The Pig on the Beach – Studland, Dorset

With its wacky profusion of turrets, gargoyles, stone casements and overlapping tiles on steep roofs, this enchanting 18th-century house will bring an instant smile to your face and memories of tales of Hansel and Gretel. As for the views? You’ll be entranced, especially looking across the sheep-flecked fields and the sea to Old Harry Rocks. Built as a grand summer house, this Studland Bay delight is a much-loved seaside sibling in the drove of Pig hotels and it positively brims with charm. In addition to the usual conservatory restaurant (with signature 25-mile menu) and walled kitchen garden, there are quirkily different bedrooms. This includes two charming shepherd’s huts. Each has a bedroom and bathroom hut and a lounge hut with a sun deck, boasting the best views in the house. There’s a buzzy outdoor bar with a wood-fired oven for sourdough pizzas, a private dining room in a dreamy thatched hut (complete with its own ice cream cart), and essential beach bags, buckets and spades in every room. A thrilling, wildly popular hotel.

Doubles from £260

+44 (0)1929 450288; thepighotel.com