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Gotten Manor - Chale, Isle of Wight

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Tranquil island retreat

You might not think it from the hordes of day-trippers and family-filled caravans that ferry themselves over there, but the very pretty Isle of Wight – the Isle of Wight away from the seaside resorts – is still something of a hidden gem for weekenders. Scenic, tranquil and always, at the maximum, a short drive away from dramatic cliffs and far-reaching ocean views, it’s a world away from those peppermint-rock-fuelled school trips you might remember.

Gotten Manor is the very embodiment of this tranquility – a beautiful B&B in the farming village of Chale, just a few minutes’ drive from the sea. Nestling beneath the scenic St Catherine’s Down, it is a very old, very English house with amazing views, lovely gardens and luxury B&B touches definitely worth braving the ferry for. The Manor’s romantic bedrooms are light, airy and simply, but stylishly decorated. Huge, rosewood beds, crisp linen and the best duvets and pillows make for the best night’s sleep you’ll have had in ages, while a free-standing bath in each room and fluffy towels to wrap yourself in after you’ve wallowed are the icing on the cake. Candles are on hand for that romantic rendez-vous, while those more interested in their stomachs than their libido will be more than happy with home-made jams and breads and one of the best breakfasts you’ll find in the middle of the English Channel.

Where is it?

The village of Chale is close to the southern tip of the Island and sits just back from the coastline. It’s in an area steeped in history, with tales of smugglers and shipwrecks still a big part of Chale life. It’s a quiet place, popular with walkers who love the bracing sea air and fantastic views that St Catherine’s Down has to offer, and drinkers who love the ale and, well, more ale at Chale’s Wight Mouse Inn (www.innforanight.co.uk Tel: 01983 730431),.

The famous Victorian seaside resort of Ventnor is near enough (about fifteen minutes’ drive) to enjoy its pleasingly-faded glamour, beaches, galleries, restaurants and botanic gardens, but far enough away to avoid the crowds at the height of summer. The Isle of Wight being an island and all, there are plenty of more secluded beaches and bays within spitting distance if you want to be alone. The beach at Chale is attractive and often deserted, but with the sheer cliff behind it, can feel a little cut-off. If you’re into your fossils though, it’s paradise…

If fossils aren’t your bag and you fancy something a bit more exciting, Chale has its own paragliding school, Butterfly Paragliding (www.paraglide.uk.com Tel: 01983 731 611), which offers tandem flights over the south-west corner of the island. A twenty-minute tandem flight costs £65, but they also offer day courses for beginners.

As you’ll notice while you’re zooming overhead under your parachute, the rest of the Island is there to be explored, and is perfectly proportioned to cover its best bits in a weekend. The sailing mecca of Cowes, right at the other side of the island, is just half an hour’s drive from Chale, while getting to the racecourse at Sandown Park (www.sandown.co.uk Tel: 01372 464348) will take you twenty minutes. For the best things to see, do and eat on the island, read The Weekenders Guide to The Isle of Wight.

Where can I eat?

For a really authentic and world-renowned meal by the sea, you should visit The Spyglass Inn (www.thespyglass.com Tel: 01983 855338), at the western end of Ventnor Esplanade. Filled with nautical memorabilia, this pub and restaurant has become something of an Isle of Wight legend, and its uber-fresh seafood menu is one of the reasons why. Ventnor Bay crabs and lobsters are delicious, while the Spyglass fisherman’s pie and Greenslip Mussels are fantastic. Real local ales and daily live musical entertainment make this seafarer’s mecca a must-visit.

For something a little less roudy, the award-winning restaurant at the smart Royal Hotel in Ventnor (www.royalhoteliow.co.uk Tel: 01983 852186) offers sophisticated, but vibrant British dishes, featuring a whole host of local ingredients. A little further afield (but still only 15 minutes from Chale) is the picturesque little village of Bonchurch, and the intimate, yet stylish, Pond Café (www.thepondcafe.com Tel: 01983 855666). Modern, fusion dishes, cooked by talented young chef Luke Borley, are mouth-watering and the lunch and evening menus are equally tempting.

For more places to eat on the island, read The Weekenders Guide to The Isle of Wight.

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Gotten Manor is the very embodiment of island tranquility – a beautiful B&B in the farming village of Chale, just a few minutes’ drive from the sea.