Tiny little-known island in the middle of the Cotswolds with its own bar and boat – that you can rent with your mates
SPENDING the night on a private island is something that only seems possible for celebrities.
But that’s no longer the case because Brits can book to stay on a private island right in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Located in the middle of a water-skiing lake in Oxfordshire, The Island is available as a holiday rental for people who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of normal life.
The Oxfordshire lake is divided into two halves, with one side dedicated to an array of watersports while the other is home to therapy rooms.
Holidaymakers can fish from the island – although swimming is not permitted because of the waterskis.
The stylish home can sleep 16 people and even has the space for an extra six guests, for an additional charge.
There are eight double bedrooms inside the holiday home, as well as a huge dorm room that’s been designed with both adults and kids in mind.
One of the rooms even comes with its very own little roof terrace where guests can soak up the views.
The property comes with five bathrooms, which means there won’t be any competing for a shower among guests.
There are plenty of other rooms too include a huge main kitchen, a large dining room, a family room and another little kitchen area.
The Island property also comes equipped with its very own bar complete with a bluetooth-compatible jukebox.
Other amenities include a hot tub, a pool table and two small boats.
Stays on The Island start from £3,000, based on 14 guests staying for a minimum of three nights.
Two drivers, who are over the age of 25 and hold a valid driving licence, are needed to visit The Island.
Visitors to The Island have praised their visit in online reviews, with one person writing: “From start to finish, communication with our wonderful host Adele, was simply fantastic.
“Nothing was too much trouble, a host that truly wants her guests to have a memorable, relaxed and worry free experience. The house and ground speaks for itself.”
Another person added: “I have no idea how you explain just how fabulous and unique the island is.
“The views are stunning and it is such a tranquil place perfectly situated to watch the sun go down with a glass of wine.
Someone else wrote: “Adele’s place is the most unique Airbnb I have stayed in and I am really glad we did!
I have no idea how you explain just how fabulous and unique the island is
“It really is on an island, and it is so peaceful to stay there. Our main regret was that we were only staying for one night as it would have been great to stay on and relax on the island for a day.”
The Island is a 30-minute drive from Oxford, and it’s a 45-minute drive from Swindon.
And this isn’t the only place in the UK where guests can rent out an entire island to their summer getaways.
There’s also the The Old Fishing Station – a cottage in the Scottish Highlands where holidaymakers can relax in the hot tub overlooking the island and the Highland surroundings before cooking up some fresh seafood on the barbecue.
Other little-known islands to visit in the UK
STAYCATIONS are becoming increasingly popular with Brits who aren't keen on forking out for flights and hotels abroad, and luckily enough there are plenty of little-known islands to visit.
- Caldey Island, which lies just off the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, is owned by monks and is home to a grand monastery. The island welcomes daytrippers from Easter until the end of October, but it’s closed to visitors on Sundays.
- Foulness Island, which sits just off the coast of Essex, is home to 150 residents. Brit holidaymakers can visit the English island on the first Sunday of every month. To step foot on the island, visitors will need to complete a registration form on the Foulness Island Heritage Centre website before arriving.
- During World War II, Cramond Island was fortified in preparation for an enemy invasion. While it was left unscathed at the end of the conflict, it was abandoned. Today the island, just outside of Edinburgh, remains as it was left all those years ago – waiting for a war that never arrived.
Here’s another UK island that’s like Cornwall from the 1970s.
And an island in Scotland has been dubbed the “Hawaii of the North”.