Dutch Masters

Beach buffs in search of an island escape might not automatically gravitate to the Wadden Sea off the Dutch coast, but this cosy farmhouse on the isle of Texel offers a taste of paradise to lovers of sandy beaches, grass-topped dunes and unspoiled forest trails.

The interior of this ground-floor apartment is effortlessly chic, with a pared-back, neutral colour scheme, elegant furniture and some beautifully designed fixtures and fittings that show off your hosts' attention to detail and elevate the space.

On sunny days, slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors and enjoy a glass of something chilled out on your private terrace. And if the weather's not playing ball, you'll be equally at home hunkered down inside with a good book.

At 9km long and 25km wide, Texel's flat landscape is ideal for exploring by bike or gaining a privileged perspective from the back of a horse. Its compact size means you won't have to travel far to reach any number of amenities – with a selection of restaurants and supermarkets under a kilometre away. Slightly further afield, the 19th-century Texel Lighthouse offers panoramic views overlooking the sea 4km away, while Texel Golf Course is a couple of kilometres in the opposite direction.


Home truths:
*The island is only accessible by ferry – approximately twenty minutes from Den Helder, on the mainland
*Child-friendly amenities such as a stairgate and highchair are available on request
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The garden, bike storage, children's slide and laundry facilities are shared with other guests
*Public transport is well organised on the island, but there's free on-site parking if required
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace