The Beach House in Beadnell

The approach from the driveway is straightforward. There appears to be no more than about ten paces along level paving before you reach the entrance. Off-road parking takes two cars, with lawns and other similar holiday homes surrounding the property.

Inside, the main living area feels every bit as large as the house. The vaulted ceiling, wood-effect flooring and full-height windows bring in loads of light. Two large sofas and an armchair face the Smart TV and log burner, giving a full group somewhere they can genuinely sit together.

An upper landing looks down into the lounge, which adds to the open feel without taking usable space away from the room. It is an impressive arrangement.

The kitchen, dining area and lounge all share this one large space, so nobody gets tucked away while meals are being prepared. The modern kitchen has plenty of worktop and cupboard space, while the wooden dining table is positioned beside the windows.

One of the nicest details is the cushioned window seat. It makes proper use of the feature window rather than treating it simply as another source of light. Patio doors beside the dining area open directly onto the furnished decking, connecting the main room with the outside space.

The deck has both an outdoor dining table and a separate rattan seating set. It is enclosed, which gives the dogs a useful outside area immediately beside the lounge and kitchen. Beyond it are shared lawns where children have more room to play, although these communal grassed areas are not enclosed.

There are three bedrooms. A double room sits on the ground floor, while upstairs there is a king-size bedroom with an en-suite shower room and a nautical-themed family bedroom containing a single bed and bunk beds. The latter is clearly arranged with children in mind without looking like an afterthought.

The main bathroom has both a bath and a separate shower, and there is an additional cloakroom with a WC and basin. The house therefore provides two complete bathrooms plus the extra WC, which should make mornings considerably easier with seven guests.

Guests can also use the estate’s tennis courts when they are available. You need to bring your own racquets and balls, but it gives older children and adults something else to do between beach outings.