Self-catering farm cottage, Isle of Wight

Ideal retreat for Cyclist, Ramblers, Bird Watchers and Country Enthusiasts.

Fairway Farm, once part of Lord Alverstone's Estate in the early 1900's, nestles within three Nature Reserves within a mile of the coastline of Sandown, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, and in the rural hamlet of Adgestone. Fairway Farm is in Higher Stewardship Scheme to promote and protect threatened wildlife, flora and fauna. The farm encompasses 25 acres with the River Yar on the western boundary and we work closely with Natural England and The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust who are our neighbours. The area is listed as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and has sites of Special Interest close by. Fairway Farm is kept in a natural state without any livestock being present.

From time to time the elusive Kingfisher can be seen. The Heron can be seen frequenting our ponds and river banks. Along our Reed Beds you can hear the song of the Cetti's warbler, reed warblers and chattering of long tailed tits. At dusk you can glimpse the barn owls hovering above the grassland hunting for mice and voles. In the daytime buzzards hunt on the wing overhead. Wildfowl shelter in our water meadows during the winter period and can be seen with their young in the nesting season.

Our woodlands provide home to the woodpeckers, the Green Woodpecker can be seen frequently feeding on the ground around the cottage and farmhouse, whilst the Spotted Woodpecker is usually heard and seen around the woodland which can be viewed from Woodpecker Cottage.

There is always something to see with the ever changing seasons, which brings different sightings of birds, wildlife, butterflies and flowers.

Footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways that cross the Island are immediately accessible from the farm. The long sandy beach of Sandown is within walking distance and can be accessed by car in less than 10 minutes.

There are a number of interesting and enjoyable nature walks within easy distance of Fairway Farm. These can include a specific butterfly walk, a walk to a bird and squirrel hide to see the red squirrels which are abundant here but rare in the rest of England, plus a stroll along the river bank. The renowned Brading Roman Villa is close by as is the Adgestone Vineyard, which is understood to be the oldest commercial vineyard in England. It is said that in Roman times the Island provided most of the wine that was consumed in the Roman Empire. Certainly, even today the South West facing Downs and soil structure combined with high levels of sunshine provide some excellent wines.