“Where do you want this?” Matthew asks as he holds up a bag filled with books as if it was made out of feathers.

I point to a corner in the living room. "Over there, please.”

It’s just been a few hours since we arrived at the beach house, and I’m already in love. The interiors reflect the warm tones of the beach and the sea, creating a wonderfully cosy space.

The house is pretty huge, and completely different from what I had expected. I was looking forward to a small and inviting beach house built in white wooden elements and a squeaky porch.

Instead, I found myself in a...