The Crispin

A four-bedroom house in Rock on the Camel Estuary, sleeping 8 across a king-size, double, and two twins - one of which can be configured as a king on request. The house is distinctive for a turret with a spiral staircase running through the centre, connecting all three floors.

Inside, the ground floor runs to an open-plan lounge and a conservatory that extends into the garden. There is no wood burner, but a south-facing garden with a BBQ makes the most of fine weather. The 4-bedroom configuration suits two families or a group of eight; up to 3 dogs are welcome, which puts this at the generous end for dog-friendly houses in Rock.

Rock village shops, pubs, and the Mariners pub are within 500 metres. The water taxi to Padstow runs every 20 minutes through the day, putting Rick Stein's restaurants and the harbour across the estuary without needing to drive. Daymer Bay is 1.3 miles south - a sheltered sandy estuary beach suited to families and paddling - and the surf at Polzeath is about 2 miles north. The church of St Enodoc, where John Betjeman is buried, sits among the dunes between the two. The Camel Trail cycle path reaches Wadebridge 4 miles south.

Best for two families or a group who want village amenities on foot and easy estuary access. Less suited to guests looking for surf on the doorstep or a quieter, more remote setting.