What our guests wrote...

‘A wonderfully welcoming barn conversion with fantastic walks from the back door. Spent four nights here with a four year-old and could hardly drag her away from the trampoline, games, boxes of Lego, Dvds, etc. That said, could hardly drag the cook among our group away from the most gorgeous kitchen. Lazy nights spent around the kitchen table were the perfect way to end the day before retiring to beds that were unanimously voted by the 4 adults as 'divine'. Only a short drive to the attractions of Ventnor, Godshill and the rest of the island... but, really, you don't want to spend too much time away from the house. The 'house bible' is incrediblyinformative, and bursting with great ideas and advice. You do feel you are at 'a home away from home' and all the conveniences of a much-loved house are at you disposal. I cannot recommend the property highly enough, and the thought of a week in warmer weather - in a garden more Tuscan than English - is very enticing.’
Pete S and family, February 2012

‘This is a brilliant home for two families with young children to share. Great spaces for playing, eating, exploring and relaxing, with a lovely selection of books, toys and games and a beautiful garden to explore and bounce in. We all really enjoyed our time at Manor Bottom and hope to return.’

'Thank you for a wonderful few days in your beautiful house. I can't think of anywhere else that our two little boys have been contented so quickly - the toys and books were an instant hit and they loved the garden and trampoline. Saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodnight’ to the horses became part of the daily routine. Henry (3) has declared he loves Dorothy's house and doesn't want to leave.'

‘We have had a wonderful time. This holiday has proved to me (what I have always suspected) that it’s the little things in life that are so important; you don’t need luxury spa bathrooms or Poggenpol kitchens, all you need is a beautiful spot and a comfy home with comfy beds and cosy duvets. Not to mention flowers on the table, boxes of tissues, books and games to share - those lovely little touches. We also adored the garden with all the places to sit and eat al fresco (we were extremely lucky with the weather.) And best of all the trampoline - our little 3 year-old granddaughter arrived stroppy and whingey and went home totally relaxed and all sweetness and light - she bounced it all away. All four generations of our family totally relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Thanks, Dorothy for sharing it.’

‘The house felt like home from the first night we arrived. Such a beautiful location with amazing views and wonderful wildlife (how could we not mention the rabbits - better than TV!) Our three-year-old said that she wanted to live here - not sure there is a better recommendation that that.’

‘We have enjoyed our stay. Anna has been so kind, allowing us to spend time fussing over her wonderful horses. We were worried about the trampoline at first, but the kids stuck to the rules and are all in one piece. We had some rainy days so the videos and games were much appreciated. We have five kids between us and we found the place so child-friendly. The huge kitchen is wonderful and the hallway upstairs a great play area in the early mornings when the kids awoke at 6am ready to go. They were so entertained the adults got a lie in some mornings. If you want a holiday where the kids can lead an outdoors life, just like in the good old days of no television, then this is the ideal place.’

‘A beautiful, peaceful place that is home from home. So inviting my girls wanted to stay permanently.’

‘It was very peaceful and I loved watching the wildlife around us. We would love to come again.’

‘My four-year-old loved running around the garden and playing on the trampoline. Wonderful to be able to eat outside almost every day and enjoy the garden and the views. Also enjoyed browsing through the books - a truly varied collection.’

‘We had an awesome time - we loved the house.’

‘The important things are so right - lovely comfy beds, linen and fluffy towels, little touches like shower stuff, fresh flowers and first aid kit.’

‘The garden is a delight - our children spent hours on the trampoline and playing hide-and-seek.’

‘A lovely summer holiday. We especially enjoyed crab pasties at Steephill Cove, body-boarding at Compton Bay, horse-riding on the beach at St Helens, stomping around Carisbroke Castle, fresh fish from Ventnor, and much more... going home for a rest.”