Follow a winding road through thick woodland to find the little village of Lynmouth, where the Lyn River flows into a wide bay and this elegant bolthole awaits. Located along the riverfront above an old-fashioned gift shop, this bright and airy apartment feels like a breath of fresh sea air. The calming coastal interiors are the perfect antidote to the stress of city living – think pebble greys, cloudy creams and dusty-cornflower blues. French doors open up onto a canopied balcony, a quiet spot to listen to the river bubble down to the sea and watch the passers-by below. Before you get too settled in those plump sofas, you’ll want to find your bearings. Wander down the narrow streets lined with fishermen’s houses, cafes and art galleries, follow the footpath along the coast to The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage – it’ll take you around an hour and a quarter – or head further inland to roam the heather-clad hills of Exmoor National Park. But make sure you’re back home in time to watch a knockout sunset from the balcony with a glass of wine in hand.

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