Pictures: Is Southbourne the new Sandbanks?

However, as these pictures show, the area once known for its Shell House and the majestic Tudorbethan mansions that lined its coast road, is quietly shedding its cosy image and is fast emulating its brash cousin at the other end of Poole Bay.

Properties which went up in Southbourne during the Edwardian and 1920s era are quietly being relinquished by the families which owned them, replaced by 'upside down' homes - houses where the living accommodation is on the first floor to take advantage of the views towards the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.

Old-school housing is also giving way to flats, affording their new owners stylish coastal pied-a-terres.

Kestrel and Osprey, two new-builds at the end of Dalmeny Road are a perfect example of Southbourne's new look, with bright, open-plan rooms designed to take full advantage of their fabulous location.

But what distinguishes the area from the place which has 'the fourth most expensive land value in the world' is exactly this: price.There is currently only one coastal property on the market in Southbourne valued at more than £1 million.

The area's Independent Councillor, Chris Mayne, described the area as one of the south coast's 'best kept secrets'.

He believes the changes are part of a long-term improvement in Southbourne's fortunes, which stretch from its sweeping beaches and surfable waves right back to its thriving high street.

"We are slowly losing the Victorian image which suited us before and we are moving ahead," he said. "Young families are moving in, events are going on there's a real feelgood factor here. We want Southbourne to be the place to live and work round here."

Southbourne's re-positioning is all the more remarkable given it has only been going for around 150 years.

Whilst Stourfield House, a mansion built during the Georgian era in 1766, was one of the earliest properties of note in the area - it belonged to an eccentric countess and was then a care home in the Great War before being demolished - a young doctor is credited with putting the place on the map.

Thomas Armetriding Compton set up a general practice in Bournemouth in 1866 and in 1871 formed the Southbourne-on-Sea Freehold Land Company, to take advantage of the area's reputation as a health resort.

His company decided to add a pier in 1888 but unfortunately, following storm damage, it had to be demolished in 1909.