Mainstay is a spacious townhouse in the heart of Cowes, the Isle of Wight's iconic sailing capital. Sleeping up to 5, you're steps from the High Street, harbour and promenade, with the Red Jet ferry just a 5-minute walk away. Watch the yachts go by, explore the boutique shops or simply enjoy the cafés, restaurants and bars on your doorstep. The perfect base for families and sailing enthusiasts alike. We can't wait to welcome you to Mainstay!
The space
There's a reason people keep coming back to Cowes. The salt air, the sound of halyards, the buzz of the high street and the easy rhythm of island life, it gets under your skin. Mainstay puts you right in the middle of it.
This warm, characterful three bedroom home sleeps up to five and sits just a short stroll from the Red Jet ferry, the marina, the boutique shops and the cafés that make Cowes one of the island's most loved towns. Whether you're here for the sailing, the scenery or simply to slow down, Mainstay is the kind of home you settle into easily and leave reluctantly.
Inside:
The kitchen and dining room is bright, well equipped and made for proper home cooking, or at least a leisurely breakfast before a morning on the water. The large dining table seats everyone comfortably and the lounge has everything you need for a relaxed evening in: log burner, cosy sofas, a TV and enough space to spread out with a board game or a good book. There's also a very well equipped utility room, a quiet blessing for families with young children!
Bedrooms:
Three comfortable bedrooms offering real flexibility for different group configurations:
Bedroom 1: King bed
Bedroom 2: King bed (can be arranged as twin beds on request)
Bedroom 3: Single bed: perfect for a child, a teenager or an adult who'd rather not share!
A travel cot is available for infants under 2 at no extra charge.
Bathrooms:
A family bathroom with shower over bath serves the upstairs bedrooms, with an additional WC downstairs.
Outside:
A private enclosed garden with a sheltered decked area, one of Mainstay's real hidden gems. Quiet, protected and perfect for morning coffee in the sun or evening drinks without the wind!
Getting here and getting around:
Mainstay is within easy walking distance of the Red Jet foot ferry from Southampton, making it one of the most accessible properties on the island. Two hours free parking is available directly outside and the council car park is just moments away, a tourist permit can be purchased for daily or weekly use and is valid across multiple island locations.
Your hosts:
Mainstay is managed by Nicola at Hostd Homes. Check in details and a local area guide will be provided ahead of your arrival and Nicola is available throughout your stay via the app or phone.
Guest access
All areas of the house are accessible to guests, except the loft and the garden shed.
Other things to note
Although there is no allocated parking space with the property, it is possible to park for 2 hours for free on the street between the hours of 0800-1800. Thereafter, you can park from 1800-0800.
There is a pay and display car park 2 mins from the house, visitors can buy a tourist parking permit which entitles you to park in all the council car parks island wide - highly recommended.
Tourist permits are available to purchase by PayByPhone. The permit is a virtual permit and as such there is no need to display a permit inside your vehicle.
Tourist permits cannot be purchased in advance.
FERRYS:
We are able to provide up to a 35% discount with Wightlink and between a 15-20% discount with Red Funnel. We ask that guests contact us once their booking is secured, stating which ferry service they wish to use.
Quiet hours:
Guest must note that quiet hours are in place 11pm-7am out of courtesy for our lovely neighbours.
Cleaning and Consideration:
We kindly ask that guests leave the property in the condition they would hope to find it. This is a much-loved home, not just a holiday rental. Any extra cleaning or excessive rubbish removal may incur additional charges, so we really appreciate your care and consideration. We ask that both the BBQ and Log Burner are returned to a clean condition if used. Failure to do so may incur additional cleaning charges.
Guests with Limited Mobility:
Due to the bedrooms being located on the 1st floor, Mainstay may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
