Notes from the host
Bembridge Houseboat Eleuthera
Summary:
A stylishly crafted houseboat hand made by the owners creating one of the most unique stays on the south coast. Overlooking Bembridge Harbour, Eleuthera nestles into her surroundings beautifully providing easy access for everything a family or group holiday could wish for and some of the most delightful hidden beaches on the south coast.
Eleuthera can sleep up to 9 and enjoys glorious, ever-changing views across the harbour, perfect for a family getaway to the island.
The Space:
Only a short walk from Bembridge village and beaches, the entrance leads across a walkway to the front door which opens onto the main open-plan living area. With kitchen/utility, banquet dining table, and comfortable sitting areas, you'll enjoy spectacular views across the harbour. The bi-fold doors that lead onto the viewing deck flood light into the main room. The ever-changing sea and sky create a constantly changing landscape that can be enjoyed all year round - and the sunsets are spectacular!
Downstairs there are 4 modern bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, sleeping up to 9, perfect for 2 families.
Guest Access:
Access to Eleuthera is via a 5m long 1m wide gangway, off a private deck at street level on Embankment Road, opposite the guest car park. Enter via the front door into the lobby where there is a Ring doorbell for security and access issues if needed. We are sorry but the boat design makes her unsuitable for wheelchair access.
The Neighborhood:
Houseboat Eleuthera is moored alongside a variety of interesting houseboats, yachts and fishing boats. You can get your own helping of the morning’s catch at the Crab Shack a few hundred metres away along the harbour and The Best Dressed Crab Restaurant offers fresh seafood lunches and dinners and has a great view of the harbour from its deck. The Harbour View café on the beach is just a few minutes walk and offers the perfect stop for morning coffee or a lobster salad.
Bembridge village is well served with two mini-markets - the Co-Op in the centre of town and towards the other end of the village a fully stocked 'Welcome store' in Lane End Court. If its home made, local and fresh you're looking for then Bembridge has it all. Award winning traditional butchers, Artisan bakery, Fishmonger with fresh local catch and a farmstead and whole foods Deli, all within 50m of each other. For the "Big shop" there is a huge Tesco Superstore only 5mins drive away on the route back to Ryde.
Staying in Bembridge, you are never very far from a beach, whether it’s the Sandy beaches of Priory bay and Seagrove Beach or the rock pooling on Bembridge beach or Forelands beach just around the headland. Please take care of the fast moving tides and clay cliffs which are prone to subsidence. The Bembridge lifeboat Station on Lane End beach is a sight to see at dawn, loved by photographers for its beautiful sunrises.
As well as walking and cycling the Isle of Wight's 200 miles of cycle route, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coast - try sailing, sea fishing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, horse riding on beaches, rock pooling, sea swimming or surfing.
Getting Around:
Houseboat Eleuthera is situated on Embankment road, at the Bembridge end of the run of houseboats. Satnav is pretty accurate. There is dedicated parking on the opposite side of the road.
Catamaran and car ferry services are available from a number of mainland ports including Keyhaven, Lymington, Southampton, Portsmouth and Southsea. Services take between 10-40 minutes, depending on the speed and type of ferry service taken. Our nearest ferry ports on the Isle of Wight are Fishbourne and Ryde, both of which are only 15 minutes away by car. Ryde is served by hovercraft and catamaran ferry services whilst Fishbourne is reached via a car ferry. We suggest that you make your advanced booking via the Wightlink, Red funnel or Hover travel websites.
The Isle of Wight boasts excellent transport options, especially during the warmer months and the bus from Ryde goes straight past the door so it is possible to make the journey from home to the houseboat without sitting in a car.
Other Things to Note:
We love to welcome children to stay on Eleuthera but please be extra mindful if you are planning to bring very little ones. Those on the move will need constant supervision to ensure they remain safe, especially on the gangplank, deck and around the stairwells.
Pets are welcome by pre-arrangement only and additional charges will apply. Please contact us before booking if you would like to bring your pet with you.
Interaction with Guests:
Eleuthera is provided with everything you will need for a family holiday on the sunny south coast. A guide to Eleuthera has been prepared for guests to help familiarise you with the unique elements of houseboat living.
R
Hosted by Rob & Charlotte
