I admit it, I have a thing for the coast. And when I want a quick fix of sand, stones and sea I look to Sussex. It’s easy driving distance from Surrey, and also remarkably similar to the beaches where I grew up in Australia.

If you’ve ever tried to book a self-catering place though, you’ll know that the internet is literally riddled with holiday let sites, but save yourself a whole load of fruitless Googling and go straight to Wellies and Windbreaks – their properties are absolutely gorgeous (perfect in fact, it’s no exaggeration).

But what they do brilliantly, is offer a personal approach – they think about the extras that lift your stay beyond the ordinary. And now is the perfect time to book a break. Want some inspo? You got it.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Windward – sleeps 10

Wellies and Windbreaks holiday home, West Wittering, Windward

Where: On West Wittering Beach in the sought-after Cakeham Estate

Details: A charming five-bedroom house right on the beach front at West Wittering which is looking particularly stylish after a recent refurb. There’s a huge garden which leads directly to the beach, and upstairs a balcony leads off the living room with wonderful sea views.

Three of the five bedrooms are king size, and two have twin beds. And there are three bathrooms, including a shower room downstairs and large utility room with side door access right next to the outdoor shower, ideal for when you are coming back from the beach.

Nearby: The beach is literally on your doorstep which is popular with surfers, kite surfers, windsurfers and SUPs. In West Wittering village there’s a lovely café called The Landing, and a good pub called The Old House at Home.

Also worth knowing: As well as the balcony outdoor dining area upstairs, there is a covered decked area underneath it. Windward has parking for at least four cars.

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BEST FOR VINTAGE CHARM

Wellies and Windbreaks holiday home, West Wittering, Windward

Saoirse – sleeps 7

Where: East Wittering

Details: Located in a quiet residential close, it is just 150m from the beach at East Wittering and a 10 minute walk to the shops, cafés and restaurants in the village. It’s also pet-friendly.

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it perfect for a family – or for up to three couples. Downstairs, there’s an open play sitting, kitchen and dining room with a table that seats up to eight people. Bi-fold doors lead to the garden where you’ll find outdoor seating and dining including a built-in BBQ. There’s also a utility room – and handy spot for pooch to sleep.

Nearby: East Wittering village and all its great cafes, restaurants and shops is just a 10 minute walk and the renowned restaurant Billy’s on the Beach is a an easy seaside stroll in the opposite direction. West Wittering is a half an hour walk away.

Also worth knowing: Saiorse (pronounced Seer-sha) means “freedom” in Gaelic, which is a fitting name for a house where you can truly relax and unwind, free from the toils of daily life.

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BEST FOR OUTDOOR LIVING (AND HOT TUBBING)

Little Orchard – sleeps 12

Location: West Wittering

Details: Little Orchard is a spacious and newly renovated home in West Wittering bursting with modern features and impeccable design. There are five bedrooms, making this ideal for two families or a group of friends.

Inside there’s an open plan kitchen / dining / living space with huge comfy sofas, as well as a separate TV room. But the highlight is the garden which includes an amazing outdoor kitchen complete with gas BBQ and wood fired pizza oven (perfect for cooking up a feast after a day on the beach). There’s also a hot tub.

Nearby: Little Orchard is just a short walk to West Wittering beach and it’s famous white sand dunes. You’re also perfectly located for the playground and small row of shops in the village plus the pub, The Old House at Home.

Also worth knowing: There’s also a cosy log-burner, perfect for the winter months – just fire it up and snuggle up with a cuppa or glass of wine

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BEST FOR COUPLES (OR FAMILIES)

Rosemary Cottage – sleeps 5

Location: West Wittering

Details: A beautifully appointed and recently renovated two bedroom cottage in West Wittering village. Located on a small residential road, just a few minutes walk from West Wittering beach.

Upstairs the house has a master bedroom with super-king size bed. The second bedroom has a bunk bed (with a double on the bottom) and an additional single bed – which makes it pretty adaptable.

Nearby: It’s just a few minutes walk to West Wittering beach, but if you’re looking for non beach days, Amberley Castle is not far. Also nearby is Portsmouth, a vibrant waterfront city rich in naval and maritime heritage.

Also worth knowing: There’s private off-street parking for two cars.

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BEST FOR LUXURY

Rox – sleeps 12

Where: West Wittering seafront

Details: Rox offers ample style and character with fancy pants furnishings, large comfy sofas, plenty of entertaining space, a dining table that can seat more than 12 people and gorgeous sea views from the downstairs and four out of five of the bedrooms. Dreamy!

The master bedroom – with a super-king bed, en-suite and balcony – is luxurious and has amazing views across the Solent. The four-poster king size bedroom also has balcony access and spectacular views, as does the small double bedroom next door. Sign us up!

Nearby: Aside from the beach itself, which offers miles of sandy shores, Chichester is just a short drive away and offers a huge range of boutique shops and fancy eateries.

Also worth knowing: The property has parking for three cars and direct beach access – perfecto!

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BEST FOR PETS

Beira Mar – sleeps 8

Where: East Wittering beachfront

Details: With a complete refurbishment complete in February 2020, this contemporary beachfront family holiday home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, making it ideal for two families to share.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and two bathrooms and the fourth room is downstairs. The large open plan kitchen, living and dining room is spacious and well equipped, making it the perfect place for entertaining the whole family. The bifold doors open out onto the decked and lawned garden with direct beach access. What a dream! The garden is secure, so there’s no need to worry when you let your doggos roam!

Nearby: The village of East Wittering and all of its shops and restaurants is just a five minute walk away and the local beach front gem of a restaurant, Billy’s on the Beach, is just a ten minute walk down the beach towards Bracklesham Bay. Sweet!

Also worth knowing: The property has space for up to three cars in the bay at the front of the house and is a semi detached property. The space to the left of the brick line on the drive is for the neighbour.

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BEST FOR THE BEACH

Sunny Days – sleeps 7

Where: Bracklesham Bay

Details: Nestled in a quiet cul de sac in Bracklesham Bay, this stunning property is the perfect holiday rental for a family getaway with three bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and the additional double and bunk room share the family bathroom with bath and over-bath shower. The bunk room has a pull out single for additional young guests!

The living space is modern and open plan with a brand new kitchen, stylish dining area and cosy corner sofa. The conservatory off the dining area leads out to the lawned and decked rear garden and is a sun trap in the summer.

Nearby: Sunny Days is just a couple of minutes walk to the beach and very close to Billy’s on the Beach, the beachfront restaurant. Bracklesham Bay is a small village with a village shop and a couple of restaurants to fulfil your everyday needs! The village of East Wittering is just a two minute drive away with plenty of shops and restaurants and the white sands of East Head and West Wittering beach are just a five minute drive.

Also worth knowing: There is off road parking for up to four cars.

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BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS

Fleetwood – sleeps 12

Where: East Wittering beachfront

Details: The views from this one! Wowzas. Fleetwood is a fabulous family holiday home right on the beach front in East Wittering. With two balconies the full width of the house on both the first and second floors, the incredible view of the sea can be enjoyed from pretty much anywhere in the property.

There are five bedrooms, with an extra single bed in the downstairs double bunk room for an additional child if required. The property enjoys plenty of relaxing and entertaining space with a large open plan kitchen, sitting and dining room on the ground floor leading on to the private beach front garden. There is also a sitting room on the first floor with sliding doors spanning the full width of the room leading out onto the balcony.

Nearby: The house is just a five minute walk into the village of East Wittering and a ten minute walk in the other direction to Billy’s on the Beach in Bracklesham Bay

Also worth knowing: Fleetwood has plenty of parking for at least four or five cars on the drive and is secured by large iron gate.

Beach holidays near Surrey

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