On a clear day, sit in bed and gaze across the Solent to catch a glimpse of the chalky Needles in the distance. This cosy, compact Victorian house has fabulous views of yachts bobbing in the harbour, Hurst Castle stretched out along the spit, and the Isle of Wight across the water. Part of a small terrace of coastguard cottages, in the pretty hamlet of Keyhaven, it’s surrounded by salt marshes – bring binoculars to spot colonies of sandpipers and teals. Cattle and sheep graze nearby. Inside, the white walls, sailing prints and driftwood sculptures create a breezy, seaside feel. Downstairs, there’s an L-shaped sofa piled with cushions for lazy evenings in, and a gleaming kitchen with a round table for four. Climb upstairs to sunlit, softly carpeted bedrooms and those views! The bathroom is luxurious, with underfloor heating, stylish double basins and a blissfully deep bath. Lovely coastal hikes begin from the door, the pebble beach at Milford on Sea is a short walk and Lymington and the New Forest are close by. Come home to drinks in the sunny little courtyard, or wander round the corner for local pub.
