By OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Updated: 15:58 BST, 25 June 2026
A country cottage with its own airstrip and aircraft hangar has hit the market for £850,000, offering aviation enthusiasts the rare chance to live and fly from home.The nine-acre property in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is described as a 'rare and exciting opportunity' for potential buyers. Retired pilot Chris Marsh, 91, bought the property in the late 1980s and began building light planes as a retirement project in 1993. He warned the new owner would need to be experienced to land aircraft safely on the short 390metre grass strip, which includes a T-shaped hangar.The runway sits outside controlled airspace used for commercial aircraft, meaning that general aviation including gliding and paragliding can be performed.'It is a challenging strip as it is quite short, you have to know what you are doing when you are flying in and out as there are trees at both ends,' he said. Mr Marsh used the airstrip about 1,000 times in 30 years, flying across the UK and as far as Sweden, France and Spain.'Southern France was my furthest flight. I built the planes myself,' he said. A country cottage with its own airstrip and aircraft hangar has hit the market for £850,000, offering aviation enthusiasts the rare chance to live and fly from home Retired pilot Chris Marsh, 91, bought the property in the late 1980s and began building light planes as a retirement project in 1993 The property also features a large workshop with a loft and office (pictured) Pictured is the main bedroom in the four-bedroom cottage in Ventnor, Isle of Wight'The first took me four-and-a-half years and the second years. One was a tandem aircraft and the other a side-by-side aircraft, both were an American design.'The 9.37acre property features a four-bedroom cottage with an outdoor swimming pool, stables, hay store and fruit trees. It also has a large workshop with a loft and office. Mr Marsh and his wife have lived at the property for 39 years and said it will be 'a wrench to leave'. He said the property will need an 'energetic owner to maintain its many assets'.'I don't really want to move but we are getting advanced in years,' Mr Marsh said. 'I doubt the next owner will use the airstrip as there is more interest in using the land for horses. Which is a shame.'The property offers 'a rare blend of rural tranquility and unique amenities', according to its online listing. 'It is a challenging strip as it is quite short, you have to know what you are doing when you are flying in and out as there are trees at both ends,' the seller said of the airstrip (pictured) The 9.37acre property features a four-bedroom cottage (pictured) with a swimming pool The property also has stables, hay store and fruit trees (pictured is the bathroom)'The facilities have been used for the construction and regular flying of light aircraft and are ready for continued use or imaginative repurposing,' it reads.'Surrounded by footpaths and bridleways, the property offers direct access to miles of walking and riding routes. Whitwell provides local charm, while nearby Niton offers further amenities including shops, schools, and coastal access. 'This home is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat with extraordinary features, whether for aviation, equestrian use, or simply enjoying a self-sufficient country lifestyle. 'A unique and versatile property, it combines privacy, space, and potential in one of the Isle of Wight's most scenic settings.'The Daily Mail has contacted Rightmove for further comment.
