Christmas Cottage, Godshill. Isle of Wight – Home 1112963 Cottage
- 4 bedrooms
- 9 sleeps
- 7 nights min stay
Christmas Cottage, Godshill. Isle of Wight – Home 1112963
- Cottage
- 4 bedrooms
- sleeps 9
- 7 nights min stay
Key Info
- Beach / lakeside relaxation
- Child Friendly
- Car advised
- Pet Friendly
Description from owner
Description
A 400 year old character cottage in the centre of Godshill old village, Isle of Wight. Photographed on 02/07/22, so an accurate depiction of the cottage on this date.
It is mainly advertised on another site with 4* and 5* reviews, and a rare opportunity to stay in one of the oldest cottages in the village.
Having bought the cottage in 1996 in a poor state of repair, it has undergone major renovation. In the course of this, original fireplaces were unearthed and the beams revealed to their former glory.
In the Georgian period the cottage was owned by a gentleman who made alterations which included - replacing the frontage of the building with faced stone, raising the upstairs ceiling height and changing the thatch roof to tiles. He would have lived in one side with a grand fireplace, as his servant lived in the other.
During the period of the window tax, windows were filled in on both sides of the property, and the hidden window facing the neighbouring building shows that Christmas Cottage pre-dates it.
In approx 1906, Topsy was born in Christmas Cottage - formerly known as Syringa. She lived here her whole life and used to love people watching from her bedroom window.
Topsy and her husband had the first post office in the village and would sell stamps from the window of what is now the utility room. Mail would be delivered through a chute, into the cellar space underneath the dining room.
Later, Topsy had one of the first tearooms in the village, which is why the frontage of the cottage shows 2 doorways. Customers would have tea in what is now the dining room, and there were peek holes through the walls so Topsy and her staff could easily see when a customer needed assistance.
It's fascinating to me that Topsy and her husband did their own renovations. Following the fashion of the time and ripping out old ranges and covering the inglenook fireplaces in the lounge and dining room and covering the lathe and plaster and beams in yet more plaster.
When I bought the property, behind the 20+ layers of wallpaper, were disintegrating 17 century bricks. In fact, the paper was all that was holding them up.... And her toilet was only supported by a piece of 2" x 1" timber!
All the beams bar 1 were replaced upstairs and the ceiling height was raised again by over a foot.
In the roof there are 1000 yr old ships timbers that were salvaged from the Islands shorelines.
Downstairs, the 1960's fireplaces were removed, and earth floors with rotten boards were concreted and replaced, and half the central beam running through the middle of the property was replaced, walls were pointed and the place made open plan (because the walls fell down).
At one point the gable end of the house nearly collapsed because of the weakness of the stonework and a collapsed fireplace. But before the fireplace could be repaired, I spent a day removing bird sticks that were packed up to the top of the chimney stack.
The rear bedroom was derelict, with no roof, earth floor, and filled with cobblers lasts because Topsy's husband mended shoes. One of these is now in the fireplace at Christmas Cottage.
Another thing in the fireplace is an old kettle...
At some point in Topsy's ownership the rear end of her garden was sold off and the soil from that piece was dug down and put in the remaining Christmas Cottage garden. Years later, when I got the digger man in to remove the overgrown area and rubbish dump from the back garden, not only did we find the broken china from Topsy's tea room (which are now in a mosaic in the conservatory), but the top of a well was uncovered, and deep in the well was the copper kettle!
Please see the photos of Christmas Cottage in 1996 and the renovation journey. We are only custodians of these character properties, as anyone who has ever lived in an old place will know.
And please DON'T book if what you're really after is a modern hotel.
Stunning scenery, down-land views, woodland walks, and Godshill Central Mead a minute away, so perfect for dogs.
In the heart of the village near Chocolate Island and popular restaurants, shops, pubs, and The Model Village.
Upstairs-
2 double rooms.
1 double and single + ensuite. Bathroom
Fold away Childs bed and cot.
Downstairs-
King sized bed with en suite.
Lounge with 32" T.V.
Kitchen with new dishwasher, new fridge and range cooker.
Dining area.
Utility room with washing machine.
Conservatory.
Courtyard garden.
Parking for 2 cars to rear.
Art workshops with Nicola are always available.
More Less
Families
- Great for children of all ages
- Pets welcome
- Crib
- High chair
Bed & bathroom
- Bedroom 1: Full bed Twin bed
Bedroom 2: Full bed
Bedroom 3: Full bed
Bedroom 4: Queen Bed
Beds in other rooms: - 1 Full bath, 2 Attached (ensuites)
Amenities
- Wireless Internet
- Grill
- Patio
- Internet access
- Central heating
- Stove
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Kettle
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Iron
- High chair
- TV
- Satellite TV
- Stereo system
- Linen provided
- Towels provided
- Housekeeping Included
More Less
Access
- Parking
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
Interaction with guest
Policies
- Check in time: 15:00, Check out time: 10:00
- If you have any questions about check-in or check-out times, please contact the owner/manager.
- Payment
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This rental can only be paid for online through FlipKey using your credit/debit card or PayPal (never by bank or wire transfer).
Damage deposit: ($62.76) £50.00 - Smoking
- No smoking at this property
Cancellations
Change of plans? No problem. You could receive a partial or full refund, depending on when you cancel.
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Booking confirmed |
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
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24 hours after booking |
50% refund of the amount paid (minus the booking fee*) if cancelled at least 4 weeks before check-in.
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4 weeks before |
No refund if cancelled less than 4 weeks before check-in.
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Check-in date |
* The booking fee is stated in the cancellation policy information on the payment page. This fee helps us run our secure platform and enables us to provide 24/7 customer support
About the owner
Nicola G.
- Average reply time:
- 2 hours 36 minutes
- Response rate:
- 90%
- Calendar last updated:
- 30 Apr 2024
- Years listed:
- 10
- Overall rating:
Languages spoken: English
These are the details provided by the business owner.
Business Name
Business Address
Business Telephone
Business Email
Other Applicable Information
Map
Reviews
Very Good
– based on 24 reviews
Very Good
24 reviews
- Excellent
- 20
- Very Good
- 0
- Average
- 1
- Poor
- 0
- Terrible
- 3
“A gem of a find!!”
A wonderful find, this cottage was perfect for our families needs. It’s very spacious even with 7 of us staying and has everything you will need. The location was perfect for us as nothing was … More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
“Best holiday cottage ever!”
We had the loveliest 5 days ever at this beautiful cottage! I was so sad to leave yesterday, but we packed a lot into our shirt week. Nicola was really kind and welcoming. The decor and furnishings w… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you Amy for your positive review, and I'm so glad that you all enjoyed your holiday on the Island. It is such a helpful review in the way you talk about some of the walks in this area. There are countryside walks in every direction, and I'm really glad that you got to explore, for the peace, the views and the wildlife.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Great week at Christmas cottage”
A beautiful cottage lovingly restored by the current owner. The online photos really don’t do it justice. Nicola really couldn’t make us feel more welcomed, the cottage is home from home w… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for your kindness, and for taking the time to review Christmas Cottage. Such positive reviews are truly uplifting, and mean a lot. Thank you also for leaving the cottage so tidy. It would be lovely to have you to stay again, and perhaps you could do an art class and take home your own fabulous creation as a momento of your holiday.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Lovely cottage , lovely village”
Christmas cottage with friends was perfect. Small kitchen , not great for cooking for large numbers but local pubs and cafes are within a very short walk and cater very well. The Taverners pub does a … More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for taking time to review Christmas Cottage. I really appreciate it.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Christmas Cottage, an unusual lovely convenient house, 8 plus dog all loved our week here”
This lovely characterful house has a perfect location right in the centre of pretty Godshill. The house has a fascinating history and at tthe same time provides everything a family would need. We were… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your holiday. X
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Second visit, even better than the first”
What an excellent cottage. Five of us plus a pooch spent the most enjoyable week there. This is our second visit and with the changes that Nic, the host, had made was even better than the first. It&#… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for your gorgeous review. It really made my day! I try and make staying at Christmas Cottage a wonderful experience and I'm always happy when guests enjoy themselves and want to come back. Best wishes to you, Nic x
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Beautiful cottage - great location”
A few doors down from the famous Godshill model village. Pubs etc within easy walking distance. Cottage is about 400 years old, but with every mod con! Parking on site, but also buses available nearby… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for taking the time and writing such lovely review. xx
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Wonderful stay at an historical cottage”
As a family of four, travelling from Australia, our stay at Christmas Cottage was second to none. Lovingly restored by the landlady (who provided a photo album of the restoration), the cottage was wa… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for spending time in writing a review and thank you for your kindness. I'm really glad you all enjoyed your stay on the Island.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Wonderful cottage in Godshill Isle of Wight”
We all look for self catering accommodation to suit our needs and likes. This was a trip for my son and I, a nostalgia holiday. My son is a father of three and I work very hard. I wanted old, quirky… More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a such a kind review. It really means a lot and helps to restore my confidence. Much love, Nic x
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
“Absolutely amazing. Can't wait to stay again. Immaculate vibes.”
I booked this trip for my partner for her birthday. The cottage was clean and tidy on arrival. Everything we could need. Lovely welcome note from host. We had an amazing stay. The cottage had lots of … More
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on all reviews.
Response from the owner What lovely feedback. Thank you so much for spending your time in reviewing Christmas Cottage. It is so important for owners of small businesses to have support, encouragement and kindness.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not TripAdvisor LLC.
FAQs
- How do I find more info about the property?
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You can get in touch with Nicola (the owner) through the contact form on this page.
If you’ve already booked, go to Manage your booking to send the owner a message.
- What if I have questions before I book?
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Send Nicola (the owner) an email through the contact form on this page. Alternatively, if there’s a phone number on this page, you can call them.
- How do I contact Nicola (the owner)?
-
Send an email through the contact form on this page. Or if there’s a phone number on this page, you can call them.
If you’ve already booked, go to Manage your booking to view Nicola the owner's contact details or send them a message.
- What's the difference between 'Book your stay' and 'Contact the owner/manager'?
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Use the Ready to book? form to pay provisionally online and send Nicola (the owner) a booking request. You’ll find out within 24 hours whether they’ve accepted - no money will leave your account before then
Or send Nicola (the owner) an inquiry through the Contact the owner/manager form if you’d like a quote or more info first.
- What is a booking request?
-
When you pay online through the Ready to book? form, a booking request is sent to Nicola (the owner). You’ll find out within 24 hours whether they’ve accepted - no money will leave your account before then.
Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection.
- How do I know my booking is safe?
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To book this property you need to pay through the Flipkey website. Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection. This means that in the unlikely event that you’re prevented or denied access to the property when you check in, we’ll offer a full refund for the stay.
- How do I know what it will cost for my stay?
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Simply enter your dates in the Ready to book? form to calculate the cost of your stay.
Click Book now to see a full breakdown of the price.You can also request a quote from Nicola (the owner) through the contact form. The owner will email you the total cost for your dates and a link to book and pay online.
- How do I know if my booking request has been accepted?
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You’ll receive an email within 24 hours to let you know. Or you can check in Manage your booking. No money will leave your account unless it’s accepted.
- How do I pay for my vacation?
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Use the Ready to book? form to pay provisionally online. You can pay by credit/debit card or PayPal. Nicola (the owner) will have 24 hours to accept the booking and no money will leave your account before then.
If you’ve been sent a quote, simply accept it and pay online through the email we sent you. You can also do this in Manage your booking.
Only bookings paid for through our site are covered by our trusted Payment Protection.
- Why can't I call Nicola (the owner) before booking?
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You can exchange contact details with the property owner/manager once your booking is confirmed and you’ve paid in full. Paying and communicating only through our platform allows us to ensure that your booking is covered by our Payment Protection policy.
If you have any questions before booking, you can send the property owner/manager a message via the contact form on their listing. Once you’ve booked, you can discuss the rental and make arrangements for your trip by logging into Manage your booking.
- How do damage deposits work?
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In most cases, you don’t pay a damage deposit up front. Instead, we save your payment details securely and you’re only charged in the event of damage to the property.
Occasionally, you will pay a damage deposit up front as part of the total rental cost. In this case, the owner has 10 days after you check out to report any damage. If they don’t, we’ll return your deposit. If their claim is successful, we’ll deduct the agreed cost and return the remainder.
- How can I view and manage my booking?
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Go to Manage your booking to view all your booking details, pay the balance of your booking or cancel it if you need to.
- How do I pay the balance of my booking?
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You can pay the remaining balance of your booking at any point. Simply go to Manage your booking and click Pay now.
We’ll automatically charge the balance payment to the same payment method 10 days before it’s due. Go to Manage your booking to see when the payment will be taken.
- How can I withdraw my booking request?
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You’ll need to contact Nicola (the owner) to do this. Send them a message in Manage your booking or through the contact form on this page.
- How do I cancel my booking?
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Go to Manage your booking to cancel your booking. Here you can view your cancellation policy to see if you’ll be refunded.
- How do I make changes to my booking?
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You can request to change the dates or number of people on your booking via the Manage your booking page. To change your dates use the Edit booking button. If you need to change the number of guests staying then send Nicola (the owner) a message.
If Nicola (the owner) agrees, they’ll send you a revised quote outlining the changes. You can review and accept/decline this from the Manage your booking page. You’ll have 48 hours to take action before the revised quote expires.
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