Waterfront Apartments

Waterfront Apartments sit on North Quay in Douglas, on the stretch where the inner harbour fills up with masts. These are self-catering flats let whole rather than hotel rooms, and the quayside is the point of them.

Sash windows look down over the moorings and the pontoons, past the boats tied along the harbour wall to the headland that closes off the view. The flats above are reached by stairs, and in part of the building by lift.

Oak, granite and a great deal of light

Each flat is open-plan. A kitchen in pale oak with black granite worktops and a dark tiled splashback holds an oven, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer, and runs straight into a carpeted sitting area with black leather sofas and a glass dining table. In the top-floor flats a skylight has been cut into the roof pitch, so light drops in from above as well as through the windows. There is a desk to work at, and a television with a DVD player. A tray of chocolates, teas and bottled spring water waits on the worktop.

Beds beneath the roof slope

Layouts run from one bedroom to two, sleeping up to four. Beds are solid oak or upholstered, made up in cream with a patterned throw and a stack of towels; in the upper flats the ceiling slopes down over the headboard. Bathrooms are tiled floor to ceiling in warm stone tones, with a walk-in shower behind glass, a heated towel rail and a mirror run the width of the basin.

Out onto the quay

North Quay puts you on the harbour in Douglas, among the boats and the old buildings that face them, and Douglas Beach is within walking distance.

Made for the longer stay

Anyone staying in Douglas for more than a couple of nights: a working week, a long weekend, a family who would rather cook than eat out every evening. The washing machine and the dryer are what set it apart from a hotel room.