Dated back to the 1840’s, The Botanist Rest is a quaint flint cottage nestled in a quiet side street of Ventnor. Dubbed the ‘English Mediterranean’ by the Victorians, the towns location on the southern coast of the Island, nestled within the shelter of St Boniface Down gives it's own unique micro-climate and consequently the world-famous Ventnor Botanical Gardens! This is where inspiration was drawn for the design of The Botanist Rest. With an elegant, botanical theme running through the whole property from the moment you step inside and throughout to the wonderful kitchen garden for your own personal use during your stay, it really is the perfect location for families or couples, looking to unwind after long days exploring the Isle of Wight.
On entering the cottage into the lounge, you’ll find yourself whisked into a Victorian botanical wonderland! Filled with plants a good selection of books and other curios, the space has seating for up to four adults to relax on the 3-piece leather Chesterfield sofa and armchair. If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the botanist world and indulge in some mindful gardening, feel free to offer the plants, inside and out a little water if their soil is a little dry!
You’ll also have full use of the Bang Olufsen smart TV, featuring, Netflix & Amazon Prime for guest use and for those that just can’t escape from work completely - or are feeling inspired by the beautiful Island - there is also a small workspace/writers nook.
Leaving the lounge and into the dining area, this quaint spot has a beautiful feature victorian fireplace is great space to spend time together, reminiscing on the days adventures over a meal.
The lounge leads through to the well-equipped kitchen with a toaster, kettle, microwave, oven, and gas hob, also a dishwasher & fridge/freezer. Our coffee loving guests can savour the aromas of ‘real’ coffee in the mornings, made with the Dualit coffee machine and step straight out in the seating area of the private garden patio. A great place to also soak up the later afternoon sun with a cocktail or a spot of al fresco dining using the fruits or herbs from our wonderful kitchen garden should you wish!
We also have an additional selection of herbs and spices in the kitchen along with a cocktail making set and book for those who would like to sit out, enjoying a drink in the fully enclosed and lit garden, amongst the grape vine, and fruit trees after the Sun has set.
When it’s finally time to wind-down and retire to bed, make your way back through the house and make your way up the staircase to our inviting and comfortable bedrooms. (Please be aware - as The Botanists Rest is a quirky old cottage the stairs are a little narrower and steeper than a conventional staircase so may not be suitable for less mobile people)
The botanical theme extends throughout the upstairs and the larger bedroom at the front of the property has arresting views of St Boniface Down. This bedroom includes a spacious king size bed, vanity area with hair dryer and mirror, hanging space for clothes and freshly laundered towels and bedding. There is also space for a travel cot in this room, should you need to bring one.
The smaller second bedroom features a full-sized bunk bed suitable for two children or up to two medium build adults. There is also hanging space, a mirror and freshly laundered towels and bedding. This is a narrow room so could possibly be unsuitable for those who usually require extra space for manoeuvre. The southern aspect of this room opens out via French doors onto an amazing roof terrace balcony with stunning sea views and bistro dining set. Morning coffee with a view!
The bathroom is also upstairs, with a toilet, sink, mirror, towel warming radiator and shower over bath. Again, with the pitfalls of working with an old cottage, the roof is pitched so the shower head is a slightly lower than average! We have tried to adapt this as best as we can but if you are over average height, we suggest you opt to soak up the sea views from the bath with hand-held shower feature!
With its quirky features, stunning sea and countryside views and proximity to the local amenities and tourist attractions, The Botanists Rest is the perfect option for a holiday on the Isle of Wight!
