We stayed at the Farringford Hotel Cottages from May 15, 2010 to May 22, 2010, and it was definitely the best holiday we have ever taken, and we live in the beautiful foothills region of Canada, having travelled to Hawaii, Italy, Ecuador, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands. We were warmly welcomed by the manager and, she made sure we had all we needed, including free WiFi. She was very approachable over our week's stay, and was very happy to answer all of our questions about the area and Tennyson's house, which she spoke of with great warmth and pride. Even though the main house was under complete restoration, we were not affected by construction noise at all. We stayed in the newly refurbished Emily Cottage #28, and it was perfect - it was a two bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchen cottage and it was fully equipped, we wanted for nothing. The cottage was absolutely spotless when we arrived, the decor is very soothing with its light blue and white theme. There was ample storage in both bedrooms, which we were grateful for as we had been travelling for a month in small hotel rooms. The bathroom was fantastic - it even had a bathtub which I appreciated after the cramped shower stalls of Italy and London. The view out of my large picture window every morning was a thatched cottage, built in 1549! I had a wonderful tour around the estate, and the Alfred Cottages are just newly renovated to an extremely high standard - absolutely beautiful. My husband golfed the 9 hole golf course and enjoyed it very much. We were especially delighted by the lack of modern intrusive sounds, the only sound we heard was birdsong, cows lowing and sheep calling - it was idyllic. We hiked the surrounding hills every day, and thoroughly enjoyed the local dinner fare - the Red Lion is a personal favourite, as well as the Julia Margaret Cameron tea rooms in Freshwater. When the Farringford Hotel completes its initial round of renovations by early summer of 2010 (the garden restaurant/bar promises to be outstanding), it will be an oasis of stylish accommodation and comfort in an area of such beauty that people will return there again and again, as we certainly plan to do.

yes ok the decor in places is a tad tired, but the character and atmosphere are out of
this world, you almost expect lord tennyson to appear himself.
We stayed overnight and had a beautiful spacious room, with a four poster, the
bathroom was a bit antiquated, but very clean, as was all the hotel.
Really had a lovely time. Food very good, staff helpful attentive and polite.
For people to moan about the other guests being of a certain age, and the rest is really
amazing. Some people just do not have any appreciation of the finer things in life
I also believe that people who moan about rude and surly staff are usually rude and
surly themselves.
Would recommend this hotel to anybody.
The isle of wight is a bit of a back water , i know i live here, but if it is relaxation and
peace you want this is the place for it.
If you would prefer london sights and sounds then why not stay in london.

The self catering suites had recently been refurbished and had everything you would need for a break away for the hussle and bussle of every day life, even with the kids :)
The hotel had closed for refurbishment but the stunning Manor grounds and numerous walks are there for all to enjoy, as was the odd round of golf. Its no surprise that Tennyson loved and gained so much inspiration from this beautiful part of the Island. I have posted some pictures which shows the Emily Suite self catering apartment we visited, there are larger cottages being refurbished with 2 ensuite bedrooms and vaulted ceilings but unfortunately these were not ready for our visit, maybe next time, a bathroom to ourselves and a seperate one for the children.....heaven....