Sustonica, the first global sustainability standard for holiday lets.
Our aim is to create lasting holiday memories and we intend to do so both responsibly and sustainably.
To deliver on this we've set out a number of environmental and social pledges which help to focus our efforts;
you can read more about them in our Impact Report.
This is why we've partnered with Sustonica, the first global certification for holiday lets,
to support our owners to be more sustainable.
The Sustonica certification focuses on four key areas: energy conservation, water conservation,
waste reduction and promoting inclusiveness. They are on a mission to become the most widely
recognised sustainability standard for holiday rentals and a catalyst to reduce emissions of holiday
lets and influence guests to reduce their own household consumption too.
Properties that display the Sustonica badge have successfully passed the criteria,
which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards,
and their owner has made a commitment to look after our planet as well as you.
"Having read a recent review we approached the property with a degree of anxiety."
Their review made reference to the access to the property, both experienced drivers, (one motorcyclist one car driver) commenting on the unsafe access. We need not have worried! The clue is in the name “Old Bank End Farm” access via the farm drive (not a mettled surface) We found the property as described in a clean & tidy condition fit for our enjoyable stay in “The Lobster Pot”
Reviewed by Kenneth4.7★Sep 2024
"On arrival we were surprised to find the access road to the property was a rough, downhill track."
I didn’t like driving down it in the car, my husband was on his motorbike, he is a very experienced motorcyclist but he felt the rough track down pretty treacherous. We felt that doing this a few times a day on our holiday wasn’t ideal and because there had been no mention of this in the cottage details we were somewhat frustrated because access does impact on our choices of accommodation.
We did go into the cottage. That was also not as described. There wasn’t light flooding in, actually quite dark and dingy.
At this point we decided we would find somewhere else to stay which we did and then messaged the owner on Wattsapp to let them know we weren’t going to stay at the cottage as planned.
The message was brief and polite and I could see that it had been read but I got no acknowledgment from the owner. I find that quite rude really.
We weren’t requesting any money back.
Moving on, we had a lovely holiday elsewhere and I cannot recommend the Lobster Pot at all.
Reviewed by Tracie2.5★Aug 2024
"Perfect location but cottage felt tired."
The on site facilities were brilliant to use and the views were amazing. At the cottage we found that some of the appliances need replacing. We spoke to the owners about the washing machine and after the cleaner gave it a second clean we still felt we couldn’t use it as the seal was mouldy. The cooker also takes a long time to heat up. Main bedroom and bathrooms were clean but other areas need more attention.
Reviewed by Jen2.8★Aug 2024
"Fabulous cottage, spacious, comfortable , clean, great views, lovely garden with things for kids to do."
For info we could have done with more plates and a pair of scissors would have been useful.
We had a great holiday from a perfect base!
Reviewed by Jennifer5.0★Aug 2024
"Very disappointing."
No info given either beforehand or at property about coastal path closure which destroyed our holiday. The whole place was a tatty rundown attempt to be a mini holiday camp . The so called games facilities were dirty and rather pathetic. Access roads rough and dangerous. No privacy re other units. Our bedrooms had east facing windows with wafer thin apologies for curtains making sleep impossible after sunrise at about 4.30 am. Very unwelcoming, not even a pint of milk.
Reviewed by Nicholas2.2★Jun 2024
"We really enjoyed our stay."
The view out to the sea was really nice. Things to do plenty- and lot of fun for all the family. The lookout is a really nice Idea- enjoyed sitting there at nighttime with a glass of wine, watching the moonlight dancing on the sea.
Cooking was a bit of a challenge as the cooker is really weak on power- and the mattress upstairs bedroom could be changed.
Any little problems could be communicated with the owner’s which are very friendly.
We also really enjoyed lots of hikes- starting from the cottage.
Reviewed by Andrea4.1★Apr 2024
"The cottage was perfect in every way."
It is close to all amenities. The coastal path and beach is five minutes walk away..For children the property had lots of things to entertain them including a putting Green, a football goal, table tennis.badminton net and a play park. The outside seating area was nice which had barbecue with all the coals and equipment provided.The property owners were very friendly and helpful. We couldn’t have wished for a better place to stay.
Reviewed by Ingrid5.0★Sep 2023
"Fantastic time was had, would consider going back."
We really enjoyed it. Location is brilliant, setup fantastic, quality of the accomodation was very high, setting was bliss. Ventnor is a delightful town. Only real downside is the beds could have been better. I've returned with a sore back.
Reviewed by Stewart4.4★Jul 2023
"The Lobster Pot cottage was very welcoming, comfortable and spacious."
The welcome pack was very informative, internet connection good. Having two bathrooms is an excellent point with 4 people staying. The property itself is in a great location with plenty of amenities eg, bbq, table tennis darts etc. Near to the coastal footpath. There are two other cottages within the area and each cottage had its designated parking space with two spaces for the The Lobster Pot. Owners helpful and answered our questions. Would we come back, yes we would
Reviewed by Bryan5.0★Jul 2023
"Brilliant property in a fab location."
The walk along the coast path is lovely and the cottage bigger than it looks in the listing. Very tranquil setting with lovely views and a sweet little bay on the doorstep... we loved it.
We enjoyed the extra facilities like the Lookout, bbq, darts, table tennis and pitch and putt. Enough to keep 2 adult kids entertained.
Owners responded quickly to any requests and were very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed by Vicki5.0★Jun 2023
"Overall very pleased with our stay, the accommodation was comfortable and quiet."
Good location too. Thank you.
Reviewed by Graham4.1★Feb 2023
"What a wonderful spot so close to the sea just outside of Ventnor."
We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the surrounding farmland. The unit was extremely comfortable with all mod cons. When we met the hosts they were warm and friendly.
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Nov 2022
"Excellent property, well equipped and lovely host."
Although in fairness we didn’t need her help. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Susan5.0★Nov 2022
"I think the cottage was spacious and was in a lovely area."
Having said that there were issues with the accommodation. WiFi/internet was appalling one morning for 3 hours absolutely nothing, when it does work it’s very very slow , and in the downstairs bedroom doesn’t work at all. No signal whatsoever. Also in both bathrooms no windows or natural light, both dimly lit , it could do with a light above the sink mirror for shaving , also a heated mirror as it steams up if someone has showered before you . In fact lighting in general could be brighter . Always been happy with previous cottages with Sykes and the ones we’ve used would use again. But this one I wouldn’t unless things were improved. Regards the WiFi as we were leaving asked the people in the adjacent cottage Fisherman’s Cottage he also said very poor WiFi. On most things you would need in the kitchen it was well equipped . Everything you needed . I’m just being honest as you’ve asked me to give my review. We will use Sykes cottages again as I think you have some wonderful locations and properties.
Reviewed by Roy3.1★Sep 2022
"Great cottage in a wonderful, peaceful location."
Penny very welcoming and helpful.
A real gem.
Reviewed by Richard5.0★Jun 2022
"Nice quiet location close to botanic gardens."
This had one of the few functioning electric chargers on Isle of Wight at the time of our visit. The cooker did not seem to get warm enough so we did not use it much. However Penny the owner was very helpful and friendly.
Reviewed by James5.0★May 2022
"Big plus WiFi that works."
Well equipped very clean property , quiet location , good views .
Reviewed by Ian5.0★Feb 2022
"Had a lovely stay despite the high winds , the cottage was lovely , and the owners friendly and helpful ."
Beautiful area of the island
Many thanks Ben
Reviewed by Ben5.0★Feb 2022
"We very much enjoyed our stay in this cottage."
It is in a lovely location giving us a sea view for our Bbq and coastal walks.
Reviewed by Margaret4.4★Sep 2021
"The track from the main road rather bumpy and no cafetiere provided, and not that many glasses, those that were not v big for drinking water."
On the whole very nice accommodation well equipped.
Reviewed by Fran4.7★Jul 2021
"The Lobster Pot was a lovely place to stay, and the location was perfect."
Some minor carps:
Instructions for dishwasher would have been handy. We couldn't puzzle this out.
Couldn't find a corkscrew.
A few more cushions in the living room would have made things a bit more comfortable. I know there seems to be a trend to remove soft furnishings in the name of Covid, but I fail to understand the reason.
Reviewed by Paul4.4★Jun 2021
"Lovely spacious accommodation in a fabulous position near quaint coves but easy walk into Ventnor."
Would definitely recommend.
Reviewed by Sara4.7★Sep 2020
"We loved it!"
We really enjoyed this holiday. You have the sea on one side and long walks on the other.
Kids also loved playing on the field in front of the cottage and few animals. Water in the sea was cold but we got use to it. Lots of beautiful beaches around. I would just recommend to take your swimming shoes with you as they are rocky.
I have to say I enjoy the holiday more than some abroad. It was very peaceful and social distancing was easy.
The owners were very welcoming.
Reviewed by Sneze5.0★Jul 2020
"What a brilliant place to stay the lobster pot a lovely place to spend a holiday ..."
What a brilliant place to stay the lobster pot a lovely place to spend a holiday very clean tidy and everything you could want the owners was very welcoming and was neighbours
the walks from the cottage was brilliant as was the scenery so quiet and peaceful so much wildlife to see would recommend this place to anybody first class
thanks again maureen Andy panks
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Sep 2019
"Great holiday cottage with lots of coastal path walks, you would have to be sure footed to make it down to the beach."
The only bad experience we had was having a pet friendly cottage opposite ours, you couldn’t make a move without this little dog yapping his head off.
Reviewed by Sue3.8★Jun 2019
"The cottage is spacious and comfortable and well equipped."
You need to be able to walk well to get to the beach as the path is a bit steep. A wide variety of activities within easy reach and beautiful scenery around the coast and inland.
The phone number you gave me to contact the owners about our arrival was for a different property!!
Reviewed by Patricia4.7★May 2019
"Very peaceful location."
Need a car. We had bad and good weather. Isle of Wight a lovely area to explore with plenty of good pubs and restaurants. Good walking and beaches.
Reviewed by Georgina5.0★Sep 2018
"First of all I should say that we had a good holiday."
And, I should add that the property was clean, and reasonably well equipped. The location is amazing, and our host was very helpful and friendly. Most things worked well, and I would not like this to come across as a negative review, for it is not. However, there are some things that could have been better, as I will explain below.
1. We booked this accommodation because my elderly mother cannot manage steps. The downstairs bathroom and downstairs bedroom were necessary. However, what is not evident on the photographs, nor in the description, is that there are significant steps between the bedroom and the bathroom, the lounge and the bathroom, and from the parking area for the cars up to the path to the cottage. This made the situation very challenging for my mother. We had to bring one of the single beds into the lounge.
2. The mattress upstairs was lumpy, and uncomfortable and the bed squeaked loudly. I could not sleep on it. I had to take cushions from the downstairs sofa, lay them on the floor upstairs and sleep on the floor.
3. The Wi-Fi is woeful. It reminds us of the days of dial-up. It might as well not be there. Advertising it when it doesn't really work is not advisable.
4. The description should say, somewhere, that the mobile signal is highly variable.
5. The door from the lounge to the patio is very hard to lock and unlock. It has warped. I was the only person in our party of four who was strong enough to pull the door into the right position to lock and unlock it.
6. A few smaller issues: there is a teapot, but no tea strainer; we needed a brush for washing up; the blind in the upstairs bedroom was broken;
As I mentioned earlier, most things worked well. The TV was fine, as were the iron and ironing board, shower, the cooker, the fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, crockery etc.
All the best, Malcolm
Reviewed by Malcolm4.1★Sep 2018
"A great place to stay, Penny was very helpful and we had a dream vacation."
Reviewed by Mike5.0★Jul 2018
"The patio is across from a tiny cottage for two."
Because of the heat, they had their door open all the time and the t.v. on. This made us feel uncomfortable on our patio.
Reviewed by R5.0★Jun 2018
"Quiet location, comfortable, well equipped cottage."
Reviewed by Lynn5.0★Jun 2018
"The Lobster Pot is a spacious, comfortable and well-equipped cottage, set in an excellent location."
Just a short walk through the field brings you to the coastal path, with a lovely walk to Ventnor. On the way, it is worth calling at the Crab Shed for a delicious crab sandwich or crab pasty and, if you like seafood, Ventnor is renowned for its excellent lobster. The cottage is peaceful - surrounded by farmland, and a view of the sea, but close enough to the main road to make it easy to enjoy some drives to The Needles, the Tennyson Monument and nearby Shanklin, amongst others. I had never visited the Isle of Wight before, but certainly hope to return.
Reviewed by Diane4.6★Sep 2017
"Fantastic holiday in the Lobster Pot."
Owners could not do enough to make our stay comfortable and supplied two travel cots and highchairs and stairgates for 2 year old twins. Lovely accommodation for a family and very well equipped. Lovely location and the rest of the family rented the other two cottages so made a brilliant family holiday with all separate facilities.
Reviewed by Thomas5.0★Sep 2017
"Fantastic place to stay very quite and friendly."
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x ground floor twin with z-bed on request
Shower room with shower, basin and WC
Ground floor bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Kitchen
Sitting room with dining area
Shared games room with table tennis, table football and badminton nets
There is an outdoor play area with swings, slide & climbing frame
There is also a basketball hoop and a large play field below the barns, with pitch and putt, football goal, picnic tables & plenty of space for games & kite flying.
Gas central heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD, WiFi, selection of books and games
Power inc. in rent
Bed linen inc rent
Cot, highchair and stairgate on request
Shared games room with table tennis, table football and badminton nets
Off road parking for 2 cars
Bike storage
Private gravel and paved area with table, chairs and BBQ
Sorry, no pets and no smoking
Shop 1 mile, pub 1.2 miles
Beach 5 mins walk
Note: Property has direct access to the coastal path
Towels are not provided
The property
This wonderful stone cottage is situated in stunning surroundings, adjoined to Beachcombers, with its own, designated south-facing patio area with a table, chairs and a barbecue, plus picturesque coastal views.
The living space includes a dining area and a fitted kitchen, and there are also two bedrooms, one double and one twin, with an additional z-bed if required, providing sleeping for up to five people.
The cottage shares the use of a games room and the beach is just a short walk away.
Note: This cottage can be booked with Refs. 926288 and 926283, together they sleep 15.
Bank End Farm Cottages
Three outstanding cottages set within an attractive open courtyard, with spectacular coastal views and direct access onto the Isle of Wight Coastal Path. These striking holiday cottages are just a short walk away from the small coves and secluded beaches of the south coast of the Isle of Wight, and are situated within 30 acres of farmland, having been lovingly converted from ancient Island Stone farm buildings, whilst retaining many of their original features. With the clever use of modern glazing, light now spills into each cottage creating a warm and welcoming feel, as well as allowing in those stunning views of the English Channel. All three cottages have been furnished to a high standard, complementing the exposed beams with quality oak and pine furnishings. They each have their own private patio area with a table, chairs and a barbecue, all perfectly positioned to allow you to fully appreciate the beautiful views of the surrounding farmland and the English Channel. A shared games room houses table tennis tables and badminton nets, and there is useful storage for bikes available, as well as designated off road parking spaces close by, along with additional undercover parking if required. The Ventnor Botanic Garden is only a short walk away, full of worldwide temperate and subtropical trees and shrubs. The area’s unusual climate is more like the Mediterranean, therefore enabling a wide variety of plants to grow and thrive here. The Garden also holds many events and exhibitions throughout the year and has a highly acclaimed café restaurant. A 10-minute walk along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path will bring you to the island’s hidden treasure, Steephill Cove, with its sand and shingle beach and fisherman’s cottages, who today still launch small boats hoping to catch crabs and lobsters for the locals. Some of these cottages have even been converted into wonderful café restaurants, where you can sample their catch directly from the sea. This delightful group of cottages are perfect for anything, from romantic retreats, to a big, family seaside holiday.
View on map
Where you’ll be staying
VENTNOR
Newport 10 miles; Cowes 15 miles.
The quaint Victorian seaside resort of Ventnor is located at the southern end of the island and accessed via an array of steep winding roads set amidst beautiful scenery. Sheltered by St. Boniface Down, one of the island's highest points and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming town has a uniquely mild micro climate enabling tropical and exotic plants to grow throughout the area. The gently sloping sandy and fine shingle beaches and coves provide excellent facilities for watersports and offer a range of stunning coastal paths to explore, while the harbour sells a broad range of fresh fish and locally-caught seafood. Ventnor is one of the Isle of Wight’s most prestigious food destinations with a good variety of high-quality restaurants,
Bistros, pubs and shops along the esplanade and close to the town centre. The Botanical Gardens are within easy reach and well worth a visit, whilst around the island there are great walking and cycling opportunities, medieval castles, historic houses and a variety of gardens and waterfalls, as well as the unspoilt fishing bay. This great holiday destination has plenty to offer all year-round, and it's easy to see why it's known as the prettiest place on the Isle of Wight!
