Best Beach Side Stays - Salt-Water Sandals Blog

Fisherman’s Cottage Cornwall

This stunningly refurbished 17th Century cottage is hidden away on the quieter southeast coast of Cornwall. The beautiful low ceilings, open beams, wood floorboards and thick stone walls pay homage to the original framework of the building, while exquisite vintage pieces of furniture and contemporary colours create a rustic-luxe feel. The beach is a quick stroll away, perfect for jumping in the waves, paddle boarding or a long surf. Later, enjoy a cold drink at the local pub before making your way home to watch sunset from the deck. Kids will love bathing in the deep copper bathtub and climbing into their bunkbed nook, and there are 2 beautiful kingsize bedrooms too, so it’s perfect for an extended family escape or a trip with friends.

Causeway Coast Escape

This original 1968 Bedford TK Horse Lorry has been ingeniously converted into a charming romantic escape, which provides luxury in its simplicity. Set in serene farmland, 4 miles from Northern Ireland’s beaches, there’s a beautiful balance between vintage and fine-tuned interior style throughout. Hand-stitched cushions are placed on Nordic hide rugs, industrial lights dashingly paired with encaustic Moroccan tiles, and antique Bovril boxes off-setting a copper-trimmed Belfast sink. There’s a cosy bed on a mezzanine and Adirondack chairs by a firepit – luxury marshmallows are part of the package. With hens as neighbours and not another soul in sight, this is utterly magical in its peace and quirkiness.

Lyme Regis Hideaway

Tucked away amongst an acre of rambling gardens, this hip little studio for 2 is a vintage lover’s dream. Jacobsen, Day, Rietveld; the big names are all here. Sheepskins are thrown over the 50s-style sofa, and there’s a flower-lined deck with a BBQ for easy suppers (plus a kitchenette indoors). But if you don’t feel like cooking, stroll to the local pub for an easy meal, or along the river into Lyme Regis, where Hix Oyster House awaits. As the hideaway is such incredible value, you can splurge on a fancy meal out! Spend your days walking along the breathtaking Jurassic coastal path, with its steep jagged cliffs and hidden coves, plunging into the sea to cool off.

West Coast Cabin, Skye

Inspired by traditional Scottish longhouses, this 3-bedroom cabin has views that sweep out as far as the Outer Hebrides from every room. Nature is always in the frame here – wild deer come to the door and you’ll spy sea eagles, dolphins, even whales in Loch Pooltiel below. The interiors are a perfect combination of contemporary design and antique inflection, but this place is all about the great outdoors. Bring your walking boots and wetsuits to explore the spectacular surroundings, and as dusk falls, rug up on the cosy sofa and watch shooting stars dance across the night skies.

Coastal Cottage Ceredigion

Hidden in a lush green valley in West Wales, this 18th Century thatched cottage is fairytale beautiful. Inside, it’s full of character: timeworn beams, rustic shuttered windows, a traditional crog loft and an inglenook fireplace. But the interiors are stylish and contemporary, meaning you get the best of both worlds. Outside, bees buzz and birds sing in the sprawling gardens: breakfast outside is a treat. Kids and dogs will love exploring, and splashing in the river that flows under a medieval bridge. Further afield, West Wales’ unspoilt beaches await.

Saltwater N Devon

This Scandi-style cabin on the north coast of Devon promises indoor-outdoor living at its finest. Encased in dramatic black weatherboard, it is contemporary outside and in, with splashes of grey, pink and green, en vogue tiling and plants a’plenty. Expansive windows allow the sunlight to flow through the open-plan living areas and 3 bedrooms and sliding doors lead out to the garden, complete with a hot tub. If you fancy a surf, Croyde Bay winds right past the cabin. Otherwise, make your way to Woolacombe’s little coves where you can shell-seek along the shoreline and paddle in the gentle waters. You’re right by the Tarka Trail too, for family bike days.

Whitstable Beach House

An easy hop from London, this beautifully quirky cottage overlooks the ocean in the seaside town of Whitstable. Bursting with charm, it has 2 bedrooms plus an additional mezzanine, so it’s perfect for small families or a getaway with your closest friends. With the softest of bed linens, countless board games and homemade jam for you to devour on your morning toast, the owner really has thought of everything. Start the day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in bed, admiring the soul-stirring sea views as you slowly awaken. Spend your days flying kites along the shingle beach, plunging into the ocean to cool off. Then crack open the Prosecco in the fridge as the sun goes down -- best served with the selection of nostalgic vinyl and the record player.

Moray Coastal Cabin

This timber-clad eco cabin on a vast Scottish estate is a dream for history buffs and nature lovers alike. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you get a front-row seat to the photographic ruins of Duffus Castle; wake up early to witness the array of colours as the sun rises behind it, accentuating the crumbling walls. The cabin itself is seriously beautiful, perfect for longer getaways and slow living. Its modern-luxe interiors of bold and blue hues and quirky artwork create a cosy and comfortable ambiance and the bed is a cocoon of comfort. Take long walks through the woodlands, where red squirrels chase and wild deer graze; come in spring to hear woodpeckers drilling away, too. Further afield, it’s all about the epic Moray coastline; absolutely breathtaking, with rugged cliffs views, deserted beaches and wild swimming spots galore.

North Cornwall Cottage

This spectacularly revamped old flint cottage is full of boutique flair. From White Company robes and St Kitts Herbery toiletries, to the Nespresso machine and handwoven stairwell, there’s so much gorgeous detail to admire. A welcome hamper delivers delicious, homemade scones, local artisan goodies and a bottle of wine, plus the location of a secret beach for a picnic. Dutch bikes await so you can cycle the Camel Trail, which winds along to Padstow (Rick Stein empire). Or just come to do nothing. This is such a stunning place to just be, playing classic vinyl on the record player, reading in the rolltop bath, and stargazing on Bodmin Moor at night. So romantic.