Fortune

What could be more appealing than relaxing on the deck of your luxury houseboat - perhaps with a glass of wine in hand - and observing the bustling life of Bembridge Harbour? While little yachts come and go, you may also spot some rare birds or even a friendly swan on the twinkling waters of this entrancing Isle of Wight enclave.

Fortune has been designed to be enjoyed both inside and out. Step through its cheery yellow front door and the huge, open-plan ground floor will reveal itself to you in all its glory. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow in plenty of light and offer great views, while double doors open onto the rear decking, where you can dine in style and enjoy the sunshine (the island is officially one of the sunniest places in the UK). Cooking is a doddle in the top-of-the-range kitchen, which is equipped with a dual-fuel range cooker, microwave, fridge-freezer and dishwasher, as well as a sociable island unit with bar stools and a sink. This area is known for its fresh seafood, so why not try cooking up your own gourmet lobster, crab or prawn extravaganza? There's a large dining table where everyone can enjoy a leisurely meal together, and afterwards, the comfy sofas are the perfect spot for relaxing in front of the smart TV, enjoying the warmth of the unusual contemporary wood burner and planning tomorrow's adventures.

With both comfort and good looks in mind, Fortune's décor is sumptuous and stylish, and that goes for the rest of the accommodation, too. On the ground floor, you'll also find a convenient cloakroom and a separate laundry room, while on the lower deck, accessed via a staircase in the entrance hallway, four appealing bedrooms lead off from the main corridor. The main suite is undoubtedly the pièce de resistance, with a super-king sized bed, a dressing room and a large bathroom with roll-top bath, shower, WC and pair of countertop wash-basins. With plenty of space for family or friends, a second bedroom boasts a double bed and an en suite with a bath, while the third and fourth bedrooms, one double and one twin, share a handy Jack-and-Jill shower room. These three bedrooms feature nautical-style porthole windows, with specially made blinds to ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep.

A twenty-minute walk from the harbour takes you to Bembridge village, where you'll find a fishmonger, butcher, bakery, farm shop and several cafes, as well as a choice of family-friendly pubs (not forgetting the welcoming Pilot Boat Inn, a few minutes walk away in the harbour itself).

There are plenty of gorgeous beaches to explore nearby, as well as the historic windmill and striking Bembridge lifeboat station. The harbour itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, while close at hand is the bird lovers' paradise of Brading Marshes.

Feeling active? Have a go at sailing (of course), sea fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing, rock pooling, horse riding, fossil hunting, pedalling some of the 200 miles of cycle rides and more…or simply explore some of the island's fascinating sites, which include a steam railway, botanic gardens, garlic farm, zoo, steam railway and monkey haven. Young or old, and whatever your tastes, there is always plenty on offer in this lovely part of the country.

Ground Floor: Open plan living-room with kitchen and dining areas. with Smart TV and gas fire. Dual fuel range (gas hob, electric oven), microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Utility-room with washing machine and tumble-drier. Cloakroom with WC and wash-basin.

Lower Ground Floor: Study. Bedroom 1 with king-size double bed (5') and en suite Bathroom with bath, WC and wash-basin. Bedroom 2 with twin beds (3'). Bedroom 3 with super-king double bed (6'). Shower-room with shower, WC and wash-basin (accessed from bedroom 2 and bedroom 3). Bedroom 4 with super-king double bed (6'), Dressing-room and en suite Bathroom with roll-top bath, shower cubicle, WC and wash-basin.

There is unallocated private parking for two cars in a car park just a short walk along the road to Fortune.