Windward in Sandbanks, sleeps 8 near the beach in Poole
Windward lounge by the windows
lounge with tv at Windward
sofas in the lounge at Windward
dining area at Windward
kitchen breakfast bar at Windward
kitchen to patio doors at Windward
view of the balcony at Windward
balcony view to the garden at Windward
garden with outdoor seating at Windward
master double bedroom at Windward
double bedroom with doors to outside at Windward
stairs to ground floor at Windward
second double bedroom at Windward
third double bedroom at Windward
view of the third bedroom
fourth bedroom
double bed with pillows
double bedroom with outside views at Windward
en-suite bathroom from double bedroom at Windward

Windward

Poole

Toad Hall Cottages logo

Sleeps 8 | 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Three en-suite bedrooms | First-floor balcony | Walk to Sandbanks Beach

Overview of Windward

Windward is a striking contemporary holiday home in the heart of the Sandbanks Peninsula, designed around spacious interiors, large windows and easy access to outdoor living. Just a few minutes' walk from Sandbanks Beach, the property provides accommodation for eight guests across three floors, with four bedrooms and an impressive four bathrooms.

The main living accommodation occupies the entire first floor. The kitchen, dining and lounge share a bright open-plan space, allowing guests to cook, eat and relax together. Large bifold doors open onto a balcony overlooking the garden, extending the living accommodation outdoors during warmer weather.

The bedroom arrangement is particularly flexible for families sharing. A ground-floor king-size bedroom has its own en-suite shower and doors opening directly into the garden. The remaining three bedrooms are on the second floor, including the master king-size with en-suite, another en-suite bedroom that can be configured as a king-size or twin and a separate double bedroom.

With three en-suite shower rooms and an additional family bathroom, Windward provides unusually generous bathroom facilities for a holiday home sleeping eight.

Outside, the large garden includes a patio, barbecue, dining furniture and additional seating on the decking. There is also a garage area for storing watersports equipment, particularly useful for guests planning to enjoy Poole Harbour.

Sandbanks' beaches, cafés, restaurants and Watersports Academy are all within walking distance, making Windward a practical base for families who want to spend most of their holiday outdoors.

Windward at a Glance

Feature Details
Property type Contemporary three-storey holiday home
Location Sandbanks, Dorset
Sleeps 8
Bedrooms 4: two fixed kings, one flexible king/twin and one double
Bathrooms 4, including 3 en-suites
Additional WC First floor
Floors 3
Main living accommodation Entire first floor
Dining Open-plan kitchen and dining area
Balcony First floor, overlooking garden
Garden Patio, lawn and decked seating area
Outdoor dining Garden furniture and barbecue
Parking 2 cars
Equipment storage Garage suitable for watersports equipment
Dogs 1 permitted
Beach A few minutes' walk
WiFi Available with boosters on every floor

Who is Windward Best For?

Windward is particularly suitable for two families sharing because it provides two fixed king-size bedrooms and another bedroom that can be arranged as twins. One family could occupy the ground-floor king-size bedroom, while the other uses the second-floor master suite. The remaining twin and double bedrooms provide additional sleeping accommodation for children, depending on their ages and preferences.

For a group of six adults and two children, the three double bedrooms can accommodate three couples, while the flexible bedroom can be arranged as twins for the children. This is one of the most straightforward ways to allocate all eight sleeping spaces.

Four couples can also stay comfortably by requesting the flexible bedroom in its king-size configuration. Three couples would have private en-suite shower rooms, while the fourth could use the family bathroom.

For multi-generational holidays, the ground-floor king-size bedroom is especially useful for grandparents who would prefer fewer stairs to their sleeping accommodation. However, the main lounge, kitchen and dining area are upstairs, so the property still requires guests to be comfortable using stairs.

The large first-floor living area and garden also make Windward a strong option for families with teenagers. The nearby Watersports Academy offers activities for different ages and abilities, while the garage provides a practical place to store outdoor equipment.

Why Choose Windward for a Large Family or Group Holiday?

  • Four bedrooms and four bathrooms: Three en-suite shower rooms and an additional family bathroom provide excellent facilities for eight guests sharing.
  • Flexible accommodation for families or couples: One bedroom can be arranged as a king-size or twin, allowing Windward to suit different family groups and adult parties.
  • Entire first floor for group living: The open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge create a spacious communal area with direct access to the balcony.
  • Ground-floor en-suite bedroom: A king-size bedroom opens directly into the garden, providing a separate sleeping area away from the upper bedrooms.
  • Garden designed for outdoor dining: The patio, decking, barbecue and garden furniture offer several places to relax after a day at the beach.
  • Sandbanks beaches within walking distance: The sandy shoreline, cafés and watersports facilities are just a few minutes away, with sailing, paddleboarding and boat hire nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many people can stay at Windward?

Windward sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms. There are two fixed king-size bedrooms, one double and a fourth bedroom that can be arranged as either a king-size or twin.

2. Is Windward suitable for two families sharing?

Yes. Windward has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including three en-suites. Its flexible sleeping arrangements and large communal living area make it particularly convenient for two families holidaying together.

3. Does Windward have a ground-floor bedroom?

Yes. The ground-floor king-size bedroom has an en-suite shower room and bifold doors opening directly into the garden. The kitchen, dining room and main lounge are on the first floor.

4. Can four couples stay at Windward?

Yes. The flexible king-size/twin bedroom can be prepared as a king-size bed, providing four double bedrooms. Guests should confirm their preferred configuration by email before arrival.

5. Does Windward have a garden and balcony?

Yes. The property has a large garden with patio, barbecue, dining furniture and decking. The first-floor open-plan living area also opens onto a balcony overlooking the garden.

6. How far is Windward from Sandbanks Beach?

Windward is just a few minutes' walk from the sandy beaches of Sandbanks. The local Watersports Academy, restaurants and cafés are also within easy walking distance.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms at Windward

Windward has four bedrooms distributed between the ground and second floors, with the main living accommodation occupying the first floor.

Three bedrooms have private en-suite shower rooms, while the fourth bedroom uses the separate second-floor family bathroom. A further WC is available on the first floor.

The arrangement is particularly suitable for large families, two households sharing or four couples, as one bedroom can be configured with either a king-size bed or two singles.

Group Accommodation Layout

Bedroom Sleeping Arrangement Bathroom
Bedroom 1 – Ground floor King-size bed with bifold doors to garden En-suite shower room
Master bedroom – Second floor King-size bed with walk-in wardrobe En-suite shower room
Bedroom 3 – Second floor King-size bed or two singles En-suite shower room
Bedroom 4 – Second floor Double bed Separate family bathroom with bath

Bedroom 1: Ground-Floor King-Size with Garden Access

Bedroom 1 is on the ground floor and contains a king-size bed.

Bifold doors open directly onto the garden, allowing guests to step outside without passing through the main living area.

The room also has its own en-suite shower room, giving occupants private bathroom facilities.

Its position makes it a useful choice for grandparents, parents or another couple sharing with a larger party. Because the other bedrooms are two floors above, this room also offers some separation from the rest of the sleeping accommodation.

Master Bedroom: Second-Floor King-Size with En-Suite

The master bedroom is on the second floor and contains a king-size bed.

A walk-in wardrobe provides dedicated storage, while the private en-suite shower room offers convenient bathroom facilities.

The bedroom occupies the same level as the two other upstairs bedrooms and the family bathroom.

This room is particularly suitable for parents sharing the house with children or a couple wanting a spacious double bedroom with its own bathroom.

Bedroom 3: Second-Floor King-Size or Twin with En-Suite

The third bedroom has a flexible bed configuration and can be prepared with a king-size bed or two single beds.

Guests should specify their preferred arrangement by email before their stay.

The room also has an en-suite shower room, giving occupants their own facilities whichever sleeping configuration they choose.

As a twin, it is convenient for siblings, teenagers or adult friends who prefer separate beds. As a king-size, it provides another conventional double bedroom for a couple.

This flexibility is one of the most useful features when organising a group holiday for eight.

Bedroom 4: Second-Floor Double

The fourth bedroom is on the second floor and contains a double bed.

It provides additional accommodation for a couple, two children comfortable sharing or another family member.

Guests use the separate family bathroom on the same floor, which contains a bath.

For four couples, this room provides the fourth double bedroom. For two families sharing, it can be allocated according to the number and ages of the children.

How Does the Layout Work for a Group of 8?

For two families consisting of four adults and four children, the two fixed king-size bedrooms can accommodate the parents. Two children could use the flexible bedroom as a twin, while the remaining two share the double bedroom.

This arrangement works best when the children sharing the double are happy to sleep in the same bed. Families requiring four individual children's beds should consider that only one bedroom can be arranged as twins.

For three couples and two children, the fixed king-size bedrooms and double can accommodate six adults. The children can then use the flexible bedroom in its twin configuration. Three of the four bedrooms have en-suite showers, making bathroom arrangements straightforward.

For four couples, all four bedrooms can contain double beds, with the flexible room prepared as a king-size. Three couples would have en-suites, while the fourth uses the family bathroom.

For a multi-generational holiday, grandparents could occupy the ground-floor king-size bedroom, allowing them to sleep on the entrance level. Parents and children could use the remaining rooms upstairs, although the first-floor communal accommodation still requires stairs.

The layout is also useful for groups of friends, particularly where the party includes three couples and two individuals. Guests requiring more than two separate single beds would need to consider the available bed configuration carefully.

Bathroom Layout

Windward has four bathrooms, including three en-suite shower rooms, plus a first-floor WC.

Bathroom Facilities Location
Bedroom 1 en-suite Shower room Ground floor
Master bedroom en-suite Shower room Second floor
Bedroom 3 en-suite Shower room Second floor
Family bathroom Bathroom with bath Second floor
Cloakroom WC First floor

The three en-suites allow several adults or families to have private shower facilities, while the family bathroom provides a bath.

The first-floor WC is conveniently positioned beside the main communal living accommodation.

    Facilities & Information at Windward

    Windward has a distinctive arrangement, with its entire first floor dedicated to open-plan living. Large bifold doors connect the lounge and dining accommodation with a balcony overlooking the garden, while the ground-floor bedroom provides direct access outside.

    The garden, patio and decking offer several spaces for sitting and eating outdoors, with additional storage for watersports equipment.

    First-Floor Open-Plan Living

    The principal communal accommodation occupies the entire first floor.

    The kitchen, dining and lounge are arranged together in a contemporary open-plan space, allowing guests to prepare meals while spending time with the rest of the group.

    Large bifold doors open onto the balcony, bringing natural light into the living area and providing views across the garden.

    This arrangement is especially practical for families travelling together, as everyone can gather in one substantial communal space without being divided between separate rooms.

    Contemporary Kitchen and Dining

    The first-floor kitchen forms part of the open-plan living area.

    A dishwasher is provided, making it easier to manage meals and washing up for eight guests.

    The combined layout allows food to be served directly into the dining area, with the balcony offering another place to enjoy refreshments.

    The first-floor WC also means guests using the kitchen and lounge can access toilet facilities without travelling to the bedroom floors.

    First-Floor Balcony with Garden Views

    The balcony is accessed through bifold doors from the open-plan living space.

    It overlooks the garden and provides an additional outdoor area connected to the main communal accommodation.

    Guests can enjoy a coffee in the morning or sit outside after returning from the beach, with the garden below providing a different setting for larger outdoor meals.

    As the balcony is elevated, families with younger children should supervise its use.

    Large Garden with Patio and Decking

    The garden includes a substantial patio, outdoor dining furniture and a barbecue.

    There is also a decked seating area with additional garden furniture, providing several places to relax during warmer weather.

    The outdoor layout allows the group to spread out between the main patio and decking after a day exploring Sandbanks.

    The ground-floor king-size bedroom opens directly into the garden through bifold doors, creating a useful connection between that bedroom and the outside space.

    Garage Storage for Watersports Equipment

    The ground floor includes a garage area intended for storing watersports equipment.

    This is a useful feature for guests bringing paddleboards or equipment for enjoying Poole Harbour.

    The proximity of Sandbanks' Watersports Academy also makes it convenient to arrange sailing, paddleboarding and other activities without travelling far.

    Parking for two cars is provided separately.

    WiFi Across All Three Floors

    Windward has WiFi with boosters installed on each floor to improve coverage throughout the house.

    This is useful for guests who need to work or study during their holiday, especially with bedrooms distributed across three levels.

    It also allows different family members to use their own devices while staying in separate parts of the property.

    Laundry and Family Facilities

    A washing machine and tumble dryer are provided, particularly useful for beach towels, children's clothing and longer family stays.

    Central heating provides warmth throughout the property.

    A travel cot and highchair can be requested in advance, making the accommodation suitable for families bringing a baby or toddler.

    Facilities Table

    Category Facilities
    Living accommodation Entire first floor arranged as open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge
    Outdoor connection Bifold doors from living space onto balcony
    Kitchen Contemporary kitchen with dishwasher
    Bathrooms Three en-suite shower rooms and family bathroom
    Additional WC First-floor cloakroom
    Laundry Washing machine and tumble dryer
    Heating Central heating
    Internet WiFi with boosters on every floor
    Garden Large outdoor area with patio and decking
    Outdoor dining Garden table, chairs and additional seating
    Barbecue Provided
    Balcony First-floor balcony with garden views
    Equipment storage Ground-floor garage for watersports equipment
    Parking Two cars
    Family equipment Travel cot and highchair on request

    Important Information

    Information Details
    Maximum occupancy 8 guests
    Bedrooms 4
    Bed configuration Two kings, one flexible king/twin and one double
    Bathrooms 4
    En-suite bathrooms 3
    Additional WC First floor
    Property layout Three storeys
    Ground-floor bedroom King-size with en-suite and garden access
    First-floor accommodation Open-plan kitchen, dining, lounge and balcony
    Second-floor bedrooms King-size master, flexible king/twin and double
    Flexible bed configuration Confirm preferred arrangement by email before arrival
    Pets One permitted
    Parking Two cars
    Equipment storage Garage for watersports equipment
    Garden Patio, decking and outdoor seating
    Barbecue Provided
    Bed linen Included
    Towels Included
    Travel cot Available on request
    Highchair Available on request
    Heating Central heating
    WiFi Included
    WiFi coverage Boosters installed on every floor
    Property code WINDWA
    Preferred changeover Saturday
    Check-in From 3.30pm
    Check-out By 10am
    Short breaks Available

Location & Things to Do Near Windward

Windward is situated in the heart of Sandbanks, a narrow peninsula between the open waters of Poole Bay and the sheltered natural harbour of Poole. The location is particularly convenient for families who enjoy spending time at the beach, with Sandbanks' extensive golden sands just a few minutes' walk from the property.

Sandbanks Beach is popular for swimming, beach games and walking along the promenade. The broad sandy shoreline extends east towards Shore Road, Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine, providing opportunities for longer walks with cafés and restaurants along the way. Families with younger children can also visit the beachfront playground.

Poole Harbour offers a different coastal experience. Its sheltered waters are popular for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing, with the Sandbanks Watersports Academy offering courses, equipment hire and activities for different abilities.

For places to eat, Rick Stein Sandbanks overlooks Poole Harbour and specialises in seafood. The Tandy on Banks Road offers another option close to the beach, while CAFF is a convenient stop for coffee and breakfast.

At the western end of the peninsula, the Sandbanks Chain Ferry crosses the harbour entrance to Shell Bay. From here, families can explore the beaches of Studland Bay, including Knoll Beach, or follow the South West Coast Path towards Old Harry Rocks.

Brownsea Island, managed by the National Trust, is another rewarding day out. Located within Poole Harbour, the island is known for its red squirrels, woodland paths and lagoon habitats. Seasonal ferries provide access from Poole Quay and other designated departure points.

Poole's historic quay has shops, restaurants and harbour boat trips, while Bournemouth offers its famous pier, gardens and Oceanarium.

For large families and groups sharing, Sandbanks is particularly convenient because different members of the party can enjoy separate activities nearby. Some can spend the morning on the beach while others try watersports or visit local cafés before returning to Windward's garden for an evening together.

Nearby Places

Place Approximate Distance Why Visit
Sandbanks Beach A few minutes' walk Golden sands, swimming and family beach days
Sandbanks Beach Playground Short walk Children's play equipment near the beachfront
Sandbanks Watersports Academy Walking distance Sailing, paddleboarding and watersports lessons
CAFF, Banks Road Less than 1 mile Breakfast, coffee and refreshments
The Tandy Less than 1 mile Restaurant close to Sandbanks Beach
Rick Stein Sandbanks Less than 1 mile Seafood dining overlooking Poole Harbour
Shore Road Beach Short coastal walk Sandy beach and promenade
Sandbanks Chain Ferry Within the peninsula Crossing to Shell Bay and Studland
Shell Bay Via chain ferry Sandy beach and views across the harbour entrance
Knoll Beach Via chain ferry and short onward journey National Trust beach, café and coastal activities
Studland Bay Via chain ferry Beaches, dunes and coastal walking
Old Harry Rocks Via Studland Chalk cliffs and South West Coast Path
Brownsea Island Seasonal passenger ferry Red squirrels, woodland and wildlife
Poole Quay Short drive Historic harbour, restaurants and boat trips
Bournemouth Pier Short drive Seaside attractions and coastal views
Oceanarium Bournemouth Short drive Marine wildlife and family attraction
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