The Norfolk Beacon

If you’re looking for a real away-from-it-all retreat that’s truly one of a kind, then look no further than this home on the Norfolk Coast. Featured on Channel 4's Homes by the Sea, it’s located right next to the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A former working lighthouse, it’s perfect for a peaceful stay with a surreal fairytale quality. When we visited, we were particularly impressed by the unusual round rooms that stack up on top of one another. Once filled with nautical equipment, these are now well designed spaces with beautiful furniture and objects, including an impressive library, bunk-bed room for kids, living room, and finally a lofty viewing platform bedroom (not for the faint hearted). Down on ground level you’ll find a contemporary open-plan space where you can cook in the shiny stainless steel kitchen or bask in the warmth of the wood burner as you eat dinner in the relaxed dining area. Folding doors give access out into the small garden for picnics or al fresco breakfasts, and straight onto the sandy beach. Families in particular will love the easy access to seaside life, including great fish and chips, good local pubs, parks and boat-trips. The Norfolk Broads is also nearby; the UK's largest wetland area, it's perfect for boating, cycling and walking. In short, this is a great home for those who want to experience everything a Norfolk staycation has to offer, while staying somewhere with real wow factor.

Home truths:
*There are steep ladders in the home – it is unsuitable for small children and those with limited mobility.
*While the home sleeps eight, we recommend no more than six adults along with two children.
*The only two bathrooms are on the ground floor and the bedrooms are upstairs, so you’ll need to navigate stairs to use facilities in the night.
*The Wifi is only useable in the lower part of the house and can be temperamental with the thick walls.
*There’s a slight privacy issue as you have to walk through all the rooms to get to the top.
*The driveway is not paved.
*If you're sleeping at the top, it is both bright and loud.
*Some parts of the home show signs of wear and tear.