The Villa on Brownsea Island

This first-floor apartment is in the Villa on Brownsea Island, in Poole Harbour. It was built in the 1850s as the island's vicarage and has been recently restored. The Villa's original main staircase leads up to the apartment entrance, and the Wildlife and Wetlands Centre occupies the ground floor.

Inside there are three bedrooms: a super-king that can be made up as a twin if requested when booking, a king-size and a double. The living and dining room is generous, the kitchen has an electric oven and hob, a fridge/freezer and a microwave, and the lounge has a Smart TV. The single bathroom has a roll-top bath, a separate shower and a WC. A further WC on the landing outside the front door is for guests only.

You reach the island by the island boat service from the jetty at Sandbanks, and private boats cannot be used for arrival, departure or during your stay. The boat runs at set times and is booked before you travel. On arrival day the boat is at 3.30pm, and check-in is from 4pm. A luggage allowance applies on the ferry. From the landing point it is a 10 to 15 minute walk to the Villa along gravel paths and wooden boardwalks, and luggage left at the arrivals area is delivered to the property.

Parking is on the Sandbanks Peninsula, where guests collect a permit for free on-road parking. There is no shop on the island, so bring everything you need. Dogs cannot be taken to the apartment. The apartment suits a family or two couples who want a quiet nature-reserve stay and are happy to plan around the boat times.