Manor Bottom is a 200-year-old stone barn, which was converted into a home by award-winning architects Caruso StJohn. It nestles beneath St Boniface Down in six acres of fields and paddocks, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty adjoining National Trust land. Manor Bottom is comfortable, simple and stylish; lime-washed stone walls are decorated with framed maps, prints and photos of the island. Soft furnishings and bed linen are natural fabrics in light, neutral shades.

The bedrooms, sitting room and kitchen all look out onto the garden with orchard, field and trees beyond. Manor Bottom is ideally situated for walking or mountain biking. The Isle of Wight's extensive network of footpaths starts right outside the back door, from where a steep, 20-minute walk is rewarded with wonderful views over the Channel and across the island to the Solent and the mainland. On the shelves in the sitting room you will find walking, cycling and boating guides to the island, as well as books on its history and folklore. The  house 'bible' gives an opinionated and well-informed insider's guide to the island - what to do and what to avoid - that will enhance your stay.

For rainy days there are plenty of games and toys including Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk and Pictionary, as well as Duplo, K'nex, videos and a karaoke machine.  Upstairs, the landing is lined with books and story tapes.

On arrival guests will find fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, locally-produced pickles, jam and garlic, and a copy of the local paper. Dry logs and kindling are provided for the wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Local shop, pubs and post office are one mile away in the village of Wroxall. Ventnor and Bonchurch beaches are a 10-minute drive (or a one-hour walk over the downs if you are feeling energetic).

Alistair Sawday's Special Escapes says that Manor Bottom is, 'A remarkable and unusual place to stay... the peace is deep.'
To read Alistair's full review please click here.

Accommodation Downstairs A well-equipped kitchen with table seating ten and picture window looking out onto an orchard and paddock beyond. Cosy sitting room with wood-burning stove, sofa, armchairs, coffee table and standard lamps, TV, VCR, DVD player, radio and CD player. A boot room with washing machine, tumble dryer, Belfast sink, fridge, freezer, drying rack and lots of space for swimming things, wellington boots and coats. Washroom with shower, loo, bidet and radio.

Upstairs Four double bedrooms, all with views over the garden and paddock beyond. Three rooms have double beds and the fourth one has two single beds. Bathroom with bath, loo, wash basin and radio.

Outside Manor Bottom is set in six acres of fields and paddocks. Under a vine-covered pergola there is a dining table that seats eight, a children's picnic table and an enormous barbecue. At the back of the house there is an orchard, with a shady garden at the side and a lawn with trampoline at the front. Benches, steamer chairs and a hammock are situated around the garden. Boules and cricket sets are provided.