HIGHCLIFFE Castle may well be just down the road, but the buyers of this lavish house will be procuring an imposing property of their own when they sign on the dotted line. Dubbed Monterey Pines, it is arguably one of the areas finest houses and comes with the bragging rights to the best views in the area.

The English Channel is virtually in the back garden of this veritable mansion; the waves tantalizingly close as they lap up on the sand below. Talk about tailor made for a summer soiree!

Beyond the immediate shoreline lies a stunning panorama across Christchurch Bay, which takes in the Isle of Wight to the east and Hengistbury Head to the west.

But enough of the views, what about the bricks and mortar?

Well, there’s plenty of it because Montery Pines is a cavernous dwelling. From the outside it looks big but inside it is unfeasibly spacious. As far as aesthetics are concerned the property sports more angles that a trigonometry textbook; the architecture of the house is neat and precise. Stepping through the front door you’re greeted by a light and airy entrance hallway, the white walls and ceilings punctuated by wooden doors and a fabulous staircase that leads up to a galleried landing.

Downstairs you’ll find a spacious dining room and a bespoke kitchen (complete with family area and breakfast area); an opulent theatre for your culinary excellence.

The ground floor is also home to two studies, so there are no excuses for not doing any work, plus an impressive drawing room with a view, which is a great excuse not to do any.

Also on the ground floor is an attached annexe, which boasts a bathroom, a bedroom and a lounge – this would be ideal for an elderly relative or a stroppy teenager.

Upstairs Montery Pines boasts four bedrooms, all of which come with an ensuite. There are guaranteed to be arguments as to who gets the bedrooms at the rear of the house, both of which boast balconies, which take in those impressive views across the ocean.

Back outside (it’s hard to drag yourself away from the rear garden), the property boasts a large patio that makes al fresco dining a must in the summer months. Meanwhile the large lawned area that sweeps all the way to the end of the garden is large enough for a decent game of six aside and the grass looks like it’s been maintained by the head groundsman at Dean Court.

Although the low maintenance front garden is far less impressive, the driveway boasts plenty of space for cars and is accessed via electronic gates. There is also a double garage attached to the property, which offers volumes of space and will be ideal for any motoring enthusiast.

This slice of Highcliffe luxury is on the market for £3,950,000, through Winkworth, 01425 270055.