Although the Isle of Wight is just minutes from the mainland, the laid-back pace of life there makes it feel a world apart. With a vibrant cultural scene, including a whole host of colourful annual festivals, 57 miles of coastline, and lush countryside, the Island is a beautiful place to live.
The main towns include Newport, known for its excellent shopping opportunities and good transport links; Cowes, an international sailing centre; and the island's largest town, Ryde, which boasts a long beach and a thriving tourist industry. The south of England's key towns and cities are also easily accessible from the Isle of Wight thanks to a hovercraft service to Portsmouth, and numerous quick ferry links.
In and around Cowes
The affluent seaport of Cowes, famous amongst the international yachting community, lends its name to the world's oldest annual regatta: Cowes Week. It's a major gateway town to the Island, with high-speed catamaran connections to Southampton, and is home to beautiful architecture, popular farmers' markets, and the start of the Coastal Path. There are several new developments to choose from, including Banner Homes' exclusive collection of 14 two-bedroom apartments at Vantage Point near West Cowes Marina. Offering spectacular views across the Solent, this was featured in the Telegraph's "Top Ten Coastal New Builds", and just one apartment now remains, priced at £750,000.
In pretty East Cowes, David Wilson Homes'Victoria Walk offers energy-efficient one- to four-bedroom homes priced from £129,999. East Cowes is just across the River Medina from Cowes itself, and the two are linked via a handy 'chain ferry', which runs continuously throughout the day. Victoria Walk is close to a good range of local schools and amenities, and is just minutes from the chain ferry and the East Cowes Ferry to the mainland.
In the pretty village of Whippingham, less than two miles from East Cowes, Barratt Homes'Hawthorn Meadows is an attractive development of one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom detached homes, priced from £95,000. There is something to appeal to many types of buyers, including those hunting for a holiday home, and both the government-backed Help to Buy and NewBuy schemes are available.
In and around Newport
Situated just north of the centre of the island, Newport is well-connected by public transport to all the island's other main towns, and it forms the main hub for shopping and public services. It hosts the revived Isle of Wight Music Festival, which is held annually, while just outside town Robin Hill country park hosts the annual alternative music festival Bestival.
Barratt Homes has created an eco-friendly development of two- and three-bedroom homes at Pan Meadows, close to Newport town centre, priced from £162,500 to £192,999. The development includes a brand new 10-hectare country park, new recreation and play areas, and improved transport connections by car, bike or foot.
About a mile down the road, brand new two- and three-bedroom homes are also available from David Wilson Homes at Abbey Mews, priced from £188,999. The town centre is once again within easy reach, yet the setting is quiet and family-friendly. Both the government-backed NewBuy scheme and Part-Exchange are available at this development.
In and around Ryde
Major plans are now moving forward to completely transform the area to the south of Ryde, known as Pennyfeathers, with a large-scale mixed-use development including housing, commercial and leisure facilities, a park and ride facility, road upgrades, and public open spaces. The masterplan includes provision for 1,000 new homes of all sizes, including affordable homes and sheltered housing.