We had a wonderful week long holiday in January 2007. Our decision was informed by the very cheap out of season price and we really didn't expect very much from our accomodation. However, the chalet was so much lovelier than the photos show. The lounge/diner is very clean and modern with a comfy 2-seater sofa, an armchair and a TV/DVD. Some of the very sweet touches included the basket of free-with-newspaper DVDs and the small selection of books on the wicker bookshelf and the very pretty flowers in vases in the living room and the bedroom.

In the kitchen there was a fridge, gas oven, microwave, kettle, toaster, sandwich toaster and pretty much everything you need to prepare your own food (cutlery, plates, saucepans etc, even a few condiments). The only thing we needed but they didn't have was a cheese grater but we made do!

The double bed is smaller than a regular double bed but was very comfy and we both slept well.

The bath in the bathroom was VERY small. A shower attachment was provided but there wasn't anywhere to hang while you showered so you just had to hang onto it. There also wasn't a shower curtain which meant we had to be very careful, when showering, not to soak the floor.

I've pointed out a few of the negatives of 7 Gurnard Pines just to keep people informed but I can't stress enough how much we enjoyed our stay. It was just the two of us, looking to have a relaxing week of sea walks and reading on the sofa and watching DVDs. Gurnard Pines was perfect for that. It was cosy, comfy and there was plenty of space for two of us. We'd definitely go back again.

The only downside for two non-drivers in this area of the Isle of Wight was getting around. We walked to West Cowes in about 40 minutes but always got a taxi back (about ?5) as it's a long uphill walk. You can also walk up from Gurnard Pines to the bus stop which takes you into Newport but it's a 15 minute walk on a narrow winding road so you have to watch the traffic. We managed okay - spending most of our time in Cowes - but you really need to get a bus to Newport and then a connecting bus to explore the rest of the island (although we did visit Ryde by walking to East Cowes and getting a bus) Car drivers, however will have no problem getting around.

One more point that may be useful. If you're taking a car from Southampton you should get the ferry to East Cowes but if you're a foot passenger it's much easier to get to Gurnard Pines if you get a ferry to West Cowes (there's a taxi rank outside but you may have to wait a little while).

The property was on the small side, which was not really a problem for us as we were using it purely as a base for sleeping. It might not be so good for anyone with very young children who could not get out so much in the evening. The main thing I remember about it was the lack of a proper, locking bathroom door!! It had a flimsy plastic folding screen which was wholly inadequate!! Also we were expected to bring our own towels, which in my experience is unusual even for self-catering arrangements. In view of these two points I think that the high weekly rental charge was a joke / thoroughly unjustified (take your pick of the two). Apart from this it was clean and well presented, though.

Lovely property, beautiful views & friendly site with excellent facilities. The only criticism would be the description of the bathroom- it stated with bath but it was only half the size of a normal bath so my son & husband had to use the showers down by the swimming pool!