting on the island’s dinosaur coastline. For lazy beach days then Brook beach is only a five-minute drive away.

Water: Please note that the water supply is pumped from a mains-fed reservoir, therefore we provide bottled water which is recommended for drinking and cooking purposes.

Heating: The only form of heating is the multi-fuel stove in the sitting room and the gas wall heaters in the dining room and the bathroom. Calor gas heats the hot water.

Parking: Available for several cars outside the cottage, within the garden area.

Garden: A large lawned garden opening out onto fields.

Access: The cottage is approached via a winding track with locked gates. This track is quite rough and crosses a common on which wild cattle graze. Cars may get stuck in bad weather and may have to be left some distance away. It is not recommended for low slung cars.

Utilities/electricals: There is no electricity at this cottage and therefore no television, microwave or radio/CD. There is a gas fridge which is a caravan-style facility, due to the “caravan style gas fridge” this has limited capacity. Calor gas is used for cooking. The lighting is provided by solar panels.

Offers: Guests will have free access (during opening hours) to all Isle of Wight National Trust properties. Please take your holiday confirmation invoice as proof of eligibility to gain entry.

Please note: Between 1 October and 1 February there may be the occasional shooting party in the area surrounding Longstone Cottage.

Ferries: We recommend that if you are travelling to the Isle of Wight, you should book the ferries early due to the high demand for popular crossing times at busy times of the year including holiday periods. There are currently three options available depending on your preferred route:

1) Wightlink Ferries - www.wightlink.co.uk - National Trust Holidays guests receive a 25% discount with Wightlink ferries between Lymington and Yarmouth, Portsmouth and Fishbourne and the catamaran between Portsmouth and Ryde (foot passenger service only). The discount is applied once you have selected the crossing times in Wightlink's booking system.

2) Red Funnel Ferries - www.redfunnel.co.uk - National Trust Holidays guests receive a 25% discount between Southampton and East Cowes in Red Funnel's booking system. The terms and conditions applicable to bookings made through this special arrangement via National Trust (Isle of Wight) are those relating to “Saver Fares”. By booking with Red Funnel, you are agreeing to be bound by their terms and conditions, as available on the Red Funnel website.

3) Hovertravel - www.hovertravel.co.uk – foot passenger hovercraft service only from Portsmouth to Ryde.