Family-friendly vacation rentals in Cowes

5* waterside luxury boathouse - pool & log-burner

Driftwood is a luxury, converted boathouse with stunning views of the creek from every room. It's in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You'll love the pool, kayaking up the creek, fishing from the pontoons, cosy log-burner and amazing sunsets. Please note: The pool is open from May to September. Driftwood is a beautiful converted boathouse on the water's edge, in the woodland grounds of our home. With creek views from every room, it's a great place to unwind and escape all year round. Relax and BBQ by the large pool, fish and crab from the private pontoons and slipways or use one of the kayaks to paddle up Wootton Creek (an area of outstanding natural beauty and haven for wildlife). In winter you can cosy up next to the huge log-burner and truly relax. Driftwood is ideal for walkers and cyclists as it's on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, only 5 minutes walk from the Fishbourne Ferry; easy if you want to leave your car at home. A local bike hire company will arrange for hire bikes to be delivered to you as soon as you arrive so you'll be able to use the numerous cycle ways to explore the beautiful island scenery. On the ground floor there is a spacious open-plan dining, kitchen and living area with oak floors and a large log-burner. The kitchen is well-equipped with a large American fridge freezer and Dualit Nespresso coffee machine. There's also a shower and toilet, a utility room with washing machine and microwave, and a large entrance hall. Bi-fold doors open to the patio area next to the pool, where there is teak dining furniture and a Weber barbecue. Upstairs there is one double bedroom with a double bed and ensuite shower room, and two additional double bedrooms with twin beds in each. The large family bathroom has his and hers sinks plus a luxurious roll-top bath where you can relax and enjoy the views over the creek. The very large south-facing swimming pool projects out into the creek and provides a panoramic view as you relax on the loungers, settee and chairs and enjoy the sunset. The house comfortably sleeps 6 people. You have access to the whole house, pontoons and slipways. If it's a nice day, we might use the pool too but it’s so big there’s plenty of room for all of us! You are also welcome to share the grounds with us. We don’t want you to go home without seeing the red squirrels, wood peckers and buzzards . We’ll pop down to see you when you arrive or whenever you want us, but won’t if you don’t! Well behaved dogs are welcome (maximum of 2 dogs). Please let us know if you would like to bring a dog. We ask that they are kept downstairs, not left alone in the main living area and kept on a lead in the outdoor space. There is a tiled hallway where they can look out of the door at the view! There is an extra cleaning charge of £40 per dog. This will be requested as an extra charge through Airbnb. We live on a quiet leafy lane, just 5 minutes walk from the car ferry, the award-winning local pub and Fishbourne beach. Fishbourne has its own very friendly yacht club so if you’re a sailor or would like to be one, just let us know and we can organise a day’s sailing or some lessons. Walk 10 minutes along the coastal path and you’ll find Quarr Abbey with its beautiful church, ancient ruins, fantastic café, farm shop, nature trails and pigs. Fishbourne is centrally located and is a great base for exploring the whole Island. We are just 9 minutes drive from the Isle of Wight Festival site. Cowes with its famous August sailing week, is just 20 minutes away. Please note that the pool is open from May to end of September only. It is the only pool on the island that is right on the water. Although we heat the pool, please don’t expect it to be warm - the heating just raises the temp from freezing to bearable! By car: There are 2 parking spaces right next to the boathouse. Sorry but we do not have room to accommodate any more than 2 cars. By bicycle: If you bring your own, you can store it in our shed. We provide cycling maps and a pump! The Isle of Wight is a cyclists’ paradise with lots of fantastic cycle routes and a cycling festival ( in October). You can hire bikes from Two Elements in Cowes and they will deliver the bikes to you. By foot: You can walk from the ferry and don’t have to bring your car. We are right on the Isle of Wight coastal path so you can walk anywhere, very easily! We provide walking maps and lots of suggestions for the best places to go. There is a Walking Festival in September. By bus: The bus stop is 10 minutes walk away. Buses will take you all over the Isle of Wight. By air: The nearest airport is Southampton, but Bournemouth, Gatwick and Heathrow are all good as well. If you have your own small plane you can land on the Island at Bembridge and we will come and get you. By private boat: If you'd like to arrive by boat just let us know. We can put you in touch with charter companies who will pick up you in Portsmouth and transport you by very fast rib directly to our pontoon (weather and tide dependant of course). If you have your own boat, you can moor it on our pontoon during your stay. Just contact us to find out more. Because of its beautiful location, our house has been used for photo shoots. Please get in contact if you would like to arrange a shoot. It's not far to go if you'd like to rent a rib, learn to drive one or have a fast rib ride. Our good friends and neighbours, Rebel Marine, are right next door and will arrange everything for you. Please be aware that we do not allow parties or gatherings of more than six people.

Water's Edge Apartment, luxury, 3 bed, sleeps 6

The Beach House sits on the esplanade of pretty Totland Bay in an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. It provides uninterrupted spectacular views of the Solent towards the Dorset coast. The bay boasts some of the finest sunsets in the whole of England. The accommodation is spacious, luxurious with everything needed for that very special family holiday or romantic break. If you love the sea, this is the place for you. You can't get closer to the water unless you are swimming or in a boat.

Wight Cottage in central Cowes

Wight Cottage is in St Mary's Road, a quiet neighbourhood close to the shops, pubs and restaurants of Cowes High Street. You'll appreciate the careful refurbishment of this 175 year old shipwright's cottage. In the summer you can throw open the French windows to a sunny garden. In the winter the underfloor heating will keep you warm. Wight Cottage is just a few minutes walk from Cowes Yacht Haven and Shepards Marina. Perfect for a Cowes sailing event.