Madhuri

Just steps from Charminster High Street, this ground floor flat is brimming with Victorian character. It's a lovely red-brick townhouse, with plenty of historic charm to admire – think high ceilings and picture rails, ornamental ceiling roses, tall skirting boards and large bay windows flooding the rooms with light. Though it's on the smaller side, it's been well-designed to maximise the space – we think it's perfectly suited to a couple after a romantic escape. Read the morning paper in the plush armchair, help yourself to a selection of cereals and teas at the rustic breakfast bar or unwind after a busy day with a movie night in the cosy living room. The kitchenette is more suited to light bites than extravagant meals, so in the evenings you may want to dine out – there's an array of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Charminster to choose from. Bournemouth town centre and its sandy beaches are a twenty-five-minute walk (though we recommend driving), or venture a little further and enjoy a trip to the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils – you can be there in under an hour.

Home truths:
*We'd highly recommend having a car to explore the local area – there’s plenty of free street parking outside the apartment
*There is a pull-out sofa bed in the living room that can sleep one extra person, though the only access to the bathroom is via the master bedroom
*The hosts kindly ask that you leave all outdoor shoes in the rack on entry to the flat
*A baby cot and high chair can be provided on request
*The fireplace in the bedroom is for decoration only
*There are two other flats in the building, so you may experience some noise from the adjoining homes
*The kitchenette lacks a built-in hob and proper dining table, but there are plenty of eateries nearby