Ridge of the Bay in Gower, Swansea

Ridge of the Bay Self-Catering

Just a stroll from Oxwich Bay's long sandy beach, dubbed one of the finest in the country, this spacious home dates back to the 1840s. Extended and smartly modernised over the years, it still retains much of its old-world charm, with wood beams (thought to have been originally taken from a local shipwreck) and a delightful stone fireplace in the cosy living room – perfect for winter escapes. But if you're visiting in the summer months, this home has a rather special feature. In its private, walled courtyard you'll find a heated swimming pool.

Set on the crest of a hill, there are some excellent sea views to be had from the first floor – including from the roll-top bathtub. And there's a large conservatory where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, with Georgian-style French doors opening out to a lovely sunny patio with outdoor sofas. Cooking at home will be a breeze in the large and well-equipped kitchen and if you're lucky with the weather you can choose to barbecue down by the pool.

Just a short walk from a restaurant and a hotel, there's also a local castle to explore and some of the best coastal footpaths are easily accessed from your door. Further afield, Rhossili is just a seventeen-minute drive and The Mumbles is twenty-five minutes away.

Home truths:
*The fifth bedroom, with bunkbeds, is on the ground floor, while the others are upstairs
*Some of the bedrooms have vanity units
*The heated swimming pool is only open April to September
*A cot and high chair are available for any little ones
*There's laptop-friendly workspace
*You'll have private parking