Seabank Selsey

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Located just a pebble’s throw from the shingle beach of Selsey, Seabank offers a truly memorable experience for eight lucky guests.  And when you see inside, you’ll quickly realise why it’s been named in The Times’ list of ’50 best cabins, cottages and castles’.  Incorporating two 19th-century Stroudley railway carriages in its design, this gorgeous home encapsulates all that is both charming and eccentric about the British seaside!

After years on the tracks running between London and Brighton, the two carriages (Clarrie and Annabel!) were retired and converted just after the Second World War.  Ever since, they’ve delighted guests in this beautiful beachfront villa, and still proudly show off their original features today.

As you enter from the front door – just steps from the sea wall – you’ll find yourself in a sunny living and dining area with panoramic sea views.  You’ll also find the first railway carriage right in front of you!  Painted in a beautiful blue, with gold lettering, this first carriage houses a cosy, quirky sitting room and a restful double bedroom.  The original doors with twist handles have been perfectly preserved, and you can still enter each room from either side of the carriage!

Wrapped around the end of this first carriage is a fully fitted, L-shaped kitchen. Self-catering is a dream in this sunlit space, especially with the added bonuses of a microwave,a Miele dishwasher and handy washer-drier. There is also an extra fridge/freezer and a barbecue in the garage.

The kitchen leads towards the bathroom (fitted with a large shower) and the second carriage, complete with three more bedrooms. The two carriages are separated by a long hallway, kept light and bright with a skylight and old-fashioned light fittings.  Together with the blue-green carriages, the hallway’s cream wooden floorboards and ceiling panels maintain the villa’s seaside feel throughout.

The first bedroom of the second carriage is another double bedroom, while the two smaller bedrooms come with bunk beds in each – perfect for children! If you’re travelling with another little one, there is room in one of the bunk rooms for an additional small bed or cot, which can be provided. Both young and old will sleep peacefully in these beautiful bedrooms, drifting off beneath the gentle curves of the carriages’ original ceilings.

However, even with two historic railway carriages inside it, there’s nothing old fashioned about Seabank.  A television and DVD player can be found in the cosy sitting area, alongside a collection of DVDs for both adults and children. A stereo, iPod dock, and radio also feature for your entertainment. And while the kids play with the toys and games on offer, curl up in front of the wood burner with a good book from the selection provided for a moment of pure escapism.

At a glance

• Beachfront villa incorporating two 19th-century railway carriages in Selsey, West Sussex
• Sleeps 4 adults and 4 children (2 double rooms, 2 twin rooms); cot available
• Perfect for families – toys, games, DVDs and books provided
• Located just a few metres from Selsey Beach
• Ideally placed for a wealth of local attractions; Chichester and Portsmouth are in easy reach by car

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

Accommodation Options

More information

Make the most of the West Sussex weather in your private, beach-style garden or, of course, on Selsey Beach. This unspoilt stretch is often empty, so you might even have the chance to pretend it’s your own private seashore! There are opportunities for fishing, diving, and even boat trips in the local area, as well as golfing and bike hire. Pagham Nature Reserve is a popular day out for nature lovers, while foodies are advised to stop at The Crab and Lobster for fresh fish and local seafood.

Beyond Selsey, you’re perfectly placed for historic Chichester, with shopping, restaurants, the Pallant Gallery and the famous cathedral. Other popular attractions in the area include Goodwood, Petworth House and Antique Centre, and West Dean Gardens. Portsmouth is just over 30 minutes away by car, and a number of excellent museums are also in easy reach, including Tangmere Military Aviation Museum and the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

Seabank ticks every box when it comes to the perfect holiday destination: a beachfront location, gorgeous sea views, and no end of things to do in the local area. And with two vintage railway carriages thrown into the mix, how could it possibly get any better?

Things to note

Travel cot and highchair available on request, no sheets or towels provided, bookings are usually for 7 nights, but outside of peak summer months shorter stays may be possible – enquire for details, dogs may be permitted at a charge of £25 per dog per week. Preferably no more than 6 adults, or 8 people if some are children. Ideally sleeps 4 adults and 4 children.