Summertime in Cowes brings the international sailing set and the town takes on a carnival atmosphere. Bunting and banners deck the cobbled and quaint streets, which are pedestrianised and our Victorian terraced cottage is almost at the heart of the Old Town. Just walk to the end of the road and the marina and town are right there. From the top window of the cottage there is a view over part of the harbour and the mainland in the distance. Cowes is an ideal base for sailing or for visiting the Isle of Wight. The accommodation is spread over 4 floors with narrow staircases to each. One of the staircases has a low head height, so those over 6 foot should take care! Recently refitted with a new kitchen and bathroom, there are two double bedrooms, one with twin beds and the other a double. The bathroom has full bath and a separate shower unit. The ground floor has a comfortable living room with TV/video, DVD and the fully equipped kitchen has stainless steel oven, hob and extractor, a microwave, fridge and washer/dryer. The lower ground floor has access to the small garden which has a lawn and a sunny area with table and chairs to enjoy those sundowners. The Isle of Wight has much to offer the visitor and was made popular by Queen Victoria, whose country home (and where she died), Osborne House, is a short drive or bus ride away. For visitors without a car the island offers a good bus service to all parts. There are many beaches and charming hostelries and country pubs offering welcoming food after walking, swimming or just enjoying the unspoiled countryside. For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the island is a perfect base with hundreds of miles of cycleways or public footpaths with designated rides or walks. Seafood is a speciality in many areas and fresh crab and lobster can be bought from many local fishermen on the island. Cowes itself, is of course, the world renowned centre for yachting – home to the Admirals Cup and the annual race season, Cowes Week.