Westgate Cottage

Westgate Cottage Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Westgate Cottage in Saint Lawrence, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from what looked like a quiet residential street. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t shout about themselves. This four-star property sits tucked away in one of the Isle of Wight’s most charming villages, and there’s something immediately calming about the whole setup. The cottage itself has that authentic English countryside feel — not the overdone tourist version, but the real deal that locals actually live in.

Location & Getting Around

Saint Lawrence is one of those places that couples seem to discover and then never want to leave — I mean, there’s a reason it scores so highly with romantic getaways. You’re actually positioned perfectly here, about halfway down the island’s southern coast where the landscape gets properly dramatic. The Undercliff area is right on your doorstep, which honestly feels like stepping into a different world with its subtropical microclimate and winding coastal paths. What really sold me though was the free parking right on site — sounds simple, but when you’re exploring the island daily, not having to worry about finding a spot is genuinely brilliant.

The Accommodation

The room I stayed in had that perfect balance of cottage charm and modern comfort that’s surprisingly hard to find. You get the exposed beams and character features you’d expect, but everything actually works properly — the shower has decent pressure, the heating responds when you need it, and there’s proper storage space for your things. The windows look out over the village, and in the morning you can hear the birds more clearly than any traffic. It’s the sort of place where you’ll find yourself lingering over morning coffee just because the atmosphere is so peaceful.

Exploring the Area

What I really appreciated was how well-positioned this place is for actually seeing the island without feeling rushed. The coastal walks from here are some of the best on the Isle of Wight — you can head east toward Ventnor or west toward the Needles, and both directions offer completely different experiences. Saint Lawrence itself has this lovely old church and a few local spots where you can grab supplies, but it never feels touristy or crowded. The village sits in this protected valley that creates its own weather system, so even when it’s blustery elsewhere on the island, you often get these surprisingly mild, sheltered conditions.

Why Guests Love It

After spending several days here, I completely understand why couples rate this place so highly — there’s something about the combination of genuine tranquility and easy access to adventures that just works. You’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere, but you’re also not dealing with crowds or noise when you want to relax. The hosts clearly know what they’re doing, and the whole experience feels thoughtfully put together rather than just thrown together for tourists. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left the first time.

Westgate Cottage Accommodations

Reviews of Westgate Cottage

• Lovely break close to Steephill Cove. – Sue from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Lovely spacious lounge dining room. good sized bedrooms. Children loved the tvs.

• Lovely location for a family weekend that welcomed dogs aswell – Barbara from United Kingdom (9/10)

  House was lovely, better than expected! Was warm and welcoming and very good size and lovely private garden area

Facilities