North Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14

Swains Hall is anything but an ordinary apartment.

Occupying the second floor of an attractive period building, this wonderfully individual home combines character, distant sea views and a relaxed, almost bohemian feel with something particularly unexpected for an apartment so close to Ashley Cross – a large, private enclosed garden of its own.

The character begins inside. Period features sit comfortably alongside a more rustic style, with sloping ceilings adding interest without compromising the usable space and wooden worktops paired with traditional butler sinks in both the kitchen and bathroom.

The living room is perhaps the perfect expression of what makes this home different. A working open fire forms its focal point, set within a remarkable stone surround sculpted into the shape of a sailing boat – an unusual feature that gives the room a personality entirely its own. Distant sea views can be enjoyed from most rooms, adding another reminder of the home's coastal setting.

There is useful additional attic space, accessed via a fold-down loft ladder, while at ground-floor level the apartment has its own secure internal storage room – ideal for bikes, paddleboards, watersports equipment or simply the things you don't want taking up space at home.

And then there is the garden.

Large, private and fully enclosed, it is a genuine rarity for an apartment in this location. A decked seating area provides plenty of room for summer evenings, barbecues and entertaining, with the remainder of the garden offering a generous outdoor space to make your own. A substantial timber shed provides further storage.

Off-road parking completes the practical side of the property, while Ashley Cross – with its independent cafés, bars, restaurants and local amenities – is just a short walk away.

There are apartments with character. There are apartments with sea views. There are apartments with parking, storage or outside space. Finding all of those things together, within walking distance of Ashley Cross, is considerably harder.

Swains Hall is a home for someone looking for something a little different – individual, characterful and with a lifestyle that few apartments can offer.