View Photos
Entire home/flat 
20 Guests 
10 Bedrooms 
13 Beds 
8 Bathrooms Perched on a clifftop in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this extraordinary waterfront home offers 180m of uninterrupted coastal views. Featuring a cantilevered deck, swimming pool and opulent marble bathrooms, it has been refurbished to the highest standards. With 10 bedrooms, it can comfortably sleep 20 guests. Access via private driveway or helicopter ensures ultimate privacy, luxury, and coastal living.
Holmes House is a truly exceptional coastal holiday home, set in a commanding clifftop position with sweeping panoramic views across The Solent and Colwell Bay, and can comfortably sleep up to 20 guests. Designed for memorable gatherings and relaxed luxury, the house combines grand entertaining spaces with warm, comfortable living areas — ideal for family celebrations, group holidays, and special occasions.
Entering through the foyer, guests are welcomed into three magnificent seafront reception rooms, all with high ceilings, generous proportions, original herringbone parquet floors, and large windows that maximise the breathtaking coastal views. At the heart of the home is the elegant Drawing Room, a striking extra-wide staircase — originally designed to accommodate Victorian ball gowns and still perfect for dramatic entrances today. This room connects to an impressive formal living/dining room, once used as a private ballroom, and to a relaxed Bar Room with a full bar, cosy seating area, and spectacular sunset views. The Bar Room opens into an enclosed veranda with built-in window seats overlooking the water — a perfect vantage point for sailing events and evening skies.
For quieter moments, the library provides an intimate retreat with leather armchairs and a welcoming fire atmosphere. A large media/playroom at the rear of the ground floor offers additional space for films and sporting events.
The farmhouse-style kitchen is spacious and well-equipped for group stays, with a refurbished four-oven Aga, travertine stone floors, and views over the paddock and sea beyond. It includes a generous pantry, catering ovens and hobs suitable for private chefs, a walk-in larder, and a large utility/boot room — ideal for active coastal living. The kitchen flows into the spectacular conservatory morning room (53 sqm), featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, marble breakfast bar, chandeliers, underfloor heating, and garden access. This light-filled space has hosted everything from relaxed breakfasts to private concerts and is perfect year-round.
The main staircase leads to seven beautifully appointed bedrooms on the first floor. These include a master bedroom with a four-poster bed, four king-size bedrooms, a twin room, and a bunkbed room, accommodating a variety of family and group needs. Four of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, there is a Jack-and-Jill ensuite between two rooms, and an additional main bathroom serves the bunkbed room. The second floor features a further three rooms: two large king-size bedrooms and a lounge area with a spacious sofa bed, all sharing a modern bathroom. In total, Holmes House comfortably sleeps up to 20 guests.
Outside, the grounds are as impressive as the interiors. The exceptionally wide clifftop frontage delivers completely uninterrupted sea views and unforgettable sunsets. A dramatic cantilevered deck extends out over the cliff, creating an extraordinary setting for evening drinks. Landscaped lawns with lighting and picket fencing surround the house, with ample space for croquet, boules, and garden parties.
In a sheltered, sun-trap corner sits a heated Roman-end swimming pool with diving board, generous patio, and cabana — unusually positioned to enjoy elevated views across The Solent. The enclosed kitchen garden and multiple outdoor entertaining areas make the property equally suited to lively gatherings and peaceful retreats.
Holmes House offers a rare combination of historic character, coastal grandeur, and modern comfort — a standout destination for an unforgettable holiday by the sea.
Colwell is a tranquil seaside neighbourhood set on the Island’s northwest coast. Why not dine at the top-notch seafood restaurant whilst admiring the viiews across the sparkling blue sea towards Hampshire.
Its undulating coastline provides an array of impressive walks leading to Yarmouth, Totland and the scenic, heather-covered heights of Headon Warren. On the shoreline, deckchairs and beach huts are available to rent, as well as paddle boards for those looking to take to the waters.
Heading inland is the town of Freshwater, once home to Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, as well as pioneering female photographer Julia Margaret Cameron (both of whose historic homes are open to visit). Today, the town is home to a range of independent shops and some culinary destinations too - such as rustic The Red Lion pub and the inviting Piano Café (housed in a shop once owned by Queen Victoria’s piano tuner). There’s also the West Wight Sports Centre with its indoor swimming pool and climbing wall and down in Freshwater Bay you can hire a sea kayak to explore the caves or even go coasteering.
Holmes House is only a few minute’s drive from the Wightlink ferry terminal to Lymington and within easy walking distance of both Freshwater and Totland. There is parking for several cars at the front of the property
This is a no smoking property.
Candles are not allowed in the house.
The property will be available from 4pm on your day of arrival and check out time on the day of departure is 10am.
Towels are provided for the pool and there is even a welcome hamper for you and one for your four legged friend!
The property is equipped with everything you will need including utilities, WiFi, bed linen, towels and beach towels.