We may not all have our own swimming pool, hot tub, sauna or private sea views at home, but for a week, you can experience these luxuries in amazing properties, for less than you might expect
1 . Balcary Tower
Near Palnackie, Dumfries and Galloway
Originally a private residence, this striking tower house was built around 1860 and stands proudly above the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway. Set within 19 acres of grounds, down a long, tree-lined avenue, it offers ultimate seclusion. The tower has been beautifully restored to provide a blend
of history and comfort, with panoramic views over Balcary Bay and the open sea towards Hestan Island. Inside, guests can enjoy stunning sea views and wood-burning stoves, and there are terraces for watching the sun set over the water. The property sleeps up to eight in four bedrooms with four bathrooms and a week’s stay starts from £2,537 – around £45 pp pn (sykescottages.co.uk).
2. Heath House
Thorpeness, Suffolk
Tucked away in the pretty village of Thorpeness, this modern, architect‑designed coastal retreat is just a short stroll from the beach. Through sliding glass doors, the open‑plan kitchen, dining and living area flows into lovely private gardens, offering the perfect location for relaxed seaside days and evenings by the barbecue. The upstairs lounge leads onto a sea‑facing balcony with sweeping views across the coastline.
The property is only steps away from the shingle shores of Thorpeness and near its Meare boating lake (open from late March), so there are plenty of coastal activities to enjoy locally. Sleeps up to 10 guests in six bedrooms, with five bathrooms. Weekly stays start from £2,540 – around £36 pp pn (suffolkhideaways.co.uk).
3. Gaia
Widemouth Bay, Cornwall
Just 50 metres from the beach and boasting its own private yoga and spa area, Gaia, near Widemouth Bay on Cornwall’s northern coast, makes for an unforgettable stay. This stunning contemporary eco-home has solar panels, heat pumps and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto a deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Inside, the yoga room is complemented by a Finnish sauna and there’s an outdoor hot tub for unwinding after a day exploring the local shores, whether surfing or walking the coast path. The house sleeps up to 10 in five en suite bedrooms. Weekly rates start at around £3,563 – about £51 pp pn (beachretreats.co.uk).
4. Leuchie Walled Garden
North Berwick, East Lothian
Leuchie Walled Garden unites a 200-year-old gardener’s cottage with a striking mid-century modern house designed in 1960 by Scottish architect Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith. Enclosed within the original walled garden on the historic Dalrymple family estate, it sits in beautiful landscaped grounds and wider parkland. Located just over a mile from the seaside town of North Berwick and the beaches of the Firth of Forth, it offers a perfect balance of coastal scenery and countryside calm. The interiors combine clean modern lines with period details, warm natural materials and large windows overlooking the gardens. The property accommodates up to 12 in six bedrooms with six bathrooms. Weekly stays begin at around £7,135 – about £84 pp pn (crabtreeandcrabtree.com).
5. Woolbrook Reservoir
Sidmouth, Devon
Set in the hillside near the Regency town of Sidmouth, Woolbrook Reservoir is a bold conversion of, as the name suggests, a former reservoir. The circular design features full- height glazing, an indoor gym, games room, rooftop terrace with bar, wood-fired hot tub and an extensive outdoor space. The property sits only a short drive away from the stunning Jurassic Coast and can accommodate up to 16 guests in six bedrooms, with four bathrooms. Weekly stays begin from approximately £3,735 – around £34 pp pn (luxurycoastal.co.uk).
6. Sea View Manor
Mundesley, Norfolk
Perched on a cliff edge above the sand of Mundesley Beach on the North Sea coast, Sea View Manor is a superb luxury retreat. With a year-round heated swimming pool and adjoining hot tub in an expansive private outdoor area, it is ideal for multigenerational and larger group get-togethers. From the pool terrace, guests can enjoy glorious sea views while relaxing or dining alfresco.
The property also features two kitchens equipped to chef standards, a games room, a fire pit for evening gatherings and direct garden access to the beach. Walkers are spoiled for choice with plenty of coastal trails and there are great opportunities for seal-spotting and sailing. The house sleeps up to 20 guests in eight bedrooms, with seven bathrooms. Weekly prices start
at £6,620 – around £47 pp pn (norfolkhideaways.co.uk).
7. The Summer House
Sandbanks, Dorset
This is a spectacular coastal retreat located only a few minutes away from the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula. Nestled in a secluded spot in Compton Acres Gardens, the property is surrounded by lush architectural plants and mature trees. The interior opens up to a vaulted ceiling and glass elevation leading to a balcony that wraps around the house. From here, guests can enjoy views over the treetops to Poole Harbour. The property accommodates up to six guests in three bedrooms with two bathrooms and weekly rates start from around £1,718 – about £40 pp pn (thecollectiononline.co.uk).
All prices are correct at the time of going to press but subject to change on a daily basis.
Discover more coastal weekend escapes, fins the best places to enjoy coastal cuisine by the sea, or pick up the latest copy of coast magazine for the latest coastal news, events and property for sale.
