Snaptrip says
Bishops Retreat in Ventnor is highly praised for its cleanliness, stylish decor, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate the helpful host, Holly, and the property's proximity to local attractions and amenities. The thoughtful touches, such as welcome treats and recommendations, contribute to a memorable stay, although some guests mention minor issues with noise and parking.
Guests that stayed at this property said
Guests consistently describe the property as 'spotlessly clean', 'beautiful', and 'very clean', indicating a high standard of cleanliness throughout their stay.
The property's location is frequently highlighted as 'great', 'close to the centre of Ventnor', and convenient for exploring the Isle of Wight, with easy access to beaches, shops, and restaurants.
The accommodation is often referred to as 'lovely', 'spacious', and 'cosy', suggesting a comfortable environment. However, some guests mention noise from other apartments as a slight discomfort.
Facilities are generally well-received, with mentions of a 'fantastic apartment' and 'everything you would require'. Some guests faced challenges with parking and operating kitchen appliances, which slightly impacts the score.
Many reviews express gratitude for the host's thoughtfulness, including welcome gifts and local recommendations. While these gestures are appreciated, it is politely noted that such gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Nestled in the charming seaside town of Ventnor, boasting a beach and spectacular scenery to explore, is this beautiful ground-floor 1860’s church-conversion, Bishops Retreat. Enjoying a central location within the Victorian town and impeccable interior design, perfectly blending original features with contemporary elements and a grand entrance. This superb apartment boasts many luxurious touches. Bishops Retreat is a unique, all-ground-floor base for five friends or a family wishing to explore this fantastic region. Admire the magnificent entrance and front door as you walk up the ramp or steps to your own private entrance vestibule, perfect for unloading luggage or even relaxing with a glass of wine or challenging your loved ones to a game of chess. From here make your way up the long and striking hallway to the light open plan living space. This gorgeous space is well designed to accommodate a group of friends or family. With its cobalt blue sofa, which can be converted into a sofa bed for one extra guest, Bentwood dining chairs and stunning mural this is the perfect place to relax. Enjoy films on the Samsung Smart TV or prepare a meal in the elegant kitchen, well-equipped with an induction hob, oven, fridge/freezer, and microwave. After a day exploring the coast travel along the corridor to the first well-presented bedroom which contains a double bed and a single. Continue along the corridor to the master bedroom where you will find the emphasis is on romance. Have a lie down on the muslin draped four-poster bed which enjoys its own en-suite shower room. A family bathroom completes this stunning apartment, with its glamorous Nickel bathtub and Italian floor tiles it really is the perfect place for those Instagram shots. In the morning, gather in the open-plan social space to discuss the plan for the exciting day ahead. Outside, of the property roadside parking is available, or alternatively there is a pay and display at the end of the road where visitor permits can be purchased. A short stroll will lead you to the heart of this wonderful town, home to excellent museums to uncover the heritage of the town and on warmer days make use of the proximity of the shingle beach where you can soak in the sun or enjoy exhilarating water sports. Visit the central point of the island to the town of Newport, steeped in history with its handsome Georgian and Victorian architecture and Newport Roman Villa to see a Roman designed property; here you are within easy reach of Carisbrooke Castle to tour the museum. Venture a little further afield to the pretty town of Cowes, where you can explore the Maritime Museum, enjoy the variety of Yachts on the river and sample fantastic restaurants with sea views. For a memorable getaway with your favourite people, enjoy a refreshing break at Bishops Retreat.
The seaside resort of Ventnor rests on the southern end of the island and boasts spectacular scenery. The town is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a mild climate for exotic plants to thrive in. The shingle beaches and coves are great places to explore and carry out water sports. Ventnor is home to a great selection of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants; the Botanical Gardens is nearby. Explore ancient castles, historic houses and wonderful waterfalls whilst in the area.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Two bedrooms: 1 x four-poster bed with en-suite bathroom with shower.
1 x family room with double and single.
Sofa bed in the lounge can accommodate a sixth person if required.
Two bathrooms: Bathroom with freestanding bath, basin and WC, Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
Electric central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Roadside parking nearby - but please be aware availability of this may be limited during busy periods, there is also a pay & display car park at the bottom of the road opposite Tesco.
There is the option to purchase a weekly parking permit that can be used for the entire island, please contact us if you require any additional information about this.
No smoking on the premises and the grounds.
Small well-behaved dogs allowed upon prior arrangement with the owner; please call the office when booking.
Shop and pub 0.1 mile, beach 0.5 miles.
Note: Travel Cot and Highchair at property.
Note: Beach towels are not provided.
It is helpful to note there is a pay and display car park 2 min away and Isle of Wight tourist parking permits can be purchased on the council website - This is helpful if travelling around the island https://beta.iow.gov.uk/parking/permits/parking-permits.
Generous ferry discounts available for this property from Portsmouth & Lymington, subject to availability - discounts via the owner.
Please note: Ground floor easy access due to slope.
Nearby points of interest
- Model Village Godshill
- Dinosaur Isle
- Brading Roman Villa
- Hovercraft Museum
- Castlehaven Beach
- Carisbrooke Castle
- Osborne House
- HMS Warrior
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
- University of Portsmouth
Reviews (20)
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Amy
This time I have brought the hubby and kids to show them the delightful property as well as the delights of both the Isle of Wight and ventnor itself! The island has so much to offer. We highly recommend west wight alpacas and llama walking, off the rails cafe just outside Yarmouth, the needles landmark attraction, donkey sanctuary (free entry but donations warmly welcomed), garlic farm, the gin distillery (has good grub), Besty and spinkyâs, the spyglass inn for its amazing views, masala bay has amazing Indian food and my personal favourite a walk along the coastal path to steep hill cove and the botanical gardens. We have had two fabulous days on the beach in the glorious sunshine (rather different to my rather wet 2023 experience!). And now to the host Holly, what can I say, exceptional hospitality, helpfulness and from Prosecco on arrival (and milk!!) to donkey sanctuary biscuits and leaving body boards, buckets and spades out, to treating us to an icecream from the amazing crave (opposite tescos) for being return guests, we have been made to feel so welcome and I feel like I have know Holly for years!! The kids also were thrilled to have access to the Disney channel for a movie night and throughly enjoyed the big nickel bath tub, as did I with a glass of bubbles! Some people might be put off by having no dedicated parking but Iâve easily found a spot on both of my trips and the bus is the best way to travel around and see the sites anyway! Totally 5* thank you and see you again next time!
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Joanne
There were 5 of us, including 2 young children and there was everything you could need including a lovely bath in the main bathroom and a shower into ensure bedroom. Cooking facilities were good, plenty of plates and cutlery. A large fridge/freezer, a dishwasher and the added bonus of a washing machine. Although the apartment is on a fairly busy road, you couldn't hear any traffic noise whatsoever. It was in a good location to access the shops and beach although it is uphill coming back to the apartment. Holly was was very helpful, gave us loads of information including ferry discounts. Would definitely recommend and hopefully we can revisit soon!
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Katie
Travelling as a family of 5 with 2 adults and 3 children it really met our needs. There is plenty of space and bathroom facilities for everyone! The standard is high and the decor etc is very plush. Holly is a great host and has really thought of everything. There was lots of lovely little touches like a towel and buckets for the beach by the door and a booklet with lots of recommendations for dinner not to mention the delicious cupcakes to welcome us for the Easter weekend. Ventnor is a lovely place and Bishops Retreat is in a great location to access the beach and the town, we would love to stay there again and hope to soon.