10/10 Excellent
David H.
3 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
David H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Entire home
Coastal cottage with sea views, lovely village location, 2 mins from seafront.
Holiday home in Cowes with kitchen and balcony
Photo gallery for Coastal cottage with sea views, lovely village location, 2 mins from seafront.
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Isle of Wight, ENG
- Place, Gurnard Beach1 min walk
- Place, Cowes Harbour4 min drive
- Place, Osborne House8 min drive
- Airport, Southampton (SOU)76 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Shower room 1
Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Coastal cottage with sea views, lovely village location, 2 mins from seafront.
PLEASE NOTE - Sat to Sat bookings only April - September
The Ark is a lovely coastal cottage, situated next to the beach, sailing club and promenade. It is in the popular village of Gurnard, a very friendly and welcoming place and somewhere you'll want to come back to time after time. The Ark was renovated to a high standard a few years ago and is full of seaside charm with its coastal theme décor and wooden floors. It is a one bedroom property with en-suite bathroom. Patio doors, accessed from the bedroom, lead onto a large sunny decked area with garden furniture. There is an open planned living/dining and kitchen area with lovely sea views from the sofa, the perfect spot to spend many hours watching boats, the famous Gurnard sunsets and the ever changing seascape. The property has all the modern luxuries and conveniences you would expect from holiday accommodation and bedding and towels are provided. The Ark is close to cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants as well as within very easy reach (by foot and car) of Cowes, the Mecca of world sailing. If you are looking for a quaint but modern cottage, close to amenities yet within a peaceful setting then The Ark is for you. Many of The Ark's guests return each year - the best compliment I could hope for.
The Ark is a lovely coastal cottage, situated next to the beach, sailing club and promenade. It is in the popular village of Gurnard, a very friendly and welcoming place and somewhere you'll want to come back to time after time. The Ark was renovated to a high standard a few years ago and is full of seaside charm with its coastal theme décor and wooden floors. It is a one bedroom property with en-suite bathroom. Patio doors, accessed from the bedroom, lead onto a large sunny decked area with garden furniture. There is an open planned living/dining and kitchen area with lovely sea views from the sofa, the perfect spot to spend many hours watching boats, the famous Gurnard sunsets and the ever changing seascape. The property has all the modern luxuries and conveniences you would expect from holiday accommodation and bedding and towels are provided. The Ark is close to cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants as well as within very easy reach (by foot and car) of Cowes, the Mecca of world sailing. If you are looking for a quaint but modern cottage, close to amenities yet within a peaceful setting then The Ark is for you. Many of The Ark's guests return each year - the best compliment I could hope for.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Have a question?
BetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
The Granary at French Mill: charming cottage set in extensive garden with stream
The Granary at French Mill: charming cottage set in extensive garden with stream
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Pet-friendly
- Free WiFi
9.0 out of 10, (94 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Cowes
Located in Cowes, this holiday home is near the beach. Yarmouth Isle-of-Wight Ferry Terminal and Southampton Cruise Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Gunwharf Quays and WestQuay Shopping Centre. Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Isle of Wight Steam Railway are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as sailing.
Isle of Wight, ENG
What's nearby
- Gurnard Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Royal London Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
- Cowes Harbour - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
- East Cowes Ferry Terminal - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
- Osborne House - 8 min drive - 4.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Fountain Inn - 4 min drive
- Anchor Inn - 4 min drive
- The Garden - 4 min drive
- The Woodvale - 1 min walk
- The Coast Bar & Dining Room - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
John P.
21 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication, location
Brilliant accomodation
John P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ian G.
25 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comments
Ian G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
carol m.
23 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
carol m.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Keith T.
28 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to relax
Keith T.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lauren W.
20 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Escape
Lauren W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ian B.
31 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect bolt hole
Ian B.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Christopher S.
11 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Ark May 2025
Christopher S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Anne H.
5 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
See the sunsets!
Anne H.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Angela N.
7 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our visit to family
Angela N.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Liz J.
17 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property and location
Liz J.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
diane l.
1 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Holiday
diane l.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lowry S.
21 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fab Find!
Lowry S.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth R.
23 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Seaside Gem
Elizabeth R.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Helen G.
10 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet getaway
Helen G.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Maggie K.
1 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super little 'Gem'
Maggie K.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
diane l.
28 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
IOW
diane l.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mark S.
5 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Ark
Mark S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Nicola C.
11 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful homewith sea views
Nicola C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
rob w.
3 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing little gem of a cottage
rob w.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robert K.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy cottage by the sea
Robert K.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Su M.
22 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gurnard is really pleasant
Su M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
David C.
10 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dave Iske of Wight Visit
David C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
diane l.
14 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Ark
diane l.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christine W.
8 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
IOW experience
Christine W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
About the host
Hosted by kate wilson
Hello
I moved to the I.O.W over 25 years ago, the plan had been to only stay a while but there is something about the Island that grabs you and draws you in, which is why people return year after year to holiday here. Although I have now returned 'home' to Surrey, my knowledge of the Island means I am able to answer any questions you may have about the area. I can also provide information about places to go as well as let you into a few local secrets about the best things to see and do. Even though I'm no longer local I am only a phone call away if there are any problems. Also, The Arks neighbour Maria is close by to lend a hand if needed. Whether you end up staying at The Ark or not, please make sure you visit The Island at some point. It is a very special and unique place and I'm sure you will fall for its charm.
I moved to the I.O.W over 25 years ago, the plan had been to only stay a while but there is something about the Island that grabs you and draws you in, which is why people return year after year to holiday here. Although I have now returned 'home' to Surrey, my knowledge of the Island means I am able to answer any questions you may have about the area. I can also provide information about places to go as well as let you into a few local secrets about the best things to see and do. Even though I'm no longer local I am only a phone call away if there are any problems. Also, The Arks neighbour Maria is close by to lend a hand if needed. Whether you end up staying at The Ark or not, please make sure you visit The Island at some point. It is a very special and unique place and I'm sure you will fall for its charm.
Why they chose this property
I have owned The Ark for over10 years. It was pretty much derelict when I bought it and something of an eyesore in a beautiful, quaint place. Rather than demolish and rebuild I decided to restore and modernise the existing building and although frustrating and difficult at times, I am really happy with the result. The positive comments from locals and passers-by have made it all worthwhile.
Yes, The Ark has uneven floors, wonky walls and low ceilings in places. BUT it also has charm, wonderful sea views, light and sunny rooms and quirky charm.
Yes, The Ark has uneven floors, wonky walls and low ceilings in places. BUT it also has charm, wonderful sea views, light and sunny rooms and quirky charm.
What makes this property unique
Gurnard is filled with 'Enid Blyton' charm and famous for its incredible sunsets which you can watch from The Ark's sofa. The locals are very friendly and welcoming and even when Gurnard becomes busy in the summer months, it never feels crowded or commercial. Although small, Gurnard has a convenience store, a wonderful village café, 2 food-serving pubs a newsagent and florist.
From The Ark it is a beautiful, pleasant, flat walk into Cowes, the world famous sailing town, with its variety of independent shops and abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants (There is also an M&S Foodhall and small Sainsburys).
Within a 10 min drive is Newport, the Island's main town and within a 30mins drive are Yarmouth, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor - in fact the whole Island is within easy reach. If you are feeling active then there are numerous beautiful walks and miles of coastal paths and cycle routes to explore (maps can be found at The Ark). To keep the energy levels up there are pubs, tea rooms and restaurants galore - the favourite ones can be found in a folder at The Ark or you can take advice advice from previous guests, all their comments are in the guest book.
From The Ark it is a beautiful, pleasant, flat walk into Cowes, the world famous sailing town, with its variety of independent shops and abundance of bars, cafes and restaurants (There is also an M&S Foodhall and small Sainsburys).
Within a 10 min drive is Newport, the Island's main town and within a 30mins drive are Yarmouth, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor - in fact the whole Island is within easy reach. If you are feeling active then there are numerous beautiful walks and miles of coastal paths and cycle routes to explore (maps can be found at The Ark). To keep the energy levels up there are pubs, tea rooms and restaurants galore - the favourite ones can be found in a folder at The Ark or you can take advice advice from previous guests, all their comments are in the guest book.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback