Driftline, West Sussex

Whisk the family away to the laid-back leisure of long days beside the beach. Designed by the ingenious architect Timothy Hatton, the beautiful Driftline seamlessly incorporates two restored 1880s train carriages within its walls. This unique bolthole has, as you might expect, long held appeal for the curious and creative of mind: during the 1960s and early 1970s, it regularly hosted members of the band Pink Floyd, while under the ownership of their manager, Steve O’Rourke.

Today, this landmark home welcomes families ­­– and their beloved pets – for memorable balmy stays by the sea. Inside, the Hamptons-inspired interior instantly calms with its smoothing palette. While the home was certainly created with the summer in mind, the downstairs living room has a cosy open fire for those cooler evenings, once the sun has gone down and the mist begins to roll in. On the ground floor, Driftline’s railway carriages come into their own, with a former smoking car now carefully transformed into a fabulous private bar.

The generous open-plan kitchen and dining area treats guests to views across the garden and to the beach beyond. When the weather cools, tempt your group around the dining table for seafood suppers; or, if it’s fine, pop open the patio doors and eat al fresco to the sound of the nearby waves.

The house sleeps 12 across six bedrooms, three of which are found on the ground floor, within the atmospheric train carriages. The upstairs offers a further three bedrooms (including a playful bunk room, which children will love), and a family bathroom. This welcome touch of versatility creates the option to holiday as two families, or multiple generations, while giving everyone some much-needed space. The first floor’s double-height pitched roof encourages natural light to flood in, making this a bright and breezy space to relax. The expansive master bedroom features a king-size bed and separate living room, with doors leading onto a private balcony, allowing you to greet each day with panoramic views of the sun rising over the water.

While Driftline boasts direct beach access, it’s wonderfully tucked away from passers by. In fact, once within the garden, this wood-clad home exists in a blissful bubble. This is largely thanks to its cleverly landscaped grounds, which create a tranquil screening from the outside world.

The creative touches of the interior continue outside, with multiple spaces to enjoy, whether it’s a drink at the bar crafted from an old boat or gathering around the beachside fire-pit. Elsewhere you’ll stumble across a sauna, hot tub, outdoor shower, freestanding bathtub, and a swing seat. To the front of the house, you’ll find conveniently placed outdoor parking for three cars, as well as a garage and an electric charging point.

With so much to enjoy, Driftline encourages guests to settle in, make themselves at home, and take their time to enjoy their surroundings. With options for extended stays, it’s the perfect getaway for a summer-long family escape to the coast.