Buddle Place — Graham Custance Photography

We had been to this part of the Isle of Wight previously when we had dined at the nearby Buddle Inn and when the offer came up to collaborate with Jay and Mark, we had no hesitation to spend five days here exploring the southernmost tip of the island. Journey time from our home in Bedfordshire was two hours to Southampton, where we boarded the Red Funnel ferry that whisked across the Solent in just under an hour. We both love this part of the trip because it feels like you are venturing abroad even though within a short time the island appears ahead of you.

Time for a coffee and a snack in the designated space for pets on board Red Eagle, in the ‘North Lounge’, located on the upper passenger A deck. Riley is used to the stairs now, having been on the ferry a few times and he soon settled down with the other canines on board. By the way if you are looking to stay at Buddle Place, contact Jay and Mark and they will offer a discounted ferry crossing for you.

We headed across the island for lunch at a location we were familiar with - Steephill Cove. A tiny secluded coastal spot just west of Ventnor. It is one of those places that feels almost hidden with no cars and no road access, just a peaceful cove. Access is down a steep hill (hence the name) so be aware if you have mobility issues.

Check-in time at Buddle Place was 3pm, so after lunch we made the short journey from Steephill Cove to Niton, where we met by Jay and Mark who are the owners of both The Barn and The Stable, two beautifully restored buildings in the grounds of a 19th Century farmhouse. The Barn, where we stayed sleeps four and The Stable sleeps six and both have their own south facing gardens.

The Barn was once a cow shed and a near ruin when Jay and Mark took over the property. The roof was raised during the project to create enough space for two bedrooms, a double and a twin with views facing the sea. A flatscreen T.V. with Freesat was an added bonus in the master bedroom. One small dog is allowed in The Barn but not in The Stable.

Both bedrooms have access to a wc and basin on this floor and have been decorated with crisp linens, throws and cushions.

Similarly, like The Barn, The Stable is decorated to a very high standard with lovely soft tones and pastels giving a freshness to the surroundings. The Stable has three bedrooms, two twins which are served by the main bathroom with a bath and overhead shower and a master bedroom with a king sized bed, exposed stone walls and an en suite bathroom with a walk in shower. All of the accommodation here is on one level, so would suit perfectly anyone with mobility issues.

One of the highlights of our stay at Buddle Place was the stunning walk that was literally on our doorstep. Every morning we walked the short distance (about 200 metres) from the gate at the barn to some of the most dramatic sea views on the coastal walk to the 19th Century St Catherine’s Lighthouse (which is visible up to 25 miles away). On this walk we discovered a viewpoint to the lighthouse covered in bluebells.

A visit to Shanklin Old Village feels like stepping into a postcard - think thatched cottages, tea rooms, and a relaxed, slightly storybook atmosphere.

After a cream tea in one of the tea rooms, we ventured past Shanklin Chine (well worth a visit, especially at dusk when the the waterfall is illuminated}, to the beach at Shanklin where you will find the prettiest thatched roofed ‘Fisherman’s Cottage”. dating back to the early 1800s, built by William Colenutt it was linked to the original Chine pathway.

A visit to the Isle of Wight would not be complete without a visit to our favourite beach at Compton Bay. This is one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches on the Isle of Wight - very different from places like Shanklin. Think big skies, rolling surf, and hardly any development. You can also find fossilised dinosaur footprints here too! A two mile stretch of sand and rock, backed by colourful sandstones cliffs