Kingston Manor, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Kingston Manor is a beautiful and spacious Grade 2* listed medieval manor house offering a wonderful combination of historical detail, modern comfort and aesthetic style. It absorbs a large number of people like magic into its many and varied reception rooms, and comfortably sleeps up to 16 in a flexible mix of superking and twin rooms.

At Kingston Manor we offer 3-night weekends, midweek stays, one-week visits or longer between 1 April and 31 October.

This holiday house on the Isle of Wight is as happy with a crowd of reflective people as it is with a bumptious gathering. It has hosted walkers, yoga-retreats, families, multi-generation gatherings, bicyclists, parties of 80-year-olds, holidaymakers. It doesn't need to be a full house to be fun, and it suits all ages.

There are as many pleasures out of season as in season - there are so many places to go, to eat, to walk, to view, to stand and stare or to climb and explore. It's uplifting walking on a beach in spring or autumn. And it's a sunny microclimate: breakfast outside in April or October is a strong possibility.

The location is fabulous - tucked away in the middle of an AONB and facing incredible views, you'd think there's no one else in the world, yet it's a 6-minute drive to the village shop, 12 minutes to one of the longest sandy beaches on the island, Compton Beach, and between a 10 and 30-minute drive to anywhere you like - Brighstone, Godshill, Cowes, Yarmouth, Ventnor, Seaview. The house is nestled within a huge web of footpaths and bridlepaths, and is on the very scenic south side of the island with its pretty villages and dramatic coastal road, towering white cliffs and sparkling sea.

The beds are supremely comfortable, the showers wonderfully hot, the kitchen very well-equipped (you can also call in a chef), and even when at full capacity the house never feels crowded. There are plenty of places to hang out - the Garden Room, the Drawing Room, the Library, the Den - and wherever you are in the rolling gardens there's the incredible view. And the hot tub.

It's remarkably peaceful at Kingston Manor - but it's also a joyful celebration house. Either way, it has a magical feel.