Colwell Bay, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40

Holmes House is a deceptively substantial home in a private, secluded compound, elegantly perched on gently sloping cliffs enjoying summer sunsets with unobstructed views across Colwell Bay, the Solent and 3 South Coast counties with an exceptionally wide (154m) clifftop frontage.

With a dining room seated capacity of 36 and enormous parties on the sweeping lawns, directly overlooking the Solent, the property can simultaneously accommodate multiple guests and their families, making it the ultimate entertainment home with a perfect blend of coastal and country life and experiential living. This substantial beachside home has high quality equine facilities and boat/windsurfing storage. The principal rooms are of large proportion with high ceilings and original herringbone parquet floors and generous windows taking full advantage of the unique setting. Ground floor rooms include a foyer leading to a drawing room with open fireplace and dining/ball room with views to the west and a full bar and barroom with an enclosed veranda, built-in window seats and a wood burner. There is a media/playroom and a cosy formal library/study. The farmhouse style kitchen with Aga, large pantry and larder leads to a south-east facing deck and a utility/boot room.

The extra wide staircase is a character feature, leading to a first floor with 7 bedrooms (5 en suite), 2 with working open fireplaces. There is a spacious first floor landing leading to the main bedrooms, most of which deliver the very finest sea views. A private rear entrance and staircase leads to the second floor with 3 further bedrooms and a full bathroom for a live-in Nanny or additional guests with views of Tennyson Down. All second-floor bedrooms feature a wash hand basin. There are extensive eaves and attic storage.

The property has level grounds with well-manicured lawns and Holmes Oak trees. There is a cantilevered entertaining deck extending 50% over the cliff edge. There are paddocks on the south and east of the house with 6 stables, tack room and utilities. An all-weather menage lies between the fields with facilities for cross-country, show jumping and eventing practice. Post and rail fencing divides the paddocks and productive vegetable garden. Outbuildings, including a small gym with sea views, and paddocks feature power and water. Beside a former grass tennis court sits a secluded, heated swimming pool and large cabana/changing room and a spacious entertainment patio. There is ample parking within the grounds and an opportunity for a helipad, tennis court, conservatory and greenhouse, (subject to planning permission).

History: Constructed before 1900, Holmes House is steeped in history, having been built for a notable Naval Officer by W H Paul for the Heytesbury Estate. It was a private home, then a hotel, and was a commandeered officer's barracks in WWII, strategically overlooking the anti-U-Boat chains across the Solent's narrowest point. It has played host to numerous glamorous weddings.

The location is ideal for outdoor pursuit enthusiasts with the local area offering sailing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, fishing, horse riding, walking and cycling. There is an elaborate network of nearby bridle paths leading to Golden Hill, Afton and the River Yar, Tennyson Trail, Freshwater Bay and the Downs toward Compton Bay. Hurst Castle is about ¾ mile away, and the New Forest coastline is about 3 miles to the north. Yarmouth and the Wightlink Ferry to Lymington is 5 minutes by car. It is a 5 minute walk to The Hut beachside restaurant & bar just metres from the stunning Colwell Bay that is situated directly below the property. It is a further 10 minute walk along the Colwell Bay promenade to Totland Bay and its restaurants and pier.