Consider this: breathtaking views and sand on your doorstep, drifting across the tiles. Tranquil locations and mental rejuvenation, whatever the weather. They say that regular walks out in nature can do more for your mental health than any app, so we’ve taken a deep dive into some of the finest coastal properties that will have you longing for endless horizons and salty air before long. From the cold shores of the Northumberland coast to the bright blue waters of Devon, we’ve got you covered.
Cliff House, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset
Occupying what could arguably be an utterly unrivalled coastal position is Cliff House in Christchurch, where the bright blue waters of the English Channel lap at the cliffs below, and views stretch on from Hurst Castle to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
Sheltered from neighbouring properties with only the odd sailor to wave at, there is a peace and tranquillity at Cliff House that cannot be understated. Accessed via a no-through road and a second private driveway, Cliff House offers an impressive 2,162 sq ft of effortlessly flowing living space to make your own. Just make sure you pick one of the two bedrooms benefit situated on the ground floor. Wake up and smell the sea air as you pad out barefoot to take in the view and early morning sunshine. Perhaps you haven’t even rubbed the sleep out of your eyes before taking a wander across the grass, down some steps, onto the private beach path, and straight in for a sunrise dip.
Heading back for a coffee is a cinch. You won’t miss out going back inside, either: at the back of the property is the kitchen and dining room, where bi-fold doors allow the views to take pride of place. To those wary of a draught, fear not- those fully glazed windows will ensure the bracing ocean winds are kept at bay in the colder months.
Not that they could stop you, little dipper.
4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms
Guide Price £2,750,000
For Sale with
Spencers, New Forest
12 St Mary’s Road, Cromer, Norfolk
This beautifully renovated Victorian townhouse is perfectly situated with everything on your doorstep, while easy routes to and from the rest of the Norfolk coast abound. Lovingly maintained as a cherished family home, 12 St Mary’s Road is a four bedroom home seamlessly balancing modern living with thoughtful, practical design and the all important charm of a period property. From its bay windows to the original mosaic tile entrance, first impressions captivate.
For those wanting to mix Victorian era architecture, coastal aesthetic and surfing Pinterest boards, 12 St Mary’s Road is the answer. A clever and sensitive extension at the rear runs from the stylish living area into a gorgeous kitchen-diner drenched in droves of natural light thanks to a well placed ceiling lantern. Throughout the property a neutral, earthy palette allows period features such as wooden floorboards and sash windows to do the decorative heavy lifting. The eye focuses on high ceilings and original fireplaces, thoughtfully retained to give this home character and style. An abundance of storage solutions (a must for any growing family and vintage surfboard collectors) is a boon here too, with secure storage outside for all your watersports paraphernalia.
On that note, there’s no compromise on outdoor space either. A tidy, lush garden has separate rear access and an outdoor shower, for days when you want to stay outdoors that moment longer- or when your other half returns in their dripping wetsuit and a surfboard underarm after an afternoon waiting for that one perfect wave.
Get the kettle on. You’re home.
4 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 2 Reception Rooms
Guide Price £575,000
For Sale with
Sowerbys, Norfolk
Breakwater, Sennen Cove, Cornwall
This striking five-bed contemporary house epitomises luxury coastal living. It maximises on its extraordinary setting and breathtaking sea views from the Isles of Scilly to Longships Lighthouse with feature floor to ceiling windows, where you’re overlooked only by seagulls and passing yachts.
Breakwater is an architectural triumph that has been crafted with passion and meticulous attention to detail. Completed in 2022, this magnificent property extends to over 2,500 square feet, showcasing the finest in modern design.
The sweeping, panoramic westerly views over the golden sands of Sennen Cove and out to the Atlantic Ocean are a real scene stealer, but they don’t distract from the immaculate finish within: vast expanses of glass frame the scenery, while thoughtfully curated living spaces seamlessly connect the indoors with the stunning coastal surroundings.
The reversed layout flows easily from the 34-foot long triple aspect German-designed Nolte kitchen, to a living area with an impressive vaulted ceiling, and a second sitting room for quiet contemplation. At every turn you are met with quality and comfort. The principal suite is a spacious and private sanctuary with a luxurious en-suite and a dressing area to make your past-self green with envy.
And for the days when the british weather just won’t let up? A large cinema and games room sits on the ground floor, waiting for cosier memories of family movie nights or board games as the rain lashes at the windows.
But nothing lasts forever- when the rain recedes and the clouds part, that westerly aspect promises some of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable. Totally worth it.
5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms
Guide Price £2,100,000
For Sale with
Rohrs & Rowe, Cornwall
8 Bull Hill, Fowey, South Cornwall
8 Bull Hill sits pretty above the coastal town of Fowey town centre in South Cornwall, with southerly panoramic views of Fowey harbour, Pont Pill and Polruan on the opposite shore. There is something other-worldly about these views: sailboats all gathered in the bay, bobbing gently amidst stunning reflections as the ocean stretches out across the channel in a rich, azure blue. Not only this, but 8 Bull Hill presents beautifully within, too. The gentle blue exterior evolves into light-filled internals, exuding a kind of coastal calm that is quintessentially british and yet almost mediterranean. Original features have been retained and set against a neutral palette, allowing those windows to do all the talking. And if you think living in the town is going to make things a little cramped- think again. With six bedrooms, two bathrooms and four reception rooms, there’s no end to space in this landmark Georgian House.
Outside, a large slate paved terrace runs along the entire width of the house, and a flight of steps leads down to the lawned gardens below where a handy studio tucked away at the easterly end can be found, along with a small area of garden currently used to grow vegetables.
8 Bull Hill is where town, country and coastal meet to create the perfect waterside lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.
6 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 4 Reception Rooms
Offers in Excess of £1,850,000
For Sale with
Rohrs & Rowe, Cornwall
Ebbastrand, Coldingham Sands, Coldingham, Eyemouth
It has been said that Scotland harbours some of the worlds most beautiful beaches, but the locals would probably prefer to keep it a secret. That being said, Coldingham Bay, with its horseshoe-shaped shoreline, is one of the most picturesque beaches in southern Scotland, and Ebbastrand is one of only a small number of homes that occupy these grassy slopes. The beach below is over a kilometre-long stretch of pure, white sand encompassed by an endless horizon. This detached four-bedroom Edwardian Villa is set far enough back from the water’s edge to provide stunning views of the dramatic coastline, yet close enough for an early morning swim or a leisurely stroll on the sand.
Wrapped in private gardens, this striking home has endless space within its walls, not least in a sitting room with an expanse of windows that capture views across the bay, ocean and beyond. Inside, the decor is elegant yet homely, delicately walking the line between stylish and traditional, with bespoke hand-made solid English Oak cabinetry and a classic AGA in the kitchen.
The real boon at Ebbastrand, however, is its position. This property doesn’t only offer a private garden for entertaining or relaxation: across the lane is an additional beach garden leading to a private pathway, crossing two further decked seating areas and summerhouse and taking you directly to the shores of the Bay below.
Scottish summers may be a gamble, but this much is certain. Ebbastrand has a charm even the North Sea can’t quell.
4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Reception Rooms
Guide Price £1,400,000
For Sale with
Finest Properties
Pengarrock Farm, Lizard Peninsula, South Cornwall
Pengarrock Farm is a gorgeous south facing Georgian farmhouse of classic proportions, located on the stunning Lizard Peninsula within 1 mile of Porthallow Cove. There are also three holiday lets within the adjacent courtyard providing a useful and promising income. Large stone undeveloped barns within the courtyard currently provide storage and garaging, while offering excellent potential for a multitude of uses. The delightful, heady private grounds total a circa 1.5 acres, while those views of the ocean are sure to keep you grounded.
It is hard to compete with the surrounding views and the idyllic location of this property, but Pengarrock Farm does a pretty good job. There is a veritable spread of light-filled living spaces and cosy bedrooms, but our favourite room has to be the garden room. Imagine many a day tinkering on on the piano while the tea steeps in the pot, noticing the gentle scent of ripening tomatoes on the vine by the window while checking in on the spring seedlings. Or perhaps it’s the studio room, where hobbies have space and time to flourish. This is a home for slowing down, and measuring the days in small acts of joy.
In any one of the sixteen rooms, really.
1.5 Acre | 4 Bedroom | 6 Bathroom | 6 Reception Room
Guide Price £1,750,000
For Sale with
Rohrs & Rowe, Cornwall
Windygates, North Berwick, East Lothian
This refurbished Victorian mansion in the increasingly desirable area of North Berwick combines modern luxury with an original charm that is only heightened by the soothing sea views from its elevated position. Only an hours drive or so along the coast from Edinburgh, Windygates offers a retreat from the city while staying connected to the hustle and bustle.
The combination of an abundance of original features, a careful renovation and use of a muted colour palette results in a coastal retreat that is as stylish as it is surprising. A clean and minimally styled kitchen contrasts gleefully with the warmth and character of an original winding staircase, offsetting the modernism beautifully with all the charm and grace that a period property can, and should. With eight bedrooms and five reception rooms, there’ll be no fights over the remote or where to go to find some peace and quiet.
Outside, the gardens sprawl out between manicured hedging and is utterly secluded from neighbouring properties.
So, if you need space to breathe, you found it.
8 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 5 Reception Rooms
Offers Over £2,950,000
For Sale with
Ellisons Property
The Venture, Torcross, Kingsbridge, Devon
It doesn’t take a genius to understand why meditation apps use the sound of the ocean to stay in the present. Anyone spending any amount of time with their feet in the sand knows the healing power of the water; the way the brain empties of thought, and all there is to know is the rhythmic pulsing of the waves washing up and down the shore.
Situated on a three mile stretch of beach in Torcross known as Slapton Sands, The Venture has front row seats to the bounty of the ocean.
Held in the same family for sixty years, it was previously run as a guesthouse from 1964 before becoming a family home in the late nineties. This property has seen many a wave come and go. Originally built in the 1800s as a pair of attached thatched cottages, there have been various additions over the years to extend and maintain the property, but it still holds a special coastal charm we hope is retained; salt spray against the window glass and an old wooden boat hull repurposed as a bar add all the character of a fisherman’s cottage, while the fullness of light from the horizon speaks for itself.
The jewel in the crown? The beach is a skip away from the front door. And outside, the secluded terrace is a real sun trap, with the added benefit of a garage for the paddleboard, and a workshop where the paintbrushes can finally get some use. After all, there’s no shortage of inspiration.
With a little bit of modernisation to the five well proportioned bedrooms and three reception rooms, we venture this property could see in the next sixty years of ownership with little to no worries.
Just you, your home, and the waves.
5 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms
Guide Price £525,000
For Sale with
Signature Spaces, Devon