Dudley Wood

Dudley Wood is a four-bedroom chalet-style beach house on the popular Gibbes Beach in St Peter, on the west coast of Barbados, just a few steps from the sand. It is built of bleached timber with a shingle roof and has a distinctive rustic character.

The house is entered at mid level over a small wooden bridge, which leads from the off-road parking area into the main living area. This level and the upper floor are built entirely of wood, with wooden floors and walls and an exposed pickled pine ceiling. The informal sitting area, with cable TV and DVD, is decorated for laid-back comfort. Towards the beach, large picture windows and shutters open to give pool and sea views; child safety bars are fitted for use as required.

Two bedrooms open off the sitting room: the master and a second bedroom, both en suite with king size beds. A spiral staircase connects all floors, rising to a charming third bedroom in the loft space with a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with shower. Downstairs, the same staircase leads to a well-equipped kitchen with a small dining alcove. The fourth bedroom is on this lower level, with an en-suite bathroom, and is suitable for single occupancy only. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and comfortably furnished.

A door from the lower level leads out to an enclosed garden, surrounded by mature trees that give shade and privacy. There is a good-size swimming pool and deck with sun loungers, and beside them an alfresco dining area with a gazebo. A further covered area has a built-in coral stone bar and a barbecue.

An arched gateway opens straight onto a lovely stretch of beach, with a wall-mounted shower for rinsing off. The water is crystal blue and excellent for swimming. Gibbes Beach is a tranquil and much sought-after stretch of the west coast, and the house is close to amenities.