Wood-burning stoves grace both reception rooms and an open fireplace survives in one of the bedrooms, while occupants of the other three bedrooms have the colder comfort of cast-iron ornamental fireplaces. Priced at £399,950, this three-bathroom home enjoys distant views of the river Tamar, a lush walled garden, exposed floorboards, a conservatory and a roll-top bath. You are within minutes (and earshot!) of Saltash station.
Bradleys, 01752 845488 Photograph: Bradleys
You could bake bread in the ovens that survive within the inglenooks in both reception rooms of this 13th-century cottage, and the low-beamed ceilings will conserve the heat from the wood-burning stove. The £300,000 price tag buys you three bedrooms in an idyllic position on the edge of the Cotswolds with gardens front and back and a garage across the lane. It’s two miles to the larger shopping opportunities of Evesham.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01386 840224 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff
The inglenooks in the two main reception rooms would dwarf the sitting rooms of ordinary mortals, and there are further stone hearths in the library and most of the nine bedrooms. Dramatic medieval features have survived modern renovations of this castle where King David of Scotland was imprisoned during the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346. Unfortunately, a £1.5m price tag stands between you and the accommodation he occupied, but for that you get five green acres and the distinction of owning one of the oldest occupied buildings in the county.
Sanderson Young, 01661 823951 Photograph: Sanderson Young
Since this £347,500 terraced cottage is yards from the seafront, you’ll be glad of the fireplaces in the three receptions and two of the three bedrooms. The rooms behind this slim frontage are unexpectedly spacious, with room for two bathrooms and wine cellars. But the optimistically named garden room opens merely on to a small courtyard, which is all you get in the way of outside space. The beach at the end of the road will be your consolation.
Bright & Bright, 01304 374071 Photograph: Bright & Bright
A raised arched fireplace has a twin in the form of a built-in barbecue outside on the roof terrace where you can dine to the backdrop of city views. This €420,000 top-floor apartment is in the city centre with its own garage and two bedrooms. Beams and eaves give it character, and sliding glass doors open on to the large terrace ensuring plenty of Mediterranean light.
Fine & Country, +33 (0)4 92 59 25 93/4 Photograph: Fine & Country
