Medina Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Price Guide £375,000 to £395,000
Stylish and characterful Grade II listed cottage, with stunning views of the Solent, offering a winning blend of contemporary living and historical charm. Formerly a 19th-century public house known as The Bell Inn, the property has been tastefully renovated to provide spacious accommodation over three storeys, preserving a wealth of period features including the iconic green-tiled façade, timber beams, wooden sash windows, and a working fireplace.

On the ground floor, a vestibule entrance leads into the light and welcoming living room with its two large windows flanked by a window seat, and a newly relined fireplace with wood-burning stove. There is also a useful understairs cupboard here for hidden storage.
To the rear of the house, the beautifully designed open-plan kitchen and dining area combines rustic charm with modern functionality. Terracotta tiled flooring, a bespoke full-height pantry, reclaimed marble sink, and stainless steel SMEG range cooker add a touch of artisan quality. French doors lead out to the delightful walled garden, which comfortably fits a sizeable table and chairs for al fresco entertaining in the summer months. Built-in timber sheds provide discreet storage for recycling bins and barbecue accessories, while the three flower beds add a splash of colour and kitchen herbs.

The first floor comprises two generous double bedrooms and a luxurious family bathroom.
The high-ceilinged master suite is a sanctuary of coastal calm with wide-plank oak flooring, wall-mounted bedside lighting, and a large sash window bathing the space with natural light, while a handmade Roman blackout blind by designer Penny Russell ensures peaceful sleep. An en-suite shower room, conceived by Cowes-based interior designer Jack Thompson & Co., features Burlington fixtures, chrome taps, marble flooring and underfloor heating, as well as a heated towel rail.

The second double bedroom overlooks the pretty courtyard garden and exudes tranquillity. Opposite is the family bathroom, with a generously sized double-ended bath and central copper tap. Twin copper sinks, sourced by the owner from Marrakech, are set in an iroko wood countertop on salvaged metal legs from a historic postal carriage. Practical touches include a large fitted mirror, several useful built-in shelves and a floor-to-ceiling heated towel rail.

On the second floor is a third spacious double bedroom with a newly fitted wooden dormer window framing spectacular views over Cowes harbour to the Solent and Medina River. A fourth bedroom—currently used as a home office—offers flexibility and can comfortably accommodate a single bed. A separate WC with basin on this floor adds convenience, while Velux windows flood the stairwell with natural light. A large attic offers extensive storage, easily accessed from the landing.

This delightful coastal cottage has been a much-loved family home for over 20 years and has also proven to be a successful holiday let. Situated in the heart of Cowes—renowned for its world-class sailing events, respected sailing schools and close to the Isle of Wight’s popular literary and music festivals—3 Bell Cottages’ enviable location and charming character offer an excellent opportunity either as a permanent residence or a rewarding investment.

Equidistant from Cowes town centre and East Cowes, it enjoys excellent connectivity: a five-minute walk brings you to Cowes High Street with its array of shops, restaurants, two supermarkets and the High-Speed passenger ferry to Southampton (for onward journeys by rail). Hop onto the nearby chain ferry and take a trip across the Medina river to East Cowes, where you can promenade along the seafront, shop at Waitrose, visit Queen Victoria’s Osborne House and gardens, or travel further afield on the Red Funnel car ferry. The Portsmouth Shopper ferry from Thetis Wharf offers a direct passenger service to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

Free on-street parking can be found on Medina Road itself, as well as on the adjacent streets, or an annual IOW-wide permit can be obtained for the nearby Brunswick Road car park.

Whether cycling or dog-walking, the nearby Red Squirrel Trail on Arctic Road offers a scenic car-free route into Newport along the flat path of an old railway line. Bus stops are also within easy reach for journeys to Newport, Gurnard, and beyond.