Rum Punch

This home is literally steps from the beach – a staircase leads from the back garden to rockpools and a Caribbean sea every shade of blue imaginable. If you prefer your water less saline, the swimming pool in the backyard lets you gaze out over the ocean while keeping blissfully cool. In true, laid-back Caribbean fashion, a hammock is strung up between the terrace columns and an entire outdoor seating area has been set up in the shade – rattan sofas with plump cushions, an 8-seater dining table and a board game table for games by lamplight. Sliding doors blend indoor with outdoor living and the terrace leads to a beach-bar-style kitchen with nautical blue cabinets matching the sea view. Each bedroom feels like a breezy beach-side escape, and bagging the master means gazing out over the Atlantic from your own free-standing tub. Choose to spend time indoors in the formal living room, family snug or hitting the foosball and pool table in the games room. There are boogie boards if you want to take advantage of the many surf spots in the area and a Friday night trip to nearby Oistins fish fry is not to be missed.

Home truths:
* The neighbouring beach has a little patch of sand, but is mostly rocky
* There are a few beach bars and street-food-style restaurants in the area but for fine dining, you'll need to explore further afield
* The master bedroom is off the kitchen
* Three of the bedrooms are in a basement apartment with its own kitchenette, accessed through the kitchen