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Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS

Photo gallery for Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS

A view from the garden which enjoys both morning and afternoon sun.
Cliffway enjoying the late afternoon sunshine.
The alongside the house is in sunshine for most of the day (the shade moves).
Totland is renown for its beautiful sunsets  which can be enjoyed from Cliffway.
A late autumn sunset at the Waterfront.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Totland, ENG
  • Colwell Bay Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • The Needles Landmark Attraction
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Yarmouth Isle-of-Wight Ferry Terminal
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.)
    ‪148 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS

OVERVIEW:
Cliffway is the best property of its type in the Totland area & is in a prime location, close to the beach with lovely sea views, & its own large private garden, ideal for people of all ages to explore & enjoy.

Cliffway's peaceful location is ideal for a romantic stay, families, children, the retired and those who are less able, perfect for a three-generation holiday experience.

The property has 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), & an open plan kitchen/living space.

Cliffway is located 10 mins car ride from Yarmouth ferry & 4/5 mins walk from the beach & The Waterfront Restaurant /Bar. A splendid restaurant called 'The Hut' is a short coastal walk away from Cliffway at Colwell Bay. The Bay Café at the landward end of Totland Pier will hopefully be open this summer (tbc). Local shops & coastal walks are all within walking distance.

Cliffway has a large sunny garden, with trees for shade, which provides a great place to relax for all the family.

Totland Bay is a Marine Conservation Society Recommended Beach (MCS Award) & is classified as Excellent by the Environment Agency. It also forms a part of the Needles Marine Protected Area.

The Headon Warren Walk which starts on the Turf Walk was highlighted by the National Trust as one of the UK's 'Walks with a 'WOW Factor'. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a lowland heath covered by a mix of heather/gorse. There are a range of breeding birds on the cliffs. Views of the Solent, the island and mainland are possible from the top of Headon Warren.

THE PROPERTY
Cliffway is a single storey property, refurbished to provide an open plan living with ceiling lighting & timber flooring throughout. The living room has two double glazed doors that open 180 degrees & fasten, almost flat, against the outside wall to give easy access to the garden.

The garden is enclosed by a white timber picket fence at the front & a combination of trees/hedge/fence & gates.

Parking is at the rear or in a lay-by opposite to the property.

The property has a shower room with a low-profile shower, walled fixed shower seat, wash basin & toilet. Heating & hot water are provided by a combi boiler.

There are two bedrooms, one with a king size & single bed, the other room has two single beds. A fold up child's cot is provided.

The covered walkway can be used to provide a safe place to store bicycles, surf boards etc & is a dry, sunny area to hang washing.

The glazed front porch provides space to hang coats & to store wet shoes etc.
Cliffway's unique character lies in its quiet peaceful location, large attractive garden, great beach access & lovely sea views which are ideal for all the family. This is now combined with a modern renovation to give the comforts of home in all seasons.

Cliffway enables you to relax & sunbath in the garden, to sit and gaze at the sea watching the boats pass by or to enjoy a romantic supper sitting in the garden as you watch one of Totland's renowned spectacular sunsets.

In bad weather it is still possible to gaze out, though the full-length double-glazed doors, & enjoy watching the wind, the waves, the ever-changing sky & the turbulent seas & dramatic evening sunsets, whilst keeping a watchful eye for the boats passing by, all from the warmth & comfort of the living room.

Great beach access makes it easy for all the family to enjoy a day on the beach swimming, exploring rock pools, making sandcastles, collecting shells or to try your hand at crabbing, etc before strolling back to Cliffway buckets and nets in hand for tea in the garden.

It’s lovely to enjoy an early morning or evening relaxing stroll along the seafront & so very easy to go for a swim.

Cliffway really offers the opportunity to 'dump' the car and relax.

Catching the ferry has the excitement, just like going abroad only without the passports!

THE LOCAL AREA
Totland has a wide sweeping Bay. The beach is sandy & relatively shallow for a good distance & ideal for younger children. The western end of the bay has plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. The beach can be accessed by car.

Totland has something to offer whatever the season. It is popular with the fisherman who often camp out over night at the far end of the bay & with local water sport enthusiasts who also use nearby Freshwater & Compton Bays.

You can watch the Round the Island Yacht Race (Saturday 7 June 2025) from Totland/Cliffway & in summer passing boats often moor their boats out in the bay for lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant.

For the dinosaur enthusiast the IOW dinosaur fossils were discovered on the coast at nearby Compton Bay & Brighstone Bay.

Cliffway provides an ideal base from which to explore West Wight & enjoy some of the UK's most spectacular & dramatic coastline. This can be enjoyed by foot, with a pram, with a wheelchair, as a cyclist or on the Island Coaster, the round the island, open top bus.

BY FOOT:
The IOW boasts a 68-mile-long coastal path that circles the island & connects to footpaths that cross the island. The Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay section runs along the Totland Bay waterfront (or can be joined from the Turf Walk) & heads over Headon Warren, to the coloured sands of Alum Bay & the Needles Old Battery (past the old rocket station/museum), before heading along Tennyson Down, past Tennyson's Monument, to Freshwater Bay where the path continues to Chale.

The coastal path connects with Colwell Bay & Yarmouth in the other direction.
A footpath also connects Freshwater to Yarmouth along the River Yar.

The Freshwater to Yarmouth cycle path provides a walk on the disused railway line, alongside the River Yar & has a café/restaurant at either end in the old railway station.

DISABLED /PRAM ACCESS:
Totland can be enjoyed by those who are less able to walk or who may rely on a wheelchair. The bay can be accessed by car with parking along the waterfront (including disabled bays).

The waterfront walkway runs from Totland Bay to Colwell Bay &, I understand, provides an unusual opportunity for someone who uses a wheelchair to experience the sea, close at hand at high tide. Unfortunately, a small section has been interrupted by a recent landslide which may have blocked the route this summer.

BY BUS:
The 'Island Coaster' provides around the island bus route which you can hop on & off as you wish. The 'Needles Breezer' offers a fun local ride.

CYCLISTS:
The island is popular with cyclists & it stages the Isle of Wight Randonnee (Sunday 4 May 25). The Lonely Planet apparently described the route as the best place in the world to cycle. The route can be followed all year as key junctions are marked. The Freshwater/Yarmouth cycle path is nearby.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS
The Waterfront Restaurant/Bar is located on the Totland seafront which serves a range of good dishes including Greek Kleftiko & fish.

'The Hut' is located on the seafront, at Colwell Bay & has a growing reputation for great seafood among other dishes. The restaurant has been used by James Martin as a part of his television programmes. Meals are served outside and inside (book in advance). Both are within easy walking distance of Cliffway or can be driven to if need be.

Historic Yarmouth has a lovely selection of restaurants & old hostelries plus 'On the Rocks' a steak/fish restaurant, The George Hotel, & another restaurant which overlooks the ferry/marina.

Nearby pubs include the well-known 'Highdown Inn' just below Tennysons Down & 'The Red Lion' at Freshwater. The Bugle Inn in Yarmouth has started to serve breakfasts at 8,30am.

Cliffway & Totland Bay offer an ideal base for a restful holiday or weekend break away from it all, whatever the season, no matter the weather. It is an ideal place to enjoy the seaside air & an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs!


'CLIFFWAY'
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)
To comply with General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’) that comes into effect on 25 May 2018 we need to confirm that you would like to receive content from us. We must also demonstrate we have your consent to store your data, which includes your name, phone number, email address and/or home address (as preferred).
Our Policy:
a) In order for us to retain that information we will need your written consent. For future holiday bookings a consent form is likely to be required at the time of an initial enquiry (when you may wish to hear from us for information/availability at other times) or on completion of a stay once the deposit has been returned.
b) We will not retain your personal details after your initial enquiry or holiday unless you have provided written consent. We will retain your personal information, provided by yourself, in order to confirm a booking. We will not retain your personal details once the holiday is completed and the deposit returned unless you provide written consent.
c) Data we receive from you as a result of your interest in our business is stored securely and password protected.
d) We do not share your personal details with third parties.
e) We do not ask for your bank details until after your holiday when we wish to return the security deposit. In circumstances where:
• Payment is made online we will delete your bank information from our records, however, proof of payment is kept should there be a query.
• Payment is made by cheque we will not have access to your bank details.
f) You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
g) Information we receive from you will be kept for a maximum of six years for accounting purposes only.

Property manager

Katharine Gillings

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Ideal for children Travel cot. Enclosed garden
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Events

No events allowed
Only with prior agreement with owner
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking or e-cigarettes etc.
We are establishing our COVID19 cleaning policy & ask that guests work with us to ensure that the property is kept as clean as possible for all guests
Booking form and agreement must be signed as a condition of booking. Please contact Katharine for details

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
Note from host: Only with prior agreement with owner
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Totland Bay

Located in Totland Bay, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Yarmouth Isle-of-Wight Ferry Terminal and Lymington Pier Ferry Port are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore New Forest National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider The Needles Landmark Attraction and Lymington Sea Water Baths. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Totland, ENG

What's nearby

  • Totland Bay Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Colwell Bay Beach - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • The Needles Landmark Attraction - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Yarmouth Isle-of-Wight Ferry Terminal - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Alum Bay Beach - 12 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Yarmouth Station - 6 min drive
  • Bournemouth (BOH-Bournemouth Intl.) - 148 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪End of the Line Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Highdown Inn - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Smugglers Inn - ‬54 min drive
  • ‪Yarmouth Harbour - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Off the Rails - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cliffway, peaceful, own garden, SEAVIEWS, 5min walk/beach, SHORT BREAKS located?

This family-friendly Totland Bay cottage is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Totland Bay Beach and Colwell Bay Beach. Tennyson Down and Golden Hill Fort Country Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Totland & Cliffway
Great Location, easy to find, local pubs/restaurants all good especially the three along the promenade (Bay, Waterfront and Hut), need to book well ahead in summer months. We found West IOW to be the most scenic, ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth then a 10 minute drive to property. House was clean, bit dated not that it affected our stay. Communication with Katharine was excellent, no hesitation in recommending.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideally located
We enjoyed a relaxing week at this ideally located bungalow, with views of the sea. The area is quiet and there are two seafront restaurants within a few minutes walk. The sunsets were lovely too.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
Lovely property, everything needed, just perfect. Loved my stay and hope to return.
Stayed 20 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquility
We had a wonderful stay in this fantastic property. Everything we needed was provided and more. How good it was on arrival to be able to sit and relax in the garden looking at the sea. The Dining area also overlooked the sea so breakfast time was a pleasure. The beds were so comfortable and we all left feeling sad to leave but totally relaxed.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet spot a short walk from the beach.
Cliffway is an ideal base for an IOW holiday. We hope to return before long. Highly recommended.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Edward P., Sevenoaks

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and property
We had a great time here given the close proximity to the beach and gorgeous sunsets. The property was clean and well equipped, with the owner responsive and helpful. Look forward to another stay next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elena Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
It was our first trip to the Isle of Wight. We all enjoyed very much our stay at Cliffway. Very lovely cottage with sea view visible just from the garden. The garden is big and beautiful with a lovely sitting place. Excelent location. Close to the beach and at the same time it is a very quiet place. Just short drive to the Needles, Freshwater Cliff, nice sandy beach at Compton bay. We will definitely come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emma I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely location
Had a great stay at Cliffway, nice views and quiet. Property clean, beds comfy. Fantastic location for getting to the beach especially with toddler.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great break
We had a lovely time on the IOW Cliffway was the perfect place to stay a great place to stay made even better by the great sea views
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Jean R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great for mobility impaired
Four adults over 65 years of age and 2 with mobility issues. Great location for the beach, swimming and walks. Big garden, lovely sitting outside. Fully equipped kitchen, like being at home. Comfy beds, nice shower, will visit again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ros B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family property and location
Great stay, so close to the beach, lovely garden and space.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frances H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable week in Totland Bay
We all enjoyed our week at Cliffway. The garden is lovely and there are views of the sea and beautiful sunsets. The accommodation is well equipped with a good shower and comfortable beds. The position of the property is convenient for two very good restaurants which are within walking distance. The ferry is a 10 minute drive and there are some very scenic drives close by. The hidden gem of Mottistone Gardens is a 15 minute drive away. The owner, Katharine was considerate and accommodating and was easy to contact.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Four day April break by the seaside
A delightful cottage with a view towards the sunsets at Totland bay. Very clean and comfortable and warm, with a modern kitchen and bathroom and a spacious lounge area. A pleasant mature garden on a quiet road with nearby shops. Short walk down to the beach and good Waterfront cafe and pleasant walks from the house along the coast and towards Alum Bay. Convenient street parking by house.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable home in stunning location
I recently returned to Cliffway with my partner having enjoyed a stay around the same time last year with my mother. The house is in a perfect spot to pop down to the beach & you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets without leaving your sofa! We enjoyed many of the local walks around Headon Warren and Tennyson downs and can highly recommend eating at the Waterfront and the Highdown Inn. Would most certainly return.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Richard J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely bungalow
Very clean and had everything you needed. Close proximity to the beach which was great for star gazing if you don’t like to venture too far.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
5* holiday rental with seaviews from the windows.
Cliffway is very comfortable, clean, spacious home from home with modern kitchen/appliances and just 5 minutes walk from the sea and good eating places. Hope to be back soon.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Teresa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
This was a home away from home property, fully stocked with everything you could possibly need and with beautiful views of the solent. Katherine had left us a little tipple and some treats for out arrival, much to the children's delight (and mine). And there is a local shop not more than 1 minute from the property for everything else (it is a bit pricey but did until our asda delivery got there). Location was perfect for us, (even though it was on the quieter side if the island) with everything so assessable by car. Tapnell farm park is a must for kids under 10 or for adults of 49 as my husband enjoyed the giant pillows more than the kids I think. There was so much to do on the island we were spoilt for choice. The needles was a packed day doing a lot of firsts for our family....chair lift, fast boat around the needles etc and recommended if you havent been...I had, but it was better second time around, as I enjoyed the kids faces and got pulled along with the excitement. Husband had to work one day but that didnt faze us, kids spent the day in and out of the beautiful garden, then we took a short stroll down to the beach for ice cream and a little rosė at the waterfront to watch the amazing sunset. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will be back....thanks
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Barbara R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful short stay at Cliffway
We spent the most wonderful short stay at Cliffway which had everything that we needed. The house was spotless and is in a very good location for access to the beach. All our needs were met in every way.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Weronika M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay in wonderful location
We had an absolutely lovely time at the property. Totland is so scenic. The house is a stone's throw from the beach and a couple of restaurants & a shop. There is a fantastic large garden for the kids to play in, lovely views of the setting sun from the living room. A sandy beach (with another restaurant) a lovely 15min walk away. Katharine is a great and super helpful host. The kitchen is very well equipped (even a blender!). There is so much to do in IOW with the kids even if the weather is not perfect. Very much recommend.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect getaway
We had a lovely break at Cliffway. We used it as a base to work from and made good use of the spot getting lots of cycling, running and walking in as well as lunch at “Off the Rails” (beautiful and book well in advance), breakfast, lunch and Dinner at Totland pier (brilliant in every way) and Yarmouth quite a bit for dinner at the Terrace (great in the evening). A perfect getaway! Thank you Katharine
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning location
Perfect for a getaway in beautiful surroundings with a view of the sea from the garden. It's in an ideal location with walks on the doorstop and Totland itself is a charming village with a couple of supermarkets complemented by local shops and produce. The house was well-equipped throughout and beds comfortable with good quality linens. Good wifi connection so perfect for combining work with days out. The house could do with some TLC eg a good coat of paint, new deckchairs etc but I'm sure covid has played a part here. Katherine responded to all queries very promptly and provided some great suggestions for local walks and places to eat which enhanced our stay. I would certainly recommend to book.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Zoé B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Autumn break in Totland bay
I spent a wonderful cosy week in Cliffway house thanks to Katharine. It was our first time, me and my children, on the isle of Wight and I was amazed to discover this wonderful island far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Totland Bay is definitively the right place to stay: only a short walk from the Needles the major attraction of the island (wonderful white cliffs) and most of all, it benefits from the Sunsets (Western coast). I have come back home with amazing colourful pictures, the weather was excellent, even late October, I truly recommend this place ! Zoé
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Norbert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet spot on Isle of Wight
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Cliffway Totland. Place was clean and spacious. Easy access to public transportation and to basic groceries. Would recommend it anytime Norbert Manger
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Avi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful holiday.
We had a wonderful stay in Totland and enjoyed Cliffway which has all the amenities we needed. The location of the property is fantastic with the sea view and beautiful sunsets. Totland Bay is literally a couple of minutes walk away. We were also very happy with the owners communication throughout. We are very happy to recommend this property.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

david w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family holiday.
My family had a lovely time at Cliffway, my little boy loved running around the garden, the cottage was very pleasant never to hot or cold given how hot and cold it got from day to night. The water front bar was really nice, good food friendly service and very close by. Off road parking made things very easy, given how busy the road gets in the day. You have a well stocked kitchen so very easy to eat in. The fresh flowers was a nice touch. Couldnt find the cake everyone kept talking about though in the comments book lol. Cant fault the place had a great time, wife wants to come again next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Katharine Gillings

Host profile image
My name is Katharine. I am a Landscape Architect. I run my own business cHOROS Landscape Architects. I also design and make my own handmade ceramics and glass which is on display at www.katharinegillings.com.

The Isle of Wight is an island of great diversity and dramatic landscapes with lots to do for all ages. I would like to be able to share this with others who may also come to appreciate the island and experience 'Cliffways' magic.



Why they chose this property

My family has been enjoying Totland since the early 1960’s.
'Cliffway' was owned by my Uncle and Aunt who ran a private hotel on the ‘Turf Walk’ called Northfield. We stayed regularly at Northfield & my sister & I have many happy childhood memories at Totland. We used to run down to the beach to swim, make sand castles & then walk back, wrapped in a towel, to get washed & changed ready to enjoy afternoon tea on the timber veranda. It was an idyllic childhood holiday.

When my Uncle and Aunt retired they bought 'Cliffway' and the same scenario continued. We celebrated my father's 50th birthday sitting in the garden at 'Cliffway' enjoying tea & making paper kites. We tested them on the waste ground opposite (now apartments) then returned to the garden to make adjustments. It was always a happy, relaxed place.
My 2 year niece enjoyed her first experience of the sea at Totland, playing in the shallow pools left on the sand at low tide. Twenty years later, my two nieces love staying at Cliffway with their friends.

Later, my now elderly mother loved returning to Totland. We used to park in the bay and watch the boats go by or the sailing ships moor in the the bay for lunch in the summer. Alternatively, I pushed her wheelchair along the water front walkway to Colwell Bay or we sat on the Turf Walk and looked out to sea. She also enjoyed being driven along the coast to the Compton Bay National Trust car park where we parked and watched the changing sky and sea as the waves crashed on the beach. Her best enjoyment was watching the people on the beach and the wind and kite surfers surfers. She especially enjoyed it when they fell off!!

The coastline along the Military Road is also used for paragliding and the sails are particularly colourful as they fly over the cliffs.

Over the many years ‘Cliffway’ has given us all the opportunity to escape and enjoy the sea air and we have tried to make it as comfortable and practical as possible.

What makes this property unique

'Cliffway' is located in a peaceful area, very close to the beach with lovely sea views, close to two very good seafront restaurants & local facilities and ideally placed to enjoy West Wight.

It seems the relaxed atmosphere that invades the house and garden weaves a magic spell on those who stay. The number of times I have arrived stressed out and tired only to be welcomed by the sea air and 'Cliffways' homely character.
Truly it doesn't matter if the weather is bright and sunny or blowing a gale there is a lot to see and hear safe and snug inside.

'Cliffway' provides an ideal base from which to enjoy some of the country's most spectacular and dramatic coastline. Its easy to enjoy this from a car driving along the Military Road where you can see the dramatic white cliffs and rolling gorse covered landscape.
Alternatively, its possible to walk from Totland over Headon Warren to Alum Bay and the Needles Old Battery along Tennyson Down to Freshwater or along the coastal path.
'Cliffway' is ideally situated to take advantage of:
1) West Wight and the sporting opportunities the island provides. If its calm in Totland its usually blowing a gale in Freshwater and visa versa. If you sit in the National Trust car park along the Military road during the week you are likely to see the local windsurfing club drive up in their van to enjoy the beach.
2) the beach. My young niece adored the beach and sea when she saw it for the first time at Totland and can remember the flowers in the garden.
3) 'Cliffway' provided a safe haven for my mother all through her ten years of poor health. She loved it. Our postman took his mother in law who needed a wheelchair to get about outside and she loved being able to be so close to the sea along the promenade.
4) I've taken friends down initially to help with the building works and at times since and we've enjoyed evening swims, garden lunches/suppers watching the sunset and sat in the garden watching the Wimbledon Final one year.

Languages:

English