The Hermitage is a large and impressive looking house with extensive grounds making it a private and secluded holiday home. Our group consisted of three families with grown-up (20-something) kids – 12 people in all. There are so many bedrooms so everyone could spread out (good for those with partners that snore!). The kitchen is well-equipped for eating ‘in’ and we used the kitchen table for dining, which seemed cozier than the huge stately table in the drawing room which seats 20. The games room, gym and snug was a big hit with the lads, while the older adults all found their own quiet place for reading. We all enjoyed exploring the grounds, though the boundaries are not clearly defined, and there were plenty of sightings of red squirrels. We also enjoyed the quiet location – it is approached by a long private bumpy road and the nearest shop is about 7 mins by car or about a 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) walk along the bridal path and fields – which we liked, but the isolation may not be for everyone. Ventnor is about 17 mins by car and there are plenty of places to eat and some very good take-aways. The house was clean and spacious, the bedrooms large with basic furniture and all had en-suites. The shower water pressure wasn’t good but there was always hot water available, which we have found to be a problem in previous holiday homes when several showers are in use. The Property Managers were welcoming and helpful and we appreciated the welcome basket with bread after our journey.