Phoenix

Phoenix is a four-bedroom house above Talland Bay with sea views from the main living spaces and most bedrooms, plus its own steps down to the cove. The plot sits between Looe and Polperro on Cornwall's south coast, with the coast path running directly past the garden gate.

Inside, the layout has two bathrooms, a kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, and a lounge built around an open fire and the view. The rooms face the bay, so the cove is in sight from morning coffee through to the evening light. Wifi runs throughout.

Outside, a secluded south-facing garden catches the late sun, and parking is on site. Steps lead down through the cliff to Talland Bay - sand and rock pools at low tide, two beach cafes (one on the sand, one above at the Talland Bay Hotel) and year-round dog access. Note the steps are exactly that - steps - so the route to the beach is steep on the way back up.

Polperro is around 1 mile west along the cliffs (the village is pedestrianised, with cars parking at the top); Looe is 3 miles east via Hannafore. Looe Valley Line trains run from Looe to Liskeard for car-free onward travel.

Best for families or groups wanting a sea-view house with their own beach access. Less good for anyone with limited mobility - the path down to the cove involves a flight of cliff steps.