… Battisborough House is about 3/4 mile towards the sea from Battisborough Cross, at the end of a lane, and 400 yards by footpath across fields from the beach, and from the coast path (a very fine stretch of it). It is a fine, south-facing, detached Victorian house with outstanding sea views. Built as a seaside family house, it was for 30 years a children’s boarding school and Field Study Centre. Now it has been transformed back into a spacious, comfortable house with occasional reminders of its former purpose – ie. some dormitories – ideal for the Harry Potter dream.

There are 6 acres of grounds, including a hard tennis court, a small football field, woodland for making dens and a large terrace which runs the length of the house (gas barbecue).

Large porch (ideal for wellies, walking boots) leads to the main hall, large enough for eightsome reels, with oak floor, piano (tuned), TV/DVD, sofas, table tennis. The sunny living room has fine views from its big bay window, part book-lined with ornamental fireplace, CD player and cupboard full of board games etc. Next door, the snug - a cosy room with open fireplace, card table, sofa, chairs, TV/DVD/video. And, next door to it, a large dining room with big tables seating up to 40 (with benches) and hatch to kitchen, fine view (south-facing). The kitchen is big, commercial but not unfriendly, with four-oven Aga, two large sinks, commercial gas cooker, deep fryer, commercial dishwasher, microwave and table seating 14 (benches). Laundry room with washing machine, tumble drier and clothes rack; large larder with vegetable prep sink, commercial potato peeler, freezer; access to boot rooms (suitable for dog beds) and back door. Six loos.

Up the grand staircase to a large minstrels’ gallery overlooking hall. Off it are six bedrooms:

A twin or 6’ double (zip-linkable)

A twin or 6’ double (zip-linkable)

A family room with double (5’) and single with truckle bed and en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and fine sea views

A family room with double (5’) and single with truckle bed with fine sea views and en suite bathroom (suite plus bath-shower) and optional door to corridor

The master bedroom with 5’ double bed, fine sea views and en suite shower-room (suite)

Then through the ‘green baize door’ to three further bunk rooms with a total of 21 beds (2 star only): ‘boarding school’ fun for children. Three bathrooms (suites) plus two communal shower-rooms (separate boys/girls) with 6 loos.

Ready meals available. Prices based on 16, but with bunk rooms and shared room occupancy can be extended to 37. Cautionary Deposit £500. Arrival after 4pm. It’s a grand place, ideal for large family holidays – hugely spacious.