We love the flairs of modernity and fun at this Victorian townhouse, placed just a ten-minute stroll from Dartmouth's harbour edge.

Spread out over three floors and glowing from top-to-toe in crisp white, this family retreat is a joy to return home to. Vintage memorabilia posters and zesty pops of colour perk the space up a treat, while period features and antique pieces bring all the character and charm.

Over in the first of two living rooms, butter-soft sofas placed beside the fire are more than inviting. As is the Gatsby-esque 1920's mini bar in the grown-up feel sitting room next door – playfully known as the Cocktail Room by the owners. And the shaker-style kitchen makes cooking and entertaining a joy – especially with it's handy opening out to the sitting room so that you can keep an eye on the rest of your troops.

When it's time for some coastal adventures, take a stroll down the hill towards Dartmouth's historic maritime centre (five-minute walk – a little longer when you're coming back up!), stopping at its smart shops, galleries, and boutique bistros along the way. Or for a dose of traditional seaside nostalgia, grab your nets and buckets for crabbing on the embankment before fish and chips down at the harbour's quayside – the views of the bobbing boats are delightful. And when the beach finally calls, hop in the car and you'll be on the glorious sheltered bay of Blackpool Sands in five minutes flat.

Home truths:
*There is parking allocated for one car (practically gold dust in Dartmouth, as any regular visitor will know) and an additional communal space at the front of the house for one car
*You’ll have your own private entrance and check yourself in with a keypad
*There is a desk in the main bedroom on the third floor, should you plan to work remotely
*The second bedroom has twin zip-link beds that can be converted into a large double bed – just let your host know
*There’s a handy small utility cupboard with a washer/dryer off the kitchen
*A stable door gives access to the grassy garden and the private parking bay
*The wood burner-effect fire is electric so no need to stock up on logs
*The lawned garden is accessed down a flight of steps