In the exclusive coastal suburbs between Poole and Bournemouth, this 1920s period home is the perfect family break. It’s just a short walk from the restaurants and cafés of Penn Hill, and a four-minute drive (or half-hour walk) sees you at your own private beach hut on Branksome Beach (on request). This cute little hideaway has a gas stove in its kitchenette for the most fabulous beach picnic and is packed with all the beach essentials. At the home itself, a mock-Tudor-style facade greets you and the private garden is a real sun trap. The courtyard to one side has a bench in the sun and the patio out the back houses the alfresco dining table where you can keep an eye on little ones running around the lawn. If you want luxe sleepovers or a shaded place to laze during the day, your host can arrange for a bell tent to be set up. The open-plan living area has a wood-burning stove, setting the cottage-cosy tone. Shelves are packed with books and kids’ toys so you know this place is family-friendly, and there’s a curved window seat for a quiet moment in the sun. Bedrooms let you drift off into a sea of dreams with their nautical and beach hut themes.

Home truths:
*The host provides a welcome pack of wine, bread and local produce which can be tailored to your tastes
*A bell tent can be set up in the garden as an optional extra, just ask your host
*Access to one of the bedrooms is through the second living room, which has a sofa bed for two
*Two additional guests can sleep on the sofa bed in the main living room
*The bunkbed room is packed with kids toys so not really designed for adults
*There is plenty of off-road parking
*Your host can provide a cot, high chair, socket covers, monitor, changing table and baby bath
*You'll need to bring your own toiletries with you to use during your stay