You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10
Book your Summer break at Cliffhanger. This fabulous holiday home is the perfect destination. Stunning scenery, wonderful coastal walks, and plenty of outdoor activities. Great reductions for June and July, as well as car ferry discounts.
Set in the heart of Cowes, this elegant Georgian townhouse is just minutes from the seafront, shops and restaurants, and offers comfortable accommodation for families, friends, or a corporate event.
Check out the amazing sea views from the roof terrace!
Look out over the sea, and enjoy the amazing location. Explore the beautiful coastline and countryside of the Isle of Wight. Minutes from a great choice of eateries, pubs and shops, along with the high speed Red Jet ferry from Southampton. No need for a car, just jump on the Red Jet, and Cliffhanger is a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal.
This fabulous accommodation in the heart of Cowes, is set over a ground and four upper floors. Cliffhanger provides a comfortable and relaxing space for families and friends, or the perfect backdrop for a corporate event. The stunning staircase, leading to the roof terrace, offers magnificent views over the Solent, and surrounding area.
For a video of the house and more information, please visit our website: www.cliffhangercowes.
This elegant accommodation, which combines a mix of period and contemporary style, is arranged over a ground and 4 upper floors, connected by a magnificent spiral staircase.
A 42" HD digital LED TV with Freeview and Netflix channels, and DVD player, is fitted in the patio room. A similar 38" TV is fitted in the dining room, and a 32" model in the kitchen/dining room. Fibre optic BT Infinity broadband and wi-fi is available throughout the house.
The spacious entrance reception area is perfect for entertaining, and leads to a lovely lounge, with seating for 10, and access to the rear walled, west facing patio, which boasts a gas bbq, and comfortable rattan sofas and armchairs, for chilling with a glass of wine.
The formal dining room on the first floor has a beautiful period fireplace, wooden floors, and a contemporary style glass dining table, with chrome base, and seating for 10.
The well planned and fully equipped family kitchen has ample workspace for extensive cooking, and seating for 8, and has a separate washroom and WC
The 5 double bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, and can be arranged with either king size double, twin single beds or, a mix of both. Quality linen and bath towels are provided, along with fitted wardrobes, with ample storage space.
The 3 fully tiled en-suite shower rooms have large vanity mirrors, lighting and shaver points. The massive family bathroom has a roll top bath, separate shower and twin hand basins, and shares the same landing as bedroom 3, offering private use, if preferred.
Bedroom 3, the master bedroom, has a private balcony, for taking coffee or a glass of wine, and enjoying the awe-inspiring views of Cowes Harbour, and the Solent.
Outside, the vehicle hardstand has parking for one car, and free parking for up to 3 additional cars available on request. Secure cycle storage is also available
The top floor landing has a 'ship's ladder' leading to a roof lobby and the 'crow's nest' roof terrace. The terrace provides spectacular views over the Solent to the mainland, and is a great vantage point for spotting passing ships.
At the rear of the property, the attractive west-facing walled patio comes with comfortable rattan sofas, armchairs, and a gas barbecue. Perfect for relaxing "al fresco" with coffee, drinks, or dining with family and friends.
18 Castle Road enjoys a superb position in a quiet location overlooking the town of Cowes. The Red Jet high speed passenger ferry, sea front, shops, restaurants and marina are all just a few minutes' walk away. Cliffhanger is the ideal base for holiday makers, yachtsmen or corporate guests. It's prime position close to the seafront offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy year-round activity in the harbour and Solent, with unrivalled views of cruise liners and other shipping as they pass Cowes. The yacht marina and famous yacht clubs, such as the Royal Yacht Squadron and Royal Ocean Racing Club, are a short walk away.
Osborne House, home to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, is open all year round in East Cowes. Carisbrooke Castle, where Charles I was imprisoned, is outside Newport, the capital of the island.
For nature lovers, New Town Creek Nature Reserve and the surrounding coastal walks offer visitors the chance to see many different birds and insect species. Further afield, there is the monastery of Quarr Abbey; the Garlic Farm, known for its garlic remedies; Yarmouth Castle, built by Henry VII to protect the Solent against the French and the Needles Battery, built in the mid 18th century.
A car is not necessary if staying in Cowes, as car and cycle hire are available in the town to visit other parts of the Island.
At any time of the year Cliffhanger offers an ideal destination. Guests can enjoy year-round sailing, mountain biking, golf, walking, country sports and other recreational pursuits.
This charming period house is immaculate. The bathrooms and kitchen are of a very high standard and luxury carpets are fitted throughout, except for the ground floor, which is tiled, with under-floor heating. The kitchen is also tiled with under-floor heating and kitchen units, appliances and oak worktops. The elderly, infirm and children are all most welcome but, as the accommodation is over 5 floors and the rear patio is terraced, we ask visitors to sign a disclaimer.
Pets are welcome too, providing they are kept on the ground floor and kitchen. Dogs can be exercised in Northwood Park, where there are also tennis courts, a children's play area, and magnificent Turkey Oak trees. Northwood Park with its tennis courts and children's playground, is at the back of the house, together with Northwood House which is a popular wedding venue and holds concerts and fairs throughout the year. The high speed ferry, yacht marina, boutique shops and excellent choice of restaurants are all close by.
Property manager
Chris Torrens
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Limited on-site parking (max 1 space)
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Netflix
Smart TV
Streaming services
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Rooftop terrace
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
3 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the marina
Near the ocean
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Optional golf privileges
Tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
3 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Cowes, Isle of Wight
What's nearby
RedJet Ferry Terminal - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Cowes Yacht Haven - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Cowes Harbour - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
East Cowes Ferry Terminal - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
Osborne House - 6 min drive - 3.4 km
Getting around
West Cowes Ferry Station - 5 min walk
Southampton (SOU) - 111 min drive
Restaurants
The Anchor Inn - 6 min walk
Fountain Inn - 5 min walk
Harbour Kitchen - 5 min walk
The Basque Kitchen - 11 min walk
The Coast Bar & Dining Room - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10?
As of 29 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10 on 30 Jun 2025 start from NZ$2,249.27, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10 located?
Located in Cowes, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 10-minute walk of RedJet Ferry Terminal, Cowes Yacht Haven and Cowes Harbour. East Cowes Ferry Terminal and Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also within 2 miles (3 km). West Cowes Ferry Station is 5 minutes by foot.
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Cliffhanger, Cowes. Stunning period property with fabulous sea views, sleeps 10 Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 65 reviews
10 - Excellent
57
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 65 reviews
8 - Good
7
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 65 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10
Fully equipped and well looked after. Thank you
Jen T.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10
Really great central place to stay with sea views and amenities all in walking distance.
Patrick H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10
Clean and well presented property, brilliant location very close to the centre of Cowes
Callum R.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10
Everything was fantastic , great property, great location , great pubs very friendly vibe. Perfect break away
Phillippa L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
10/10
Chris was extremely helpful and very communicative. We all had a lovely stay and enjoyed touring the Isle of Wight from this charming base.
emma g.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
8/10
Wonderful stay in Cowes! Perfectly located, clean home. Lots of stairs!! But the view at the top is worth it.
Allie C.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018
10/10
A beautiful property that is very well equipped, warm, comfortable and a very spacious, based in a lovely part of the Island.
High attention to small details throughout and a nice welcome with flowers
Vanessa J.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10
I booked Cliffhanger for week to spend some downtime with some close friends, and the house was perfect ! Its position and views are just superb , and dealing with Chris was a pleasure . We will definitely return some time soon.
Martin K.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018
10/10
Gt house with brilliant central heating which we needed as the temperature outside was freezing. Everything was just as the brochure describes. It was lovely to arrive to a big bunch of flowers on the kitchen table and a big tin of chocolate biscuits.
Helen B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10
We were a group of 8 mums who came to stay for the weekend. The house was even lovelier in real life than in the photos. The instructions for parking, access and general info were perfectly clear. The house was very clean and of a high standard. It is in a brilliant location and we really enjoyed being able to walk around a lot without ever being far from the house.
We had a very nice lunch at a local restaurant called The Coast. Excellent food and service.
All in all, a brilliant stay.
Sarah P.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
10/10
We only stayed for 1 night, for my daughter's hen do. The property was amazing , the whole group was in awe of how beautiful this house was. The only thing i would say is that there was no hoover or broom to be found as we all like to leave the property as clean and tidy, so we just compromised and used cellotape on the cream carpets, that was on the stairs and the bedrooms.
Kim W.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10
We stayed here for a family break - 5 couples ranging in age from 23 to 83. We all loved it. The location is perfect with the buzzing centre of Cowes a 5 minute walk in one direction and a tranquil park, with tennis courts, just 5 minutes in the other direction. Views from the top bedroom and from the roof terrace are probably the best anywhere in Cowes. We didn't even need to get out of bed to see stunning views all across the Solent .
The house was beautiful , just a pleasure to be in, well equipped, very comfortable. It was great to have a dining table to seat all ten of us.
The perfect base for a stay on the Island
Ingrid E.
10/10
Excellently equipped. Appreciated the number of ensuite/ shower facilities. Also a choice of areas to sit and relax. Even board games and jigsaw puzzles were available to use.
It was nice to be able to walk to the centre of the town for shopping and also to the sea front. We probably would have taken advantage of the barbecue facilities provided, had it been a warmer time of year.
Car parking for a second vehicle was arranged in the street with a provided permit. Spaces were limited and although we did not have too much of a problem, we did wonder if there would be issues during the summer season.
The whole family had a great holiday and we would certainly be very happy to return to the property should we return to the IOW in the future.
Thank you for helping to make our holiday so memorable.
Maureen M.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10
As a group of friends and a well behaved dog, we had a fantastic long weekend at Cliffhanger in March. The property is stunning with a magnificent winding staircase leading all the way up to the roof terrace, where the views over Cowes and the Solent are fantastic. The owner Chris was very easy to deal with and immediately sorted a minor hiccup following our arrival. The bedrooms can be set up with either twins or doubles, which is very convenient and the kitchen wants for nothing.
I can imagine the property is in high demand through the summer months, with its location giving a great view of the sailing yachts and larger ships entering and leaving Southampton. Guess the length and tonnage was a great game to play sitting on the terrace or balcony.
Just one enhancement, might be the introduction of wifi boosters to the top and bottom floors. A simple fix, which would support streaming to the lounge tv and browsing on the roof terrace, searching for the name of the passing ships.
We would highly recommend Cliffhanger and may well return in the near future.
Martin P.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017
10/10
Perfect property for our family holiday
Hannah B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
10/10
Perfect location. All lovely sized bedrooms. Nobody felt they were left with the small room.
Nice touches with the flowers and biscuits.
Many different communal rooms large enough for a big group.
We all had such a fun trip
Kayley G.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
10/10
Perfect location and property for large family get together
Richard P.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
10/10
The house was perfect for our short stay with family and friends. It had everything we needed and was warm and comfortable - a big plus as our stay was in January. It is a short walk from the shops, restaurants and sea front. I would definitely return if the opportunity arises.
Clare A.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
10/10
Beautiful Home, full of plenty away from home comforts. You could literally just arrive and all you would need is food. Flowers on arrival with fresh milk and tea are all a lovely touch. Unique property with everything on various floors, but plenty of bathrooms (en suites) and smart TV's. Really enjoyed our stay. Communication was fluid and check-in is a breeze.
Marc H.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022
10/10
Sometimes the pictures on the website give an inaccurate impression but this is a gorgeous town house in a very central location. The host, Chris couldn’t have been helpful
Miranda W.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021
10/10
I recently stayed at Cliffhanger with friends for the weekend and loved the house. It was clean, spacious, had all the essentials and a great location in Cowes with a beautiful view from the roof terrace. Before our stay the owner Chris was super helpful with local recommendations for food, taxis and adventures. I would highly recommend Cliffhanger if you’re looking for a place to stay in Cowes.
Camilla H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
10/10
Absolutely Fabulous Holiday Home & so close to the village with great shops, bars & eateries. The beach is just 5 minutes walk, we went for a swim almost every morning. The house has oodles of character and plenty of space for large groups, a gorgeous dining room seating 10, appliances including a dishwasher. Great views from the crows nest and main bedroom balcony. Sit out first thing with a coffee and watch the boats... So relaxing, we would highly recommend. Our best bits were; a visit to Osborne House & Gardens, plus a first class afternoon tea experience on the Steam Train. Thank you Mark, Julie, Brenda, Jackie, Alastair, Isabelle & Wilson x
Mark L.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
10/10
We were traveling with a large group of friends (10) looking to explore the island and spend some private time together. Chris' property offered a fantastic mix of indoor / outdoor living space, closely situated to Cowes highstreet and a short drive from Fishbourne should you need to take a car on the ferry. He even through in resident parking tickets for our second vehicle.
Wonderful weekend.
Edwin E.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
6/10
Major renovations are underway at the next door property. Such a shame that we weren’t told until the day before check in. The landlord of Cliffhanger is a gracious and polite gentleman however the 8am crew of builders on an adjoining terrace house, 4 storeys in the air with colourful and noisy banter wasn’t the best thing to wake up to. The drilling, hammering, and general noise from a big team of builders meant that we could not enjoy the stay. This was every day from 8am, certainly not the relaxing start to the day we had envisaged.
The house is in a good spot, it’s a big house but the toothpaste marks in bathrooms and lack of attention with some basic details left us slightly underwhelmed.
I do feel that the landlord should disclaim the substantial renovations being carried out on the adjoining terraced property in the clearest possible way at the initial booking stage.
rob a.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
10/10
House is really nice, in a great location for central Cowes. Well furnished, tidy and good size rooms. Suburb views from the roof terrace. Lots of stairs and slightly non-toddler friendly are the only drawbacks.