The Little Lookout

Some seaside stays give you a mere glimpse of the sea. At The Little Lookout, you’re practically a part of it. Originally a coastguard tower, this romantic hideaway sits right on Littlehampton’s seafront, with the beach just seconds beyond the front door. Open a window and you’ll hear waves lapping against the shingle and sand; head upstairs and the view gets better as you climb each floor.

With interiors that artfully balance simplicity with indulgence, it’s hard not to feel immediately at home here. A spiral staircase winds its way up the tower’s four storeys, each with its own surprise – from the handmade plywood kitchen to the luxurious Lusso Stone marble bathroom on the floor above, where you can easily while away an hour or two soaking in the freestanding bath and gazing out across the water.

A divinely cosy double bed looks out onto a small balcony with the sea beyond – a pretty wonderful view to wake and fall asleep to, the gentle sound of the waves being all the lullaby you’ll need. At the top of the tower, a vaulted living space has a sofa bed that can be easily arranged for extra guests should you need it; if not, then all the more space to relax just the two of you. The balcony here really steals the show – particularly at sunset. There’s even a pair of binoculars for watching the boats.

With the sea never far from view, it’s easy to see why this little tower has captured its visitors’ imaginations over the years. Built in 1931, The Little Lookout served as a coastguard lookout during the Second World War, keeping watch over the Sussex coast. Today, the promenade, beach, harbour and local cafés are right on your doorstep, but the tower holds stories of its own. There are even rumours that James Bond author Ian Fleming thought up the famous secret agent while posted here during the war. Perhaps a stay at this unique holiday home will prove just as inspiring for you, too…