Sandy Secret

Sandy Secret: Zeeland

This charming little cottage sits a short drive from the sea. For a day at the beach, head to Kruishoofd, a six-minute drive away, where the long sweep of soft sand is lined with beach huts and cafés. The home’s village location of Nieuwvliet is pure peace and quiet, with a handful of eateries to fuel seaside days.

Head back to your cottage for a post-beach relaxation session in the sauna, or head out to the backyard for a meal outside. There’s a little lounge area out here too, which can be sheltered from the weather by closing glass sliding doors or left open to the sunshine. Here, a wood-burning stove can keep things cosy-warm in the chillier months.

Inside the home, a second lounge awaits, set around a fireplace and with big windows letting sunlight stream in. The sunny kitchen has everything you need to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner, and opens up to the terrace so transporting dishes outside is easy as pie.

Home truths:
*This home has a set of steep steps with no handrail on one side so small children should be supervised
*As both bedrooms are upstairs, this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*In a fairly remote location, having a car is recommended and there is usually on-street parking available outside the front door
*One of the bedrooms can be set up as a double bed or two singles, just let your host know which you prefer