Island Life: luxury waterfront living on the Isle of Wight

A beautiful thing about island life is that you’re never far from the coast. That’s particularly true when the island in question is only 22.5 miles from east to west and 13.5 miles from north to south.

Situated in The Solent, just four miles off the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is exceptionally scenic. Over half of the island is designated a National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Alongside the beautiful beaches, there’s diverse, rolling countryside and picturesque towns and villages. Queen Victoria - who had a house there, Osborne House - exclaimed that, “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot.”

Sailors’ paradise

Being surrounded by water is a defining characteristic of the area. It’s paradise for sailing enthusiasts! The 14 marinas on the island are testament to its attraction for sailors and boating fans.

The annual Cowes Week sailing regatta in August is a highlight of the sporting calendar. It dates back nearly 200 years, to 1826. Today it attracts around 5,000 competitors ranging from Olympic and world-class sailors to weekend boating enthusiasts. Cowes Week also brings 60,000 or so spectators to the area, keen to get involved in the renowned sailing festival. You can watch the boats from the shore or head out on the water to get a closer view. The whole town comes alive during this exciting week of sailing, entertainment and special events.

Waterfront living

Whilst the majority retreat back to the mainland at the end of the Cowes Week regatta, those in the know have realised the joys of waterfront living here. With views out to sea and across to Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington, the Isle of Wight offers a simpler, more peaceful way of life.

New data from Knight Frank Research reveals that in 2024, the average premium for a waterfront home in the UK stands at 48%. But the enduring appeal of waterfront living means that it’s a premium price tag that many homeowners are willing to pay.

If you’re drawn to the idea of an exquisite, prime waterfront property with far-reaching sea views, then this nine bedroom home in Seaview near Ryde is an outstanding example. The majestic Grade II listed home has 30 acres of land and breathtaking views over the coast. It’s a stylish mix of traditional and new. The distinguished architecture reflects its Victorian heritage, but contemporary interior design brings it very much up to date.

From each of the nine beautiful bedrooms, you can enjoy sweeping coastal views. The impressive, landscaped grounds are very attractive. They also provide a fun playground for active lifestyles with the croquet lawn, stabling and swimming pool. There’s also an indoor gym. That’s before you’ve ventured down the private path to the local beach.

A self-contained flat on the first floor is ideal for guests or live-in staff. A selection of outbuildings provide potential for additional accommodation or possible revenue streams. With a guide price of £3,495,000, Woodlands Vale is an incredible private family home offering extraordinary possibilities.

Local market insights

Toby Turnage is Knight Frank’s Head of Sales in the Isle of Wight and Lymington. As such, he has expert insights into this coastal area. For Turnage, “The Isle of Wight is a great proposition for anyone wanting a change of pace or a second home. It’s been overlooked for years by its neighbours, Devon and Cornwall, but with its great beaches, water sports, adventure experiences and new restaurants popping up, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to spend time.”

Back on the mainland, Lymington in Hampshire also presents an enticing coastal opportunity. Turnage says, “Lymington holds the best of all worlds for buyers. It’s located in - or on - the edge of the national park, so it benefits from fantastic wildlife and excellent walking and cycling – with the added bonus of some of the best sailing in the country on the Solent thrown in. Add a vibrant town and easy access to London into the mix, and it’s not hard to see why it’s as popular as it is.”

This attractive Grade II listed Georgian house boasts waterfront views over the Lymington River and is within easy reach of the bustling town. It has a light and airy feel, with well-proportioned rooms that benefit from high ceilings and large sash windows.

Outside, the well-established gardens lead onto ancient woodland. You benefit from both rural and waterside features. In addition, there’s a former coach house which has been renovated to provide separate accommodation. The handsome four to seven bedroom Georgian property on the edge of Lymington has a guide price of £3,100,000.

The challenge for buyers wanting homes in this market, however, is the limited stock available. When you narrow it down exclusively to properties with a sea view or access to the water, that challenge increases even more. Turnage’s advice is to “be ready to act decisively when the right thing presents itself.” Don’t let the opportunity to own your dream waterfront home sail away. Make sure you have your ducks in a row so that you can secure the property quickly when it becomes available.

Learn more about our 2024 Waterfront Homes publication.