Pacific Through the Beams

On Broad Beach in Malibu, this house puts the Pacific front and centre in the most literal sense – wall-to-wall glass in the living room frames an uninterrupted ocean view close enough to feel almost surreal. A deck runs the length of the house, made for slow mornings with coffee and barbecue dinners as the sun drops into the water. The main bedroom has its own direct ocean view, and dolphin sightings from the living room or deck are common. A path down to the sand means the beach is seconds away, with surfboards and gear ready to go.

Home truths:
* There's no air conditioning here, and no laundry on site – pack accordingly, especially in summer. The ocean breeze generally keeps things comfortable, but it's worth bringing enough clothes to last your stay or planning a laundromat run.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot on request, and babysitting can also be arranged in advance. The home is also set up with a baby bath and child-friendly facilities.
* This is an older beach house with the small quirks that come from decades of coastal living – part of its character, but worth knowing if you're expecting everything to be brand new.
* You'll want a car for this stay. Malibu stretches long and thin along the Pacific Coast Highway, and almost everything – beaches to the west, restaurants to the east, groceries nearby – is a drive rather than a walk.
* Parking is limited to one private spot at the house, with street parking available nearby if you're arriving with more than one car.