Built as an observation post by the Germans during WWII the Radio Tower has now been conscripted as a holiday cottage. Sleeping six its Bauhaus-style renovation sits well against the property’s austere concrete form... Photograph: PR
Three of the six floors house double bedrooms, each with their own shower room. Up a spiral staircase, the top-floor lounge offers almost 360-degree views.
• 01534 633304, jerseyheritage.org, from £1,108 a week Photograph: PR
It looks like a boat but this ship-shape folly is a 1930s bungalow set amid dunes, sleeping four in two bunk rooms, with a sofabed in the lounge. The cottage has walnut parquet floors and original 30s furniture and fittings, plus a modern kitchen and shower... Photograph: PR
The 50-hectare St Ouen's Pond nature reserve is almost on the doorstep, if you're keen on twitching, and Jersey Surf School is close by.
• 01534 725259, freedomholidays.com, from £970 a week Photograph: PR
A storybook holiday cottage among the winding lanes of south-west Guernsey, this rustic stone hideaway is close to the Silbe nature reserve and Rocquaine Bay, home to Fort Grey, a Martello tower known as the cup... Photograph: PR
In the grounds of a 15th-century farmhouse, the cottage has a shared outdoor pool but its own walled garden, and it sleeps four in earthy, country style (the main bedroom has an exposed stone wall and traditional iron bedsteads).
• 01481 239180, guernseycottage.com, from £625 a week Photograph: Alamy
Like many such structures in the Channel Islands this fort, on the north-eastern tip of Alderney, was built by the British after the Napoleonic wars. Set above sandy Corblets beach, it was converted into a home in the middle of last century... Photograph: Alamy
Its South Wing is now available to let and sleeps four in two bedrooms. The living and dining area is simple and sunny, and the terrace really impresses with its sunset views.
• 01481 823730, fortcorblets.co.uk, from £750 a week
Photograph: Michael Sumpster Photograph: Michael Sumpster - please credit /Michael Sumpster
Part of an early-1800s barracks, this comfortable stone retreat sleeps six above a sandy beach on Jersey's north coast. Period details include sash windows, a grandfather clock and antique wardrobes, but the overall style is more homely than grand... Photograph: PR
It's two minutes to the beach and coastal paths. Be warned that occasional evening events may be held at the barracks in summer.
• 01534 488100, macoles.com, from £755 a week Photograph: Alamy