Bed & Breakfast by the Beach

An unobtrusive little sign on one of the window sills reads, "Just another day in paradise". One might easily miss it -- this is not a flashy place at all -- but it sums up what the couple have achieved here: great breakfasts, comfy rooms, and excellent hospitality. The property itself is a detached white-brick house with black trim, and charming, peaked roofs. Set on a quiet side road, the home is fronted by a beige stone driveway lined with container gardens of small palm trees and flowering plants. Box trees man the doorway in a pretty fashion, and there's a miniature boat in the window. Bouquets of fresh flowers, framed Belle Epoque posters, and quirky wood and metal sculptures throughout the home lend easygoing, charm. There's a homey yet unobtrusive vibe, with the owners offering homemade cakes and helping out with guests' requests, such as recommending local walks or restaurants. Kids are welcome, but most guests are couples.

The B&B is a five-minute walk from the beach. The center of Bournemouth, with its bars, shops, and nightlife, is a 15-minute drive away. Castle Point Shopping Park, a mall, is also 15 minutes by car. Bournemouth Interchange, with its coach and rail links, is just over 10 minutes by car or taxi. Regular buses run to the town center, and it's five minutes by car to Christchurch Railway Station. There's a lovely, four-mile walk from Christchurch to Boscombe to Bournemouth along the promenade, with the sea on the left; ask the owners upon arrival where to start. Sandbanks is only a 25- to 30-minute drive away, and offers incredible beaches and restaurants. On weekends, Lymington Market is a good place to bargain with market traders, and is a 30-minute drive away.

Individually decorated rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with elegant decor such as wood armoires and modern, peacock-patterned wallpaper. Floors are either carpeted or laminate wood with chic rugs. All rooms have beds with 2000 spring mattresses and memory foam toppers; waffle dressing gowns; and free toiletries. Each room has an iron and ironing board, safe, hairdryer, use of a fridge (with fresh milk jugs), and free still or sparkling mineral water. On top of that, in each room there's a super selection of teas, coffees, and hot chocolates, complete with proper kettles. The flat-screen TV has a Freeview box, and there's a library of books and DVDs to keep travelers entertained. Bathrooms have glass-doored stall showers, and black-and-white tile floors. Rooms are spotlessly clean, and the homemade cakes on the landing (which guests can eat to their heart's content) are a major plus point. Rooms overlooking the garden are particularly lovely, and all are quiet. 

The feature that wins most praise at Bed and Breakfast by the Beach is the free breakfast, which is luxurious and plentiful, and includes fruit salads, pancakes, smoothies, homemade marmalades, smoked salmon, and Eggs Benedict -- as well as the full English and specials. Dietary requirements can be emailed in advance, such as needing soy milk for the coffeemaker in the room. The breakfast is served in a bright conservatory with modern wood furnishings and homey signage. The back garden is a little haven, with an array of potted shrubs and small trees, as well as a rattan table and chairs where guests can relax on warm days. Plenty of local wildlife can be spotted, including cheeky squirrels who are attracted to the nut feeder. Wi-Fi and parking are free.