Seashore Retreat

Seashore Retreat works well for couples or small families wanting a complete break by the water. The cottage sits on the edge of Johnshaven's working fishing village, with the sea immediately beyond the rear garden. Both bedrooms face towards the water—you'll fall asleep to the sound of waves. The main bedroom has a king bed; the second has two singles. The single bathroom includes both a bath and shower cubicle. A utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer means longer stays are practical.

Ground floor living is open-plan, with a kitchen equipped for proper cooking (electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer), a sitting room with Freeview TV and DVD player, and patio doors opening onto decking. Beyond that sits a lawned garden with a summer house, garden furniture and bike storage. There's parking for one car on site. Electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi are included; the heating is Economy 7. The cottage is non-smoking.

Johnshaven itself centres on its harbour and the annual Fish Festival. Catterline, a mile or so along the coast, has a pub and restaurant, and rock pools to explore. Dunnottar Castle lies roughly 12 miles south. Aberdeen and Dundee are both within an hour's drive, though most visitors come here to stay put—the beach is 100 yards from the door.