The Coach House, Kingston

Just three miles from North Berwick’s three sandy beaches, the small hamlet of Kingston, is brilliantly-placed to explore the castles, legendary links golf courses, attractive resort towns and renowned restaurants — led by Tom Kitchin’s The Bonnie Badger pub-restaurant in Gullane — that pepper East Lothian’s fantastic coastline.

If you can tear yourself away from the coast and head south, meanwhile, you’ll find a Concorde to inspect at the outdoor National Museum of Flight or one of Scotland’s oldest stone fortresses in the shape of Hailes Castle.

After fun-filled days out, exploring, enjoying bucket and spade days on the beach, or nibbling your way through local fare after a round of golf, The Coach House is a wonderful base to return to: it’s gently stylish, yet never at the expense of cosy comfort.

That’s especially true of the sitting room, which features two sofas, an armchair and an enormous wood basket filled with logs (these are supplied) to fuel the warming wood-burning stove. Full of natural light, which is accentuated by a cool, gridded porthole-shaped mirror, it’s a relaxing spot to relax with a book, or to watch a spot of TV. Similarly bright and cheerful is the open-plan kitchen and dining space. One half of this is given over to a six-person table beside French doors; opposite are platinum-blue cabinets topped by chunky counters.

All three bedrooms can be set up as super-kings or twin beds: handy should a multiple couples or multigenerational family be staying. Each has a TV, plus wooden shelving units that have been upcycled from former pallets; they also feature thick wool blankets – perfect for when the temperature drops - patterned blinds and textured block-printed linen and velvet cushions, which add a sumptuous, tactile edge. The third bedroom usually contains two twin beds, but these can be linked up to form a third super-king bed if preferred. Every sleeping quarter features soft, soothing colours and views over the rear garden. There are two stylish bathrooms; one has a walk-in shower, and the other has a shower over its soaking tub.

Equally ideal for families is the garden: enclosed by stone walls, it includes a large lawn where children or your dog can run about. To one side, there is also a flagstone patio (which can be accessed from the kitchen via French windows) where al fresco meals — a holiday must — can be enjoyed. For those looking for a little more sport to earn their supper, the owner’s tennis court lies close by and can be used by prior arrangement.