Her on-screen prim and proper character Bree Hodge would not be seen dead in such casual attire.

But Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross didn't appear to have a care in the world as she enjoyed a family day out at the beach wearing beige three-quarter-length trousers, vest top and a sky blue button-up blouse.

Happy families: Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross with husband Tom Mahoney and their twin daughters Eden and Savannah

The 46-year-old, who is currently lighting up our TV screens in a new series of the hit show, was snapped this weekend building sandcastles on the gorgeous Will Rogers State Beach which sprawls one and three-quarter miles along the shoreline in Santa Monica, California.

Accompanying her was her stockbroker husband Tom Mahoney and their beautiful 19-month old twin daughters Eden and Savannah.

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Fancy a paddle: Marcia and one of the twins contemplate having a dip

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Happy to help: Marcia is desperate to join in building sandcastles

The toddlers wore almost identical outfits and sported pink hats, ensuring they were well protected from the sun.

And there was certainly lots of fun to be had as the duo got stuck in digging the sand and building sandcastles, with a little help from their mum who was just desperate to join in.

Look at that: Marcia dressed down in a casual outfit at the Californian beach

Desperate housewife: Marcia as Bree Hodge in the hit show, dressed to impress