From laying foundations on shingle and tackling sand in sliding doors, to maximising sea views and a sense of home, architect Derek Rankin talks about the challenges and triumphs of creating a beach bolthole

In pursuit of a sleek, light-drenched and thoroughly modern home, Sara Mungeam radically remodelled and extended a 1950s house

A very clever (and small) extension has paid big dividends for Janet and Pete Hanson

A timber-clad retreat on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, Ukiyo combines Japanese-inspired calm, sustainable design and panoramic sea views

From high-end new builds to homes with history, plus a boutique hotel, Amy McPherson compiles some of the best coastal properties on the market

What would it be like to stay on a tiny, remote island, with no other visitors or inhabitants, shops or people? Suzy Walker takes a trip to Scotland to find out