Driftwood Barton Close

Set in Instow, this four-bedroom coastal house arranges the living spaces on the upper floor to make the most of estuary views. Wide bi-folding doors open the open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room onto a decked balcony, and a telescope is provided for watching the water. A large dining table seats the full party of eight, while a kitchen island with breakfast bar stools keeps things sociable while cooking. The kitchen is well equipped with an electric double oven, induction hob, combi microwave, double air-fryer, wine cooler, large larder fridge, separate freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer.

All four bedrooms sit on the ground floor alongside three bathrooms. Two king-size rooms each have an en-suite shower room with WC, and two zip-and-link rooms can be configured as twins or super-kings on request at booking. The family bathroom has a freestanding bath, separate shower and WC. A generous hallway at entry level handles coats, shoes and wet kit. Travel cot, highchair and stair gate are available for families with young children. No dogs are permitted.

A decked bridge from the half-landing leads to a higher enclosed garden with a lawn, patio, dining area, swinging chair, large sun canopy and a summer house containing a pool table and bar. The private hot tub sits in this higher garden area and looks out across Instow. A metal staircase descends to a lower courtyard patio with space for drying wetsuits and clothes, while an outside hot shower at the side of the property handles sandy feet. Off-road parking is available for up to six cars and an electric vehicle charging point is included.

Instow's sandy beach is under a mile away on a level seafront walk that also passes restaurants, a deli and a tearoom. In summer, a passenger ferry connects the village to Appledore across the estuary, and the Tarka Trail runs through the village for walking and cycling. Arrival is from 16:00 and departure by 10:00.