three of the best seaside properties

Harbour View in Polperro, Cornwall, is as close to the sea as you can get without living in a boat. The four-bedroom Grade II listed house has views across the harbour and village, both of which can be busy in high season. The sitting room has a beamed ceiling and some rooms are irregularly shaped. If you need parking, you'll have to buy a space outside the village. pounds 125,000 through Black Horse Alder King in East Looe (01503 262271).

The Lodge, a 19th-century four-bedroom house near Beaumaris, overlooks the Menai Straits to Snowdonia and has terraced gardens with steps to the water. Spiral staircases link the floors, some of which have exposed stone walling. The dining and sitting rooms have French doors to the garden and balcony, with views across the sea. pounds 295,000 through Jackson- Stops in Chester (01244 328361) and John Berry in Beaumaris (01248 810101).

A semi-detached period cottage at Hope Cove, five miles from Salcombe, is just 50 yards from the beach and not much further to two pubs in the village. Yabsley's roof was probably originally thatch, but is now slate and some restoration work is needed.

With two bedrooms and a beamed sitting room, it's for sale through Marchand Petit in Kingsbridge (01548 857588) for pounds 79,500.