areas within Isle Of Wight
| Cowes | Newport | Ryde | Shanklin |
other areas in UK
The Isle of Wight has long been known as "The Garden Isle", and is noted for its warm climate, friendly atmosphere, unspoilt coastline and stunning scenery - and it is only two hours away from the centre of London. The Isle of Wight covers an area of 146 square miles and has almost 60 miles of coastline, and a population of approximately 132,000 people. The Island hosts the world's most famous sailing event - Cowes Week - and is carving a niche as a mecca for wind surfing, kite surfing, mountain biking and para-gliding. And when it comes to business and industry, within the Island's 146 square miles you can find world leading defence and communications specialists, aerospace and radar experts, award winning salad producers, high tech advanced composites developers and manufacturers, some of the world's most respected yacht designers and boat builders, leading IT companies and systems developers, as well as some of the world's best sailors and race teams.
A brief history
Relics have been found on the Isle of Wight which indicate signs of life around 100,000 years ago, during the Ice Age and before the Isle of Wight actually became an Island (it was then part of the mainland). There is also much evidence of inhabitation about 8,000 BC. The Solent was formed around 6,000 BC (about 8,000 years ago), creating what we now call the Isle of Wight, although the shape of the Island was somewhat different then. In the Bronze Age, the Beaker people inhabited the Island (around 1,500 BC) Metal artefacts (bit and pieces) have been found at Arreton and Moon's Hill. Moving further forward in history - in the nineteenth century the Island was transformed by the coming of the railways. Queen Victoria took advantage of the island's new accessibility by using Osborne as her retreat. Queen Victoria's affection for Osborne added to the Island's attractions of climate and scenery, and Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin & Ventnor expanded from fishing villages to fashionable resorts. When the Island gained full County status under the Local Government Act in 1972, Earl Mountbatten was appointed the Island's first Lord Lieutenant. Since his death in Ireland in 1979, the Island has been without a governor.
Living on the Isle of Wight
Residents on the Isle of Wight benefit from a slower pace of life than people on the mainland, and families consider it to be a safe place to bring up children. Whether you are searching for a property for sale in Isle of Wight in a buzzing modern town or if you would prefer to live in a chocolate box village with a traditional pub, you will find something to suit you. The Island's property market spans the spectrum from prestigious country homes to first-time buyers' flats and houses. Estate agents in Isle of Wight are optimistic that the Island's property market will continue its current buoyancy, with prices likely to remain stable. People who are including renting in their relocation plan should be aware that there is a high demand for property to rent in Isle of Wight with a fast turnover.
Newport is the Island's capital, the shopping centre of the island and one of the key property hotspots. In recent years the town centre has been developed with a new Sainsbury's, Safeway's, Somerfield and Marks & Spencer. There is also a new cinema complex, and a number of high street chains on Newport's high street. Once you venture into the grid of side streets and squares will you discover an eclectic mix of antiques and curios, arts and crafts, boutiques, specialist shops, and a Farmers' Market every Friday. People searching for flats in Newport expect to pay £115k+ for a one bedroom apartment within a period property. If you are house hunting you will find a variety of houses for sale in Newport, including Victorian houses, Georgian Grade II listed properties, large 1930s detached family houses, modern houses, bungalows and character properties.
Ryde is the Island's second largest town, and according to local residents has the best nightlife. There is a good selection of shops in the town centre, restaurants, an indoor pool, all levels of schools (including the Island's largest private school). People searching for houses in Ryde can expect to pay £330k+ for a modern four bedroom family house.
Cowes is the yachting centre of not only the Island, but also arguably the world, and is most famous for Cowes Week, which usually takes place in August. The yachting fraternity are well catered for, but it doesn't end there. The town's long high street, running parallel to the waterfront and marinas is home to an excellent variety of individual shops - from chic Italian ladies' fashion to chandlers, delicatessens and antiques. The sea is never far away and there is a good range of pubs - reputedly, Cowes has more per square mile than any other town in the UK. Cowes is divided by the River Medina into East Cowes and West Cowes, and the two are joined by a floating bridge which transports cars and foot passengers. Cowes is a great place to search for a property with sea views. If you are searching for flats in Cowes, expect to pay £329k+ for a three bedroom apartment with harbour views in a purpose built block. If you are searching for houses in Cowes you will find a good selection, which include modern houses, both semi detached and detached, spacious Victorian family houses and Georgian town houses,
There are plenty of estate agents in Isle of Wight, so, prior to making any decisions about where to live, so ensure you use a Primelocation agent to carry out your search for property for sale in Isle of Wight.
People who are relocating to the Island in search of employment will find that tourism, public administration, health and education remain the largest employers - accounting for more than 60 per cent of the job market, and the majority of employers are small or medium-sized enterprises. Local industry in Cowes centres on the building and design of marine craft. GKN Aerospace is based in Cowes, and BAE Systems (Insyte) occupies a site at Newport. Commuting to the mainland is fast and efficient, and many people choose to work in Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester, which have the highest job densities in Hampshire.
The health of the residents of the Island is looked after by The Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust which is responsible for the provision of acute hospital, mental health, community, primary care and ambulance services, with a large hospital based in Newport.
Families with children will find the Island has 69 schools and operates a 3-tier education system comprising Primary, Middle and High Schools. The Island also has a college, offering courses for students from 16 years old.
Travel and transport links on the Isle of Wight
People searching for property for sale in Isle of Wight will discover that travelling to and from the mainland is easy. Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries operate a round-the-clock service between the English mainland and the Island, running services every day of the year on three routes across the Solent, and sail up to 230 times a day. Portsmouth to Fishbourne takes approximately 40 minutes; Lymington to Yarmouth 30 minutes, and Portsmouth to Ryde around 18 minutes. Hovertravel operate a service between Southsea and Ryde in just 10 minutes, and Red Funnel transports both passengers and vehicles between Southampton and East Cowes. Once you have arrived on the Island with your car you will discover driving around is stress-free. For public transport, the main local bus company, Southern Vectis, operates a network covering the whole of the Island. Island Line operates eight and a half miles of passenger railway, serving the towns of Ryde, Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin.
view the 10 most recently added properties for sale in Isle Of Wight
2 bedroom flat in Admiral Gardens, Cowes, Isle of Wight - Asking price of £175,000
Two bedroom first floor apartment with communal gardens and allocated parking.... view full details
5 bedroom house in Newport, Isle Of Wight - From £230,000
Price Range: £230,000 - £250,000. Substantial period property with separate 1 bed basement flat. 4 bedrooms, Large Lounge kitchen. Utility room and two bathrooms.... view full details
3 bedroom house in Newport Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight - Asking price of £179,000
Three bedroom home built to a high quality. Outside there is an enclosed garden with patio with gated access to the parking bay.... view full details
3 bedroom house in Newport, Isle of Wight - Asking price of £174,950
Three bedroom semi detached house occupying a corner plot with a garage en bloc.... view full details
3 bedroom house in Brading, Isle Of Wight - From £165,000
Price Range: £165,000 - £189,000. Three Bedrooms. Conservatory. Parking.... view full details
4 bedroom house in Cranmore, Isle Of Wight - Asking price of £850,000
Estate Agents notoriously over-use superlatives, but this property is all about the location, location, location, which is truly extraordinary! Situated at the far end of Cranmore, the property...... view full details
3 bedroom flat in Ryde, Isle Of Wight - From £120,000
Price Range: £120,000 - £130,000. 3 bed first floor flat just off of Ryde Esplanade. Modern fitted kitchen and bathroom/W.C. Gas central heating, communal gardens, and OSP.... view full details
3 bedroom flat in Esplanade, Sandown, Isle of Wight - Guide Price of £425,000
A unique opportunity to acquire this duplex penthouse apartment which occupies both the 5th and 6th floor of Napoleons Landing and offering uninterrupted sea views from Dunnose Point Shanklin to...... view full details
5 bedroom house in Kite Hill, Wootton Bridge, Isle Of Wight, PO33 - Asking price of £495,000
Built in 1998, this individually designed family home is situated in a lovely wooded setting within the sought after Wootton area. Pleasant local walking routes are literally on its doorstep and...... view full details
