You might not expect to find a glittering outdoor swimming pool and tennis court in the UK, but this luxurious home aims to impress. Let yourself be wrapped up in splendour, nestled between manicured hedges and towering trees. You’re in your own little world here, although you’re just a five-minute drive from West Wittering’s blue flag beach. Let’s start with the shining jewel of the home – the garden. It’s the epitome of a charming British getaway, from the pretty foliage to the scent of sea mist hanging in the air. There’s nothing better than soaking up the south coast sun by the pool, getting lost in a good book, and occasionally taking a dip. When afternoon rolls around, watch the kids splashing in the pool, sharing a jug of Pimms around the outdoor sofa set. Or perhaps you’ll swap the wine for an energy drink and take to the tennis court. Back inside, you’ll find a contemporary, sleek interior that welcomes families to spend qua...
With direct access to a picturesque beach and light-filled interiors, this wooden house on the shores of Bracklesham Bay is a great place for a family on a lookout for a peaceful holiday base. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy all that this area has in store, with miles of nature walks, water sports and activities and some excellent pubs to be discovered. The inside offers plenty of space for everyone to find a quiet nook for relaxing with a holiday read, as well as for coming together and enjoying communal feasts and evenings of movies. With two living rooms – one on each floor – it doesn’t even have to be the same movie! Delicious family meals can be put together with ease in the well-equipped kitchen and savoured at the indoor dining table or outside on the large patio, where you can feast with the view of the sea before you. After a night of restful sleep which awaits in the six comfy bedrooms, wake up feeling restored and ready f...
Far from the madding crowd, this exquisite Georgian home is set deep within the South Downs National Park. The curious will be rewarded with a few welcome surprises on arrival. Outside in the established gardens, you'll find a vast pool area, complete with elegant terraces for dining and lounging, and your very own charming shepherd's hut. The kids will love to cosy up in here after splashing around in the pool before getting acquainted with the resident highland cattle, Edith and Morag, in the nearby field. Inside, the home's handsome proportions have been masterfully reworked for seamless, modern living, with a refined mix of antique and contemporary. Stretched out across three floors, there's plenty of space to all come together here. Relish long, lazy mealtimes in the light-filled orangery dining room, flowing through to the family room and kitchen. Crash out in the elegant drawing room, with deep sofas to sink into, a crackling fir...
Perhaps it's the palm trees, white architecture and glistening sea view, but there's something of the Balaerics to this address. However, consult the map and you'll find that you're actually looking at England's south coast. It's fair to say that the main asset here is the aforementioned panorama, which can be appreciated from the balconies leading off from four of the five bedrooms, from the comfort of the hot tub or simply as you eat breakfast out on the terrace. As you would hope, this proximity to the English Channel means the beach is mere metres away and guests have direct access to the surf here. The summer house in the garden with bi-fold doors is a novel addition and is a great place to enjoy the fruits of your labour from the barbecue. Back inside, there's a wealth of places to kick back and relax, as well as an impressive collection of sleek bathrooms for washing off the sand and sea salt. As well as plenty of beaches to v...
When we boast that this amazing home is beachfront, we really mean it, with direct access to Bracklesham beach via the garden, you really couldn’t get much closer. Wander along the pebbled shore with your four-legged friend and listen to the crunch of stones beneath your feet, brave a dip in the sea, or even challenge the kids to build sculptures from the stones. Built in the 1920s around a classic railway carriage, this home has been extensively modernised, and expanded over the years but still holds much of that original charm. We would love nothing more than to wake up here to the soothing sound of the waves and seagulls calls before enjoying breakfast on the balcony to truly admire the views. Spend the day relaxing at home, reading a good book on the terrace while the children entertain themselves in the playroom which is filled with kids’ books and toys, or taking a dip in the swimming pool. Head out for the day and visit Wes...
An outdoor swimming pool might not be the first thing you expect to see in the UK, but this coastal home is full of surprises. And perhaps the best surprise of all is it’s just a seven-minute walk away from West Wittering’s blue flag beach. Here, you can easily start your day with a morning walk along the sand, surfing the waves, or with a coffee at a seafront café. Perhaps an amble through the countryside is how you’d like to kick off your day – your private estate is nestled between fields, or you can head to the South Downs for a cycle through verdant valleys. There’s plenty to keep all the family entertained at home, too. Get on the Peloton, bounce around the trampoline, or have a game of table tennis. But it’s not all go-go-go here – sometimes all you want to do is read your book beside the pool, basking in the UK’s beautiful south coast. Whip up a pitcher of fruity Pimms to be enjoyed around the outdoor sofa, chatting away while...
Cows at the gate and stags in the garden – there’s no denying you’re in the countryside at this stunning Tudor-style house. The gabled roofs and wooden cladding may look like the English cottage idyll, but this home is super spacious inside and out. A sprawling garden is surrounded by wilderness on all sides with views of Ashdown forest and a Roman-style swimming pool at the centre. A pool house provides a bit of shade and there’s a stone-built barbecue for dining on a summer evening. If the weather turns, you can still enjoy that garden view from the conservatory. Inside, the home is a medley of cottage vibes and lavish modernity. Timber beamed ceilings are a reminder of the country locale, along with the wood-burning stove in the living room and the library alcove just off the conservatory. The kitchen is a shining example of 21st-century convenience, with appliances and gadgets for every style of cooking. We love the picture-frame wi...
If you’re dreaming of bumping into your very own Duke or Darcy on the Brighton seafront, you’ll lose your heart to this gorgeous Regency townhouse. Just steps from the sea, its regal exterior rightfully belongs on the front of a postcard, and inside you’ll find that the decor makes liberal use of velvet flourishes and period features, such as restored fireplaces and elegant roll-top baths. At 200 years old and five storeys tall, this opulent five-bedroom home is the perfect setting for any love story. And if you’re not the romantic sort? Well, the high-tech cinema room is a winner in anyone’s book. *The hosts require an additional fee of £50 per person for a total guest count of over 10 people. *Several of the sofas in common areas can be converted into beds upon request - the home sleeps up to 18 guests although for comfort, 14 guests or less is recommended * Some previous guests have reported struggling a little with the high-tech...
This beautiful beachfront home is located in the popular seaside resort town of St Leonards in East Sussex. It’s close to sites of historical importance like Bodiam Castle and the ruins of Battle Abbey, but you may find yourselves entirely content to stay put – the beach is directly in front of the house, after all. When you’re not paddling or eating fish and chips on the beach, you’ll have a private hot tub to relax in on the terrace. This former boutique hotel is perfect for large groups, with eight en-suite bedrooms and plenty of space for gathering together. *Two well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you with prior approval from your host. They must stay on the ground floor and are only allowed in one of the bedrooms. *There are two allocated parking spaces in the secure car park. *This home is spread over five floors so it may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. *Your host can provide a travel cot and high chair f...
Situated close to the south English coastline, this is the sort of remarkable home in which boredom is simply not an option. There are so many ways to pass your time here. Out in the plant-filled garden, there's a wood-fired hot tub, a barbecue and a verandah with plenty of seating — basically, all you could need for a summer evening soiree. When it gets too cold to stay outside, you can head in through the large glass doors and into one of the two games rooms, which feature a foosball table and some big TVs crying out for a movie marathon. If you're musically talented — or even if you're not — there's a drum kit in one of the bedrooms on which you can make a racket. If it's a little too late to do that, take a perch next to the wood-burning fireplace instead. In the local area, Birdham Pool Marina is just over ten minutes' walk away and there are plenty of rambling routes to embark upon in the surrounding Chichester Harbour AONB. E...
This enchanting home has more than a hint of the modern fairytale about it. Dating back to the regency period, you'll first notice the bright green wrought iron details and curved walls from the outside, and a grassy lawn that makes the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny afternoon – jug of Pimms optional. Inside, the living room is decked out in soothing, neutral tones while the kitchen cabinets are a punchy emerald shade. However, the standout feature of this house has to be the magnificent orangery. Just as beautiful in the morning light as it is after dark, this glass room has a long table where you can gather for relaxed breakfasts and formal sit-down dinners. If you'd rather someone else did the cooking during your trip, then there are several options in Emsworth, from cosy pubs to cute cafés. Plus, you'll love strolling down to Emsworth Harbour to watch the boats bobbing in the water – and, if you're feeling brave, there's alway...
Surrounded by rolling green pastures, ancient woodlands and spectacular coastline, this breathtaking home is tailor-made for large group getaways with friends and family. So whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to spend quality time together, its six acres ensure there's plenty of space for the whole party. Accommodation is split between the main house, two charming cabins, and a luxury bell tent (available from April to September only). Within the grounds, you'll find a natural amphitheatre and an inviting hot tub offering breathtaking views over the South Downs National Park. Step into the main house and socialise as you prep meals in the kitchen before stepping out onto the spacious patio, where you'll find a barbecue ideal for cooking outdoor feasts over the summer months. Out back, you'll find a covered seating area with enough space for everyone, plus three space heaters for those chilly evenings when...