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Now that the spring sunshine has finally decided to show up, I've found my mind wandering straight to holiday mode. There's something about that first properly warm afternoon that has me scrolling through flights and picturing myself with a book in hand somewhere new. Of course, airlines and holiday providers like Jet2holidays, TUI and British Airways Holidays are tempting with glossy package deals for spring and summer. But truth be told, some of my most memorable breaks in recent years haven't required a passport at all.

Last Easter, I think I well and truly struck gold. Tucked away on the south coast, I stumbled across what might just be one of the best British seaside holiday cottages I've ever visited.

Hastings is a historic coastal town. Medieval ports, a long fishing heritage, and an Old Town that feels gently weathered by centuries of sea air. The streets are wonderfully higgledy-piggledy, lined with pastel-painted houses and clapboard buildings that lean into one another. And there, on All Saints Street, sits the aptly named All Saints: a restored one-floor cottage-style apartment that invites guests through its sunshine-yellow front door.

It's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday property with a 4.9-star rating based on previous guest stays, and after a weekend there, I completely understood why. In a review, one previous guest said: "There is so much on your door step to explore and enjoy whatever the weather. We felt right at home in the apartment, and it has everything you need to enjoy your stay."

The location is a dream, quite literally steps from the seafront. But what truly sets the cottage apart is the way it blends original old-world features with modern touches in such an artistic, characterful way. It really feels like a home.

We arrived on a golden spring weekend when everything seems to bloom at once. The garden was bursting with colourful tulips, and the stable door from the kitchen opened out onto a view so idyllic it could have passed for countryside, if not for the cheerful squawk of seagulls overhead, reminding us we were very much by the sea. There's a garden bar-style seating area, a small table for al fresco dining, and a modern seating spot that's a perfect little sun-trap. I lost a good hour there, reading a book and sipping coffee.

Inside, the property unfolds across one floor, and it's surprisingly spacious. The open-plan living area is vast, with a sofa big enough for the whole family to sprawl across after a windswept beach walk. A generous dining table stands ready for long, lazy Sunday roasts. Traditional wooden beams stretch overhead, strung with twinkling fairy lights that glow softly in the evenings. Mid-century modern sideboards add warmth, while a wood-burning stove promises cosy nights in. Guests are given a complimentary basket of logs and kindling, with additional firewood available in the garden for a fee.

The kitchen is sleek and modern, yet full of personality. The barn door painted in a tangerine shade is a nice nod to the building's heritage. On bright mornings, I loved half-opening the door to let the light flood in while we made breakfast. There's also everything you could need: an electric oven and induction hob, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine. Coffee lovers will be pleased to find an espresso machine waiting patiently on the counter.

There's a main bathroom complete with bath and shower, plus a smaller ensuite attached to the main bedroom.

And then there are the bedrooms. Both are decent sizes and just as artistic as the rest of the property. In one, wallpaper depicts a flock of parrots swooping and nesting across the walls; in the other, koi carp glide in bright, swimming patterns. One room is a double, the other a twin (though the beds can easily be pushed together). The twin bedroom can also be reconfigured to sleep four, with an additional sofa bed.

• You can read my full, in-depth review of All Saints here

The location only adds to the charm. All Saints Street can be lively, particularly on weekends, but high windows and thoughtfully chosen drapes ensure the apartment remains blissfully private. There's off-road parking on a small gated driveway to the rear, though if you're staying in Hastings for the duration, you can happily abandon the car and explore on foot.

Hastings is the quintessential British seaside town. Nostalgic arcades hum with the sounds of flashing lights and clinking coins, traditional fish and chip shops lure you in with the unmistakable scent of salt and vinegar, and just around the corner, you'll find trendy restaurants and delightfully quirky vintage shops. From the front door of All Saints, it's only a few minutes' walk before you're standing on the pebbled shoreline of the English Channel.

Cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants are scattered generously nearby, and one of our favourite haunts, The Crown pub, is literally just steps from the front door.

Available to book via Sykes Holiday Cottages, the two-bedroom apartment manages to feel both spacious and snug, whether you're staying for two days or two weeks. It's ideal for groups of friends keen to soak up the sea air, but it's equally well set up for families, with plenty of children's games and space for two "well-behaved" pets.

Booking with Sykes Holiday Cottages is straightforward. Their website clearly lays out availability, and once you've secured your dates, you can download the Sykes app to stay in touch with the property owners ahead of your stay.

A quick independent search shows there's still availability to book this year. March and April are starting to fill up, but there's plenty of choice in May, July, August and September. One of the cheapest stays we could find was for seven nights from June 26, for £1,087. That works out at approximately £155.20 per night. Split between four people, that's just £38.82 per person, per night - not bad at all.

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