The actor Colin Firth is a fan of 'the hospitality, the food, the comfort of the rooms', not to mention the location at this sprawling, cliff-top Edwardian house. David and Arielle Barratt have furnished their guest house with carefully chosen period pieces that give an Arts and Crafts appeal to the luxurious and spacious bedrooms and suites, many with marble bathrooms. Nearly all rooms have views over the water. Breakfast is a spread of fruit, cereals, artisan bread, fresh juice and croissants, plus eggs cooked how you like or a full English. There are award-winning manicured landscaped gardens to wander in, a swimming pool and grass tennis court, while Sandown Bay is a short stroll away on the nearby coast path.