Snooping around: Homes with a beach view

Property of the week: Wells House, West Yorkshire. Delude your friends as you cruise up the driveway to this Italianate mansion. When you finally have to admit to a mere two-bedroom portion of the east wing, the arched windows and grand rooms will ease the trauma. There are spectacular views from the communal rooftop garden to Ilkley Moor, but the biggest thrill is the parkland with lakeside walkways. Cost: £395,000 with a £2,800 annual service charge.
Carter Jonas, 01423 523423 Photograph: Carter Jonas/Carter Jonas

Wreck of the week: Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The back half of this former fire station has been converted into a living room, three bedrooms, a studio, kitchen and bathroom. But the magnificent engine room is untouched, the second bathroom incomplete and the whole place might want to be reconfigured - expect £50,000 in addition to the £279,000 price tag. It’s in the centre of this market town with rail links to London, but opens on to the street.
Bedfords, 01728 454505 Photograph: Bedfords/Bedfords

Take three: homes with a beach view. This watchtower near Harlech, Gwynedd, is topped by a terrace and boasts views over the Welsh coast to Snowdonia. For £535,000 you get two receptions, a study, a conservatory, a kitchen, four beds, two bathrooms and a garage. Inside there are carved fireplaces, panelling, exposed beams and oak doors. Outside a footpath leads to a sandy beach. The double-glazed windows don’t enhance the 18th-century character.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01244 328361 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Take three: homes with a beach view. A brief descent down the private steps of this five-bedder near Chichester, West Sussex, deposits you on a beach that gazes out towards the Isle of Wight. £395,000 gets you a reception room, sun room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory and three bathrooms. All the rooms are large, and there’s a conservatory and terrace. At high tide the sea laps up to the retaining wall.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01243 786316 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Take three: homes with a beach view. This three-bedder in Portreath, near Truro, Cornwall, is yours for £550,000. Having negotiated the steep steps down to the house you’ll find a reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, conservatory and three bathrooms. Elevated decking and living areas have views over the sea. A path leads down to the sandy shore 50 yards below your window and there is a shed for storing surf boards.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01872 261160 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff