Thalassa

Thalassa occupies an unusual spot on the West Sussex coast—the property was once two railway carriages, converted into a single-storey home that sits between Pagham Beach and the road behind it. You reach it by a shallow flight of steps or a sloped path with handrail; from the top of the garden, seven more steps lead directly onto the beach. Large windows frame panoramic sea views across what is one of the sunniest stretches of English coastline.

Everything is on the ground floor. The main living space is open-plan, with a wood-burning stove (fuel included to start), Freeview television, and dining area flowing into a kitchen equipped for self-catering. Four bedrooms—two doubles at 4ft 6in, two singles at 3ft—share a single bathroom with bath, shower and separate toilet. Bed linen, towels, electricity and wifi are included. Parking for two cars sits on site, and a patio with garden furniture overlooks the water.

Pagham Nature Reserve lies immediately inland, a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife spotters. Arundel's castle, antique shops and wetlands centre are nearby; so too the South Downs for walking, Chichester's theatre and cathedral, and beaches at West Wittering and Worthing. The property doesn't permit smoking.