Where to buy

Felixstowe, Suffolk £1.375 million

From the top of Bent Hill, in the town’s conservation area, Italianate South Beach Mansion (right) commands elevated, interrupted sea views. With eight bedrooms and four bathrooms, its high standard befits a house that once played host to the Empress Victoria Augusta of Germany, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter-in-law. Savills (01473 870065)

Penzance, Cornwall £440,000

A few minutes from The Shore Restaurant, run by Bruce Rennie, a protégé of Rick Stein and Martin Wishart, this double-fronted Georgian house has four bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen with a Rayburn. Bradleys (01736 360605)

Marazion, Cornwall £395,000

This pretty, reverse-level, two/three bedroom cottage has been beautifully renovated and is currently run as a successful holiday let. Most of the furniture is available by separate negotiation. Marshall’s (01736 360203)

Kingswear, Devon £795,000

At the end of a private road, Castle Cottage has sublime views of the Dart estuary. Each of the three bedrooms has a balcony with coastal views. A path through woodland, owned by the Landmark Trust, leads to the foreshore. Knight Frank (01392 247682)

Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk £450,000

Tucked away in the heart of Wells-next-the-sea, 34, High Street has spacious and elegant proportions. This three-bedroom property has been re-roofed and retains period features, including exposed beams, sash windows and an open fireplace in the sitting room. Sowerbys (01328 711711)