From the windswept cliffs of Cornwall to the pastel-hued promenades of Whitby, the UK’s coastline is a tapestry of breathtaking beauty and architectural inspiration. Coastal homes here are more than just places to live – they’re shaped by their dramatic surroundings, offering ever-changing views of sea and sky. Whether they’re perched above rugged coves or sat beside golden sands, homes by the sea capture the spirit of their locations, blending natural elements with thoughtful design.
UK coastal home design is a style that never goes out of fashion – expansive windows to capture the light, weathered materials that echo the landscape, and open layouts which blur the boundary between indoors and out. What’s not to like!
Ready to dive into some seriously stunning seaside living? Here are Britain’s best homes by the sea.
The Appeal of Coastal Homes in the UK
Beach huts in Llanbedrog, North Wales (Credit: Pete Rowbottom via Getty Images)
The appeal of UK coastal homes lies not only in their stunning settings but also in their diverse architectural influences. Many draw inspiration from the iconic British beach hut – compact, colourful, and resilient, evoking nostalgia and a sense of carefree seaside living. Their simple forms and playful palettes have influenced contemporary homes, bringing a touch of whimsy and practicality to UK coastal house designs.
At the other end of the spectrum, some coastal homes in Britain echo the grandeur of US-style lakefront and seafront mansions. These properties boast expansive windows, sweeping terraces, and luxurious amenities, designed for comfort and sophistication. Meanwhile, the clean lines and understated elegance of Scandinavian and Northern European waterfront houses have also found their way to British shores. Developments like Waters Edge in the Cotswolds showcase Swedish-inspired designs, with light-filled interiors and eco-friendly materials that harmonise with the landscape. Blending classic British charm, American luxury, and Scandinavian minimalism, UK coastal homes offer a unique architectural approach.
Seaside Living At It’s Very Best
The magnificent mansions in Sandbanks (Credit: Sebastien Mercier via Getty Images)
The UK coastline is dotted with some of the most desirable places to live, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, community, and coastal charm.
Nicknamed ‘Millionaire’s Row’ because the houses are some of the most exclusive and expensive coastal homes in the UK, Sandbanks in Dorset is arguably the most famous, celebrated for its luxurious waterfront homes and stunning sandy beaches. Not far away, Poole offers a similar appeal, with a mix of modern developments and easy access to the Sandbanks peninsula. Further west, Salcombe in Devon is a picturesque haven renowned for its lively sailing scene and idyllic estuary views, welcoming both holidaymakers and year-round residents alike.
Of course no article about Britain’s best homes by the sea is complete without talking about Cornwall. Two of its many coastal gems, St Ives and Padstow, are celebrated for their artistic heritage and culinary excellence. St Ives, with its enchanting light and thriving art community, has long attracted creatives and dreamers, while Padstow’s charming harbour and famous restaurants make it a favourite for foodies.
Elsewhere, Aldeburgh in Suffolk enchants with its pastel-coloured seafront houses and vibrant arts scene, while Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk is iconic for its colourful beach huts and sweeping sands.
Bamburgh in Northumberland boasts unspoiled beaches and a majestic castle backdrop. Meanwhile, Margate in Kent has reinvented itself as a creative hotspot, blending classic seaside fun with a thriving contemporary arts culture. Each of these locations exemplifies the enduring allure of UK coastal home design, where the landscape and lifestyle combine to create truly special places to live.
Britain’s Best Homes By The Sea
Greenway House, Agatha Christie's house on the River Dart (Credit: Colin Read via Getty Images)
Some of the UK’s most famous coastal homes are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit, each telling a story – literally, in some cases – of architectural ambition and seaside romance. Agatha Christie’s beloved Greenway House in Devon, perched above the River Dart, is a prime example – a grand yet welcoming retreat that blends Georgian elegance with the tranquility of its riverside setting. In Cornwall, a region renowned for its architectural diversity, you’ll find all types of seaside architecture, from historic cottages with weathered stone walls to striking modernist homes with incredible panoramic sea views.
Elsewhere, the British coastline is dotted with properties that showcase the playful and inventive spirit of UK coastal house designs. The vibrant beach huts of Wells-next-the-Sea and the Victorian shelters of Brighton’s promenades are iconic, celebrated for their happy colours and practical design. These structures, rooted in the classic British beach hut tradition, have inspired contemporary homes that combine nostalgia with modern comfort.
Grander statements can be found in the opulent seafront mansions and Art Deco masterpieces such as Marine Court in St Leonards-on-Sea, whose sweeping curves were inspired by the luxury liners of the early twentieth century. These homes, along with Scandinavian-influenced waterfront houses found in places including the Cotswolds, reflect a cosmopolitan approach to coastal living – balancing luxury, innovation, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
Each of these renowned coastal homes in the UK, whether steeped in history or strikingly modern, captures the unique appeal of the British seaside. More than just places to live, they embody the romance, resilience, and creativity that have shaped the UK’s coastal heritage, making them living symbols of what makes these shores so captivating.
