Description Breakwater: Santa Monica

Even though this home has a bit of a New England feel to it, once you step outside, you will be in no doubt that it's in Santa Monica. It’s on a hidden walkway off the main road — which gives it a sense of privacy — and the beach is only two minutes' walk away. The Pier and Muscle Beach only takes ten on foot, too. Back inside, the interior has been designed to feel beachy but in a way you’d associate more with the East Coast — think vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and soft pastels. The huge kitchen will be a highlight for those with culinary talents and if the weather's nice — which we're going to wager it will be — you can serve up dinner outside on the private patio. Better still, there's a barbecue for grilling up some meaty flavours to grateful guests.

Home truths:
*The house is on a private walkway, so you can't drive up to the front door
*There's a free parking permit for one car, but you'll have to pay for an additional one
*While there's a working fireplace, it runs on gas rather than wood or coal
*Even the home is spread across two storeys, there's a bedroom and full bathroom on the ground floor