Hillgrove Cottage

Sitting high above Seaview’s rooftops, Hillgrove Cottage manages to feel secluded yet fully immersed in village life. Inside, nothing has been left to chance – from the blush kitchen and butcher’s block worktops to the brass wall lights. Stepping into the ochre-painted hallway, you’ll notice the vintage coat rack, then binoculars left on the sitting room table for watching Solent traffic drift by.

With its main living space on the upper floor, Hillgrove Cottage is light-filled and uncluttered, and natural textures run throughout. The kitchen is fully equipped and finished with the same care as the rest of the cottage. Guests can enjoy a sundowner on the private balcony as the evening light softens over the Solent. If you’d rather take a break from cooking, the Seaview Hotel – with two AA rosettes – is home to one of the island’s finest restaurants, just a short stroll from the cottage.

Downstairs, the bedroom feels luxurious and intentional, with deep petrol blue walls and grey linen bedding creating a calm, comforting space – somewhere you’ll likely return to earlier than planned. The bathroom follows suit, with soft green glazed tiles, brass fixtures, a heated towel rail and a rainfall shower. There’s a second outdoor space at ground level: a private enclosed courtyard that catches the sun on warm days, with potted plants and a deck chair for some holiday reading.

Exploring on foot is easily the best way to discover Seaview. Wander down to the beach and take in the views at low tide, when the sand stretches further than expected, and oystercatchers and curlews feed at the water’s edge. Bobbing seals are also a regular presence along this stretch of coastline, and the coastal path connects the village in both directions if you’d like to venture further.