This Small Island is Rivaling the Cotswolds for London Relocators

Why the Isle of Wight is the Next Cotswolds.

I’ve visited the Cotswolds many times: the Range Rovers, Soho Farmhouse, lush green countryside, and classic Cotswold stone buildings that house multi-million-pound estates. 

Alongside the status symbols, there’s no denying its beauty. In recent years it has become a playground for the rich and famous — Jeremy Clarkson, Keira Knightley, David Beckham, to name a few. Wealthy individuals have flocked there for years, and since the pandemic, that number has only skyrocketed. The Cotswolds have become the new status symbol for those living outside of London.

When I left the Cotswolds to return home to the Isle of Wight, I had to ask myself: Why? What’s so different from the Island?  Why are people not flocking here?

Because when I thought about it, I realised the Island actually has an edge over the Cotswolds for many reasons. Allow me to pitch the Isle to you, and see what you think.

**Beautiful Countryside:**  

Yes, the Cotswolds have some stunning countryside, I’ve had the pleasure of spending many hours emerged in the golden fields and green pastures. But the Isle of Wight rivals that beauty, if not exceeds it. Picture this: a golden field in Shorwell with the great blue sea quietly resting in the background. It’s a sight that offers an undeniable advantage. A walk from Freshwater Bay along the golf course, looking down to see the shoreline of Compton welcome the golden sun like an old friend. Can you rival that? 

**Stunning Homes and Gardens:**  

There is plenty of class, style, and excellence in the Cotswolds, but wander down Winkle Street or visit Mottistone Gardens, and you’ll find views, detail, craftsmanship, and location to be on par, if not superior. It’s old England, preserved and untouched for hundreds of years—a living history.  

**Culture and Lifestyle:**  

The image of a wax jacket shielding off raindrops on a rainy day in the autumnal Cotswolds does hold a certain romance. It’s easy to picture yourself settling down in a charming cottage like in “The Holiday.” But imagine the same wax jacket and the same autumnal scene with a similarly beautiful cottage on the Isle of Wight—could you even tell the difference? The Island offers so much, and when compared side by side, there really isn’t much distinction.  Yes we might be yet to have a Soho Farmhouse, but who needs that when you’ve got a food culture here to rival the best. For more information on our fabulous food and drink culture, head to https://www.youtube.com/@GooodGrief

now to see our media about exactly that. 

Now, I know the same argument always comes up: “The ferries make traveling from London a hassle.”  

Yes, the stretch of water can slow you down slightly and may cost a bit more. But, as residents, there are cheaper tickets available, and buying them in bulk can bring costs down to as little as £8.  I for one, have embraced the slower life, the pace that is good for the soul. The ferries might be a pain on occasion. But there’s something about coming home, across that blue gateway that brings a calm. 

The water that divides us from the mainland, is part the reason I love this Island. 

While the journey may still be slightly longer, consider this final thought:  

The Cotswolds may be beautiful, but it can never match the unique charm of our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Isle. And you know why?

The Cotswolds doesn’t have any beaches. To be continued…