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9 Best Isle of Wight Airbnb Holiday Rental Properties - 2024
Airbnb began as a way of renting out your spare room for a couple of nights for a bit of cash. It's since grown into a huge property website with loads of unusual places to stay for Isle of Wight holidaymakers. You'll often be shown round by the owner who will offer a fascinating insight/bore you senseless with their enthusiasm for the Isle of Wight's glorious beaches, festivals, historic sites and attractions.
We've picked out nine of the best Airbnb properties on the Isle of Wight including a yurt, a treehouse, a safari tent, a thatched cottage, a yacht, a triangular house and a 1950s caravan.
We've also chosen some non-Airbnb alternatives that offer similar things.
It's worth realising that the Airbnb price is not always the cheapest price available for a holiday property - some holiday cottage owners pass on the Airbnb fees to the booker. However, booking with Airbnb does give some extra protection.
We've picked out nine of the best Airbnb properties on the Isle of Wight including a yurt, a treehouse, a safari tent, a thatched cottage, a yacht, a triangular house and a 1950s caravan.
We've also chosen some non-Airbnb alternatives that offer similar things.
It's worth realising that the Airbnb price is not always the cheapest price available for a holiday property - some holiday cottage owners pass on the Airbnb fees to the booker. However, booking with Airbnb does give some extra protection.
1. A modulog near Freshwater (sleeps 6)
We've cheated a bit with this one, which is an Airbnb property for rent at Tapnell Farm. It is a modulog, which are semi-circle shaped properties that sleep six people.
They've got hot tubs, log burners and most importantly of all - Wi-Fi (I reckon teenagers are more likely to complain if they don't have Wi-Fi than if they are cold).
They look pretty small from the outside but they're very well laid out so you won't be falling over each other.
They've got hot tubs, log burners and most importantly of all - Wi-Fi (I reckon teenagers are more likely to complain if they don't have Wi-Fi than if they are cold).
They look pretty small from the outside but they're very well laid out so you won't be falling over each other.
This 'modulog' has a wood-fired hot tub...and wifi
IF YOU LIKE THAT, YOU MIGHT LIKE Buttercup Barn Retreats
Similar rustic huts with hot tubs are also available near to Wootton Bridge at a place called Buttercup Barn Retreat. They are called Olive and Bay and they sleep two people each.
Buttercup Barn Retreats also come complete with hot tubs
2. A twee thatched cottage in Freshwater (sleeps 11)
This 17th century thatched cottage is in Afton, near where the Isle of Wight's famous 1970 pop festival was held. Thankfully the walls were thick enough to survive the thundering sound of Jimi Hendrix.
It sleeps up to 11 people and has an open fire.
The West Wight is the quieter side of the Island. It's better for those who fancy countryside walks or exploring unspoilt beaches, but it's less convenient for people who want to spend the whole week losing money in the amusement arcades of Shanklin.
Back in 2010, it was included in a Guardian guide to the best country houses for a winter holiday.
You can also book this one direct via their website.
It sleeps up to 11 people and has an open fire.
The West Wight is the quieter side of the Island. It's better for those who fancy countryside walks or exploring unspoilt beaches, but it's less convenient for people who want to spend the whole week losing money in the amusement arcades of Shanklin.
Back in 2010, it was included in a Guardian guide to the best country houses for a winter holiday.
You can also book this one direct via their website.
This twee cottage is in the sleepy West Wight...
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...and it has a proper open fire if you're visiting in winter
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If you like that, you might like Poplars Cottage
The Poplar's Cottage is on the other side of the Island to Little Thatch, in a nice spot overlooking St Helen's village green. There are some lovely beaches on that side of the Isle of Wight including Priory Bay. It's gloriously sandy and is backed by a woodland, which is the grounds of a (currently closed) hotel.
It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and you can also bring a couple of dogs.
It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and you can also bring a couple of dogs.
The Poplars Cottage is a pretty thatched self catering property for a smaller group
3. A Treehouse in Wootton (sleeps 4-6)
The 'treehouse' I built in our garden involved hammering a plank of wood onto a branch about two metres off the ground.
This treehouse in Wootton (nearish to Ryde) is a more impressive effort with a double bed, two bunk beds and a futon. I'd say it's more 'amongst trees' than right at the top, but we'll forgive them for that as it does look pretty cool.
There is no TV, so you might have to talk to each other in the evening.
Wootton is in the North Eastern part of the Island and is only a short drive from the car ferries that leave from Portsmouth and Southampton.
The same owners have also got a six-person place called The Shepherd's Hideaway and a two bedroom treehouse called The Nest, which is more of a romantic-glass-of-wine-round-the-log-burner kind of place.
You can also book Into The Woods direct.
This treehouse in Wootton (nearish to Ryde) is a more impressive effort with a double bed, two bunk beds and a futon. I'd say it's more 'amongst trees' than right at the top, but we'll forgive them for that as it does look pretty cool.
There is no TV, so you might have to talk to each other in the evening.
Wootton is in the North Eastern part of the Island and is only a short drive from the car ferries that leave from Portsmouth and Southampton.
The same owners have also got a six-person place called The Shepherd's Hideaway and a two bedroom treehouse called The Nest, which is more of a romantic-glass-of-wine-round-the-log-burner kind of place.
You can also book Into The Woods direct.
This modern treehouse has a log burner, kitchen...
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...and an actual working shower
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If you like that, you might like Woodside Bay Coastal Retreat
There's also treehouse accommodation at Woodside Bay Coastal Retreat, which comes complete with hot tubs and a beachside location.
It's part of a larger resort with lodges but the treehouses are in a secluded part of the site.
It's part of a larger resort with lodges but the treehouses are in a secluded part of the site.
Woodside Bay Coastal Retreat also has treehouses for hire
4. A Potting Shed in Ventnor Botanic Gardens (sleeps 2 or 6)
Ventnor Botanic Gardens is an Isle of Wight oddity that manages to grow plants that belong in South Africa and the Canary Islands despite being in England. You can live amongst the plants by staying in one of their onsite Airbnb properties.
The unusual option is this potting shed, which sleeps two or there is Signal Point Cottage, which sleeps six or a cosy cabin.
For those who don't know the Island, Ventnor is at the southern point so it's a mind-blowing 30 minutes' drive from the ferry at Fishbourne. That may not sound like a lot but I grew up thinking that a drive of more than 20 minutes shouldn't be attempted without putting a shovel and a blanket in the boot.
You can also book the Potting Shed directly with Ventnor Botanics.
The unusual option is this potting shed, which sleeps two or there is Signal Point Cottage, which sleeps six or a cosy cabin.
For those who don't know the Island, Ventnor is at the southern point so it's a mind-blowing 30 minutes' drive from the ferry at Fishbourne. That may not sound like a lot but I grew up thinking that a drive of more than 20 minutes shouldn't be attempted without putting a shovel and a blanket in the boot.
You can also book the Potting Shed directly with Ventnor Botanics.
Ventnor Botanic Gardens is a good choice for gardeners...
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...and the onsite accommodation gets good reviews
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5. A Yacht in Cowes (sleeps 7)
My only Isle of Wight yachting experience involved six hours of unbearable nausea whilst racing round the Island. In hindsight, eating a Mars Bar for breakfast was a mistake.
If yachts don't give you such flashbacks (Ed: flushbacks, surely?) then you might like to stay onboard this vessel, which is moored in Cowes. It sleeps up to seven people, although I'd say you might be a bit comfier with a slightly smaller number.
The famous Cowes Week sailing regatta takes place on the other side of the river, but there is a floating bridge that connects the town. Plus, East Cowes has got a Waitrose so, y'know...
If yachts don't give you such flashbacks (Ed: flushbacks, surely?) then you might like to stay onboard this vessel, which is moored in Cowes. It sleeps up to seven people, although I'd say you might be a bit comfier with a slightly smaller number.
The famous Cowes Week sailing regatta takes place on the other side of the river, but there is a floating bridge that connects the town. Plus, East Cowes has got a Waitrose so, y'know...
This yacht is moored in
Cowes...
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...and has room for seven people, if you don't mind getting very cosy
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If you like that, you might like Poem 25 Houseboat
Those who want to push the boat out (Ed: groan) might prefer Poem 25, which lives in Bembridge Harbour. It's a large and relatively spacious houseboat that has four bedrooms.
Bembridge is a posh village in the East Wight with several nice beaches nearby.
Bembridge is a posh village in the East Wight with several nice beaches nearby.
All aboard Poem 25 in Bembridge
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The houseboat invites much less crouching and complaining than some quirky properties
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6. a Yurt in Wootton (sleeps 4)
There are now more than 20 Isle of Wight Glamping options by my counting. This one in Wootton is one that you can book through Airbnb.
Comforts that you usually only get in properties with proper walls include a four poster bed and a log burner. The toilet is in a 'nearby rustic timber structure'. I've double-checked and they don't just mean a nearby tree.
Wootton is on the North Eastern side of the Island and is very near to the Portsmouth-Fishbourne ferry port.
Other Isle of Wight yurts on Airbnb include:
Comforts that you usually only get in properties with proper walls include a four poster bed and a log burner. The toilet is in a 'nearby rustic timber structure'. I've double-checked and they don't just mean a nearby tree.
Wootton is on the North Eastern side of the Island and is very near to the Portsmouth-Fishbourne ferry port.
Other Isle of Wight yurts on Airbnb include:
- The Hideaway (sleeps 4) and Caribbean Corner (sleeps 3) at Priory Bay.
- The Old Cottage Yurt near Cowes (sleeps 4)
This yurt has a double bed and a futon so it's suitable for 2-4 people
If you like that, you might like Yurts at the Garlic Farm
The Garlic Farm is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular free attractions. Needless to say, there are 97 ways to spend money on Garlic-related products when you get there but it's still very pleasant.
You can go for the whole garlic-flavoured-hog and stay in one of the classy yurts at the Garlic Farm. You get a double bed downstairs and then a rather cool mezzanine level with single beds underneath a skylight.
You can go for the whole garlic-flavoured-hog and stay in one of the classy yurts at the Garlic Farm. You get a double bed downstairs and then a rather cool mezzanine level with single beds underneath a skylight.
The Garlic Farm's yurts are good for stargazers who don't want to get out of bed
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The grown-ups can get some sleep downstairs
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7. A tiny house near Cowes (sleeps 2 or 4)
I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of houses being rectangular or square. Thankfully, this one-bedroom Tiny Home in a rural area just outside of Cowes is bucking the trend with its triangular shape.
Despite the size, there's enough space for a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Nearby Cowes is a pleasant sailing town that is bustling in the summer and sleepy in winter.
The same site is also home to Kindred and Eilidh, which are (slightly less) Tiny Homes that both sleep four people.
You can also book via the Tiny Homes Holidays website.
Despite the size, there's enough space for a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Nearby Cowes is a pleasant sailing town that is bustling in the summer and sleepy in winter.
The same site is also home to Kindred and Eilidh, which are (slightly less) Tiny Homes that both sleep four people.
You can also book via the Tiny Homes Holidays website.
This tiny house is suitable for two normal sized people
8. A safari tent near Freshwater (sleeps 8)
There are five 'eco-lodges' at Tapnell Farm, each one sleeping 8 people. If you can round up 40 people, you can even rent all five at once.
They're at the posher end of the Glamping market, with hot tubs and other comforts. The site is another one that overlooks the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival fields when up to 600,000 young people turned up and (some of them) took their clothes off. Nowadays, you are advised to keep your clothes on for the sake of the other campers.
Tapnell Farm is also home to Tapnell Farm Park, which is a great family attraction with things like play barns and pedal go karts.
Other Isle of Wight safari tents on Airbnb include:
They're at the posher end of the Glamping market, with hot tubs and other comforts. The site is another one that overlooks the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival fields when up to 600,000 young people turned up and (some of them) took their clothes off. Nowadays, you are advised to keep your clothes on for the sake of the other campers.
Tapnell Farm is also home to Tapnell Farm Park, which is a great family attraction with things like play barns and pedal go karts.
Other Isle of Wight safari tents on Airbnb include:
- Hedgehog's Den and Squirrel's Drey at Three Gates Farm (sleeps 7)
Tapnell Farm has five of these Safari tents so it can host a gathering of 40 people
If you like that, you might like Nodes POint Safari Tents
Parkdean Resorts offer a similar sort of thing with its safari tents at three of its holiday parks: Nodes Point, Lower Hyde and Thorness Bay.
The accommodation is similarly outdoorsy to Tom's Eco Lodges but you get access to things like swimming pools, kids' entertainers dressed in silly costumes and organised activities. Nodes Point and Thorness Bay are also next door to beaches. Personally, I would go for Nodes Point as the beach is a bit nicer and review scores are a little higher than Thorness Bay (4/5 on most review sites).
The accommodation is similarly outdoorsy to Tom's Eco Lodges but you get access to things like swimming pools, kids' entertainers dressed in silly costumes and organised activities. Nodes Point and Thorness Bay are also next door to beaches. Personally, I would go for Nodes Point as the beach is a bit nicer and review scores are a little higher than Thorness Bay (4/5 on most review sites).
Nodes Point Holiday Park has safari tents with family-friendly facilties and a beach nearby
9. A brew house and dairy in Chale (sleeps 2)
This 17th century property is another one competing for the award I just created called "Isle of Wight Guru's Most Historic Isle of Wight Airbnb Property" (or "IOWGMHIOWABNBP" for short). It's towards the South of the Island - not quite by the coast but not too far away from the South West coast which is gloriously unspoilt. It's about 20 minutes in the car to the busy resorts of Sandown or Shanklin.
One room is available for Airbnb visitors.
I keep trying to think of a joke about a brouhaha at a brew house near Brighstone but it's not quite working...
One room is available for Airbnb visitors.
I keep trying to think of a joke about a brouhaha at a brew house near Brighstone but it's not quite working...
One bedroom is available within this 17th century house in the South Wight
If you like that, you might like Fort Redoubt
There are bucketloads of historic properties on our guide to quirky Isle of Wight accommodation including military bases, a wartime radar station and the house where Churchill's parents met on Cowes seafront.
One particularly appealing option is Fort Redoubt in Freshwater Bay. It is the rather imposing building that you will have noticed on the headland if you've been to the beach before.
There are three properties within the grounds of the Victorian fort, which was built to keep French visitors away. Nowadays, holidaymakers from France are very welcome. You can choose from Upper Caponier (sleeps 6), Lower Caponier (sleeps 6) and Moonfleet Cottage (sleeps 2). In case you are wondering, a Caponier is a ditch around a fort that gets its name from the French word for a castrated chicken. (Ed: thanks, that's deeply relevant).
One particularly appealing option is Fort Redoubt in Freshwater Bay. It is the rather imposing building that you will have noticed on the headland if you've been to the beach before.
There are three properties within the grounds of the Victorian fort, which was built to keep French visitors away. Nowadays, holidaymakers from France are very welcome. You can choose from Upper Caponier (sleeps 6), Lower Caponier (sleeps 6) and Moonfleet Cottage (sleeps 2). In case you are wondering, a Caponier is a ditch around a fort that gets its name from the French word for a castrated chicken. (Ed: thanks, that's deeply relevant).
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The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ The information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check opening times and details with attractions directly if you are planning a long journey - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate.
