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The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor

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Outdoor dining
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
TV, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 82153 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Ocean view

Explore the area

Map
Ventnor, ENG
  • Ventnor Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Steephill Cove Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Shanklin Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Southampton (SOU)
    ‪81 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Ventnor

Located within a 5-minute walk of Ventnor Downs, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Monks Bay Beach. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Vacation Homes in VentnorOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ventnor Beach - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Steephill Cove Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary - 7 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Shanklin Old Village - 10 min drive - 5.2 miles
  • Shanklin Beach - 11 min drive - 5.4 miles

Getting around

  • Shanklin Station - 18 min drive
  • Southampton (SOU) - 139 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Besty & Spinkys - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Spyglass Inn - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Smugglers Haven Tea Gardens - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Ocean View Fish & Chips - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Village Inn - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor

Set on the highest point of the Island, you have the opportunity to stay in an extraordinary piece of British history. This recently converted WW2 Receiver Station formed a critical part of the UK s Chain Home Radar Early Warning System.

"I think we can say that the Battle of Britain might never have been won... if it were not for the radar chain" MRAF Sir William Sholto Douglas

Today the house, situated on St Boniface Down, within beautiful National Trust landscape, provides comfortable, modern, accommodation with spectacular views out to sea and towards nearby Ventnor town.
On the ground floor there are 4 generous bedrooms (3 large doubles - 2 with en-suite, and 1 with twin beds), utility and family bathroom. On the new first floor there is a large open plan space that contains living, dining and kitchen. To the south west there are fabulous views out to the bay and sea beyond. From the kitchen there is access to a large protected roof terrace with view right across the Island and back to the mainland.
For enthusiastic walkers please visit the National Trust's website

Please note: the historical nature of this building and its national listing create unique spaces. Whilst ground floor bedrooms are luxurious, we believe, and all have windows they do not have views as they are set within the original spaces of the Radar building. We feel the first floor lounge and terrace views more than make up for this providing some of the most spectacular views on the island.
The vacation home is heated and features a kitchen, 4 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker, an ironing board, and a kitchen island.

Property manager

Sarah Carter

Languages

English, French, Italian

Similar properties

Property grounds

Breathtaking 180° Ocean Views

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
Breathtaking 180° Ocean Views

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Rooftop terrace

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,153 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Ventnor within a short 4-minute walk of Ventnor Downs. You'll also find Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ventnor Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor a good place to stay for couples?

At this historic vacation home, amenities that appeal to couples include a kitchen, kitchens in some accommodations, as well as a rooftop terrace.

Does The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.

How close is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Southampton (SOU), which is about 25 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor ?

Yes, every accommodation at The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean views.

The Old Radar Station, St Boniface Down, Ventnor Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous location for a reunion/birthday

We are a group of university friends coming in from Japan, USA, Germany and Switzerland for a reunion and celebration of 50 year old birthdays. Four bedrooms and four bathrooms allowed for ample privacy and comfort. The silence and remoteness was exactly what we needed to unplug from our personal/work lives. We were also blessed with good weather to enjoy the wonderful views from the property. Ventnor is a quiet spot that also matched what we were looking for, and the house served as a convenient location for our hikes.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing

The Old Radar Station is amazing and the views are breathtaking. If you are looking for somewhere away from it all this is the ideal place. Complete peace and quiet. We stayed for three nights and didn’t want to leave. The location is incredible and the surrounding National Trust land is perfect for walking and taking advantage of the wonderful views. A remarkable amount of thought has been given to the renovation of this historic property and the blend of new with the old is very clever and beautiful. It is a unique and very special place to stay. An interesting book which explains the history of the property and describes the renovation process is available to read on site.Sarah is the perfect host, very friendly and helpful. She made us feel extremely welcome and at home. Thank you so much, Sarah, we’re looking forward to returning again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Berni W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Totally unique

Lovely hosts and really unique experience
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candy J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Vented

A unique and special place to enjoy a reunion with old friends. The view is splendid and the accommodation luxourious and comfortable. We loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan C.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Unique Place to Stay

What a privilege to stay in this piece of 20th century history. The highlights are the amazing views down to the coast at Ventnor and the sea beyond as well as the awesome night sky in this area protected from light pollution. The building itself originally a utilitarian radar station has been. reimagined for modern living with an Inspired open plan living area and kitchen on the upper level to supplement the existing downstairs offices, converted to bedrooms and bathrooms. Sarah’s communication was excellent and we felt very much at home in this glorious space.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Panoramic views Architecturally stunning maintaining historic significance Fantastic communication from property manager Sarah. Memorable stay for 8 adults and dogs celebrating our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Exactly what we wanted Many thanks Sarah
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Short Break for Two Families

The property is perfect for two families to stay in. Sarah was extremely helpful and accommodating. It is not the most luxurious place in the world, but perfectly comfortable and sympathetically designed to blend with its setting and the original
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

carrie D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Incredible property and location

Fascinating historical property, beautiful views, absolute peace and quiet! All spotlessly clean.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas at The Old Radar Station

We spent Christmas at The Old Radar Station, an unforgettable experience at this unique, fascinating home in the most outstanding location on St. Boniface Down. The accommodation is extremely comfortable, with everything you could possibly need for a luxury stay in this unusual property. Sarah, our host, went the extra mile to make our Christmas experience wonderful and provide advice and recommendations for restaurants and places to visit and was always available should we have any questions. Highly recomended!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Clare S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend with friends at the radar station

A wonderful place to stay for a long birthday weekend with friends! Sarah was an excellent host and the property really has everything you need. Such a fantastic location with the shops and restaurants of Ventnor just a few minutes away! Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Anthony F.

Problems

A long list of what you cannot do
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Old Radar Station is a unique and very fun place to stay. The views from the main living area are stunning. It’s a great place to stay with a group of friends or family with perfect spaces for socialising together. Sarah kept in touch and shared plenty of helpful information via email. The area around The Old Radar Station is perfect for walks to enjoy the scenery.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colin S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Completely unique

This fantastic re-working of a unique historical WW-II radar station is simpy unique. Its outlook alone is great and complete with the book written about the history of the site and its re-working make it complete. Go!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Jane

Fantastic, away from it all, break with my husband, his parents and our spaniel. What a find! Tv doesn’t get a good signal but loads of dvds to choose from. (I enjoyed not having a telly). The views are amazing - so is the silence around you. The walking is some of the best I’ve done straight out of the front gate. There are quite a lot of cows but easy enough to avoid if you have a frightened dog, like us. The water supply is rainwater (uv filtered on site) and this did wonders for my hair 😝. The host provides ample bottled water to drink because it tastes better. Plenty of provisions left for you to use, if needed, just replace them before you leave. And a lovely bottle of welcome champagne. We will definitely be booking again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Val H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family short break

What a super stay. Superb property with magnificent views. Loved by all.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diann A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sensational retreat setting for a two-family rendezvous

Two families from different continents, friends for over a decade, convened at the Radar Station House for another annual rendezvous. The house is amazing! Sleeping rooms were comfortable and quiet, and allowed for ample privacy with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The upstairs area was well appointed, with stunning views and really nice gathering spaces for meals and connection. As a surprise, the weather was exquisitely cooperative, and we hiked at different parts of the isle most days, enjoyed lunches at pubs or inns, and retreated back to the house for more time together. Sarah is a responsive and kind host, and our entry and exit from the property were easy. We highly recommend this gorgeous unique property!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Veronique J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect !

Stunning location, quirky and very comfortable accommodation ! Everything you need for a perfect get away break !
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alex K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing house, amazing location!

We enjoyed two wonderful weeks in this unique house. The views are to die for and - even on the few days the clouds came down - being on the top of the down was a really atmospheric experience. The house was full of thoughtful touches and immaculately clean. We appreciated the welcome and local advice from the housekeeper - and enjoyed the chilled bottle of fizz waiting in the fridge. Ventnor is full of fascinating and fun places - we'd especially recommend Crave ice creams at the Ventnorian and the Smoking Lobster restaurant on the seafront.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Jackie G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing location

Lovely location for a long awaited family get together.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kate B.

Liked: Cleanliness

An unforgettable 40th Girly getaway

I booked this property nearly a year ago as a celebration Tamark my 40th year with a group of friends including my sister and cousin. The property looked extremely quirky and perfect for what I was wanting. Having just returned home today I really cannot put into words what a fabulous weekend we have had! The Radar Station is utterly breathtaking and I don’t think any amount of photographs would ever do it justice! The most remarkable spot with such incredible history and uniqueness. The view is utterly breathtaking and again it is only when you are there you really can appreciate how special this place really is! Everything about our weekend was five star! The decor of the property was also impeccable and everything has been thought through with great thought. I recommend you read the little book which is provided which gives you an insight into the history on this remarkable property. All I can say is we were very sad to leave and very much hope that one day we can return and recreate magical memories which I know will last a lifetime. There’s not a bad word I would have to say about the property only, I wish it could’ve been longer! We had lunch at the smoking lobster down in town and would go as far as to say it’s one of the best meals we have ever had - so I would highly recommend that Many thanks Kate
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing few days in an incredible location

We spent an amazing few days as a family in this incredible house. Amazing views and facilitates throughout. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great weekend stay

Amazing property to catch up with friends. Loved the house, the history and the views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ann C., Deal Kent UK

Liked: Cleanliness

I may never leave...

This property offered everything de desire in a complete getaway.Everything about the property and location was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil H., United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness

A Room With A View

Nothing can quite prepare you for the spectacular views provided by this one in a million property. The location and design are truly unique with communal spaces that truly encourage being together. The remote location does require a designated driver if eating out, or utilise the fantastic facilities to their maximum and cater from home. Wonderful with views that can’t be beaten.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Olivia R., Galle, Sri Lanka

Liked: Cleanliness

Diamond wedding celebration

We celebrated our parents Diamond Wedding anniversary over the bank holiday weekend, with 2 nights at the Old Radar Station to rest and recover from their party and regroup as a family. It was the perfect spot for us. Such a lovely spacewith sublime views and glorious walks in every direction. We cooked, played games and enjoyed every the eclectic designs in every corner of this iconic house. The icing on the cake were the glorious bluebell carpet just over the brow of the hill. We will be return often to this extra special place.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022