Live in luxury on the river, smack in the middle of London’s swanky Chelsea, by renting this fully furnished houseboat moored on Cheyne Walk - it's available for £1,050 per week including utilities. The Spirit of Chelsea has two double en-suite bedrooms and a cinema room/lounge/third bedroom on the lower deck plus kitchen and large reception room with curved, sliding doors to a private deck area on the upper deck.
Riverhomes, 020 8789 9000 Photograph: Riverhomes
A six-bedroom Elizabethan house with a quirky inscription dating it to 1600. It was thought once to have been a wing of a larger manor and is now part of the Stradsett estate. It’s a sad addition to the Buildings at Risk Register, being more or less derelict. You basically have to start again within the four walls. The authorities are so fearful for its future they’re prepared to be open-minded about what the buyer has in mind, provided they restore it. You have glorious ancient features to work with, 1.4 acres of land and a range of outbuildings with infinite possibilities. The landowner retains a right of way up your drive to maintain hedges on the estate. Offers in excess of £350,000.
Strutt & Parker, 01603 883 604 Photograph: skyhighimagery.co.uk
An old lighthouse signal station poised on the rocky shore with unimpeded views of the sea from the balcony off the sitting room and most windows. It’s been stylishly revamped inside and has three double bedrooms, including a master suite. Unfortunately, you share the building, including the roof terrace, and much of the grounds with neighbours, although you have your own private garden. Guide price: £499,950.
Mayfair Office, 01752 829 000 Photograph: Mayfair Office
Don’t be misled by the stark exterior; inside this-four bedroom house has been transformed into modern chic, using the original fireplaces, stripped floorboards, restored sash windows and ornate plasterwork as a framework. It’s a shame that the only garden is an overlooked courtyard. Asking price: £359, 950.
Sanderson Young, 0191 213 0033 Photograph: Sanderson Young
