Old and new

New: Richmond, Yorkshire. These eco-friendly, time-share holiday homes might look like a cross between a luxury tent and a beach hut, but they are surprisingly spacious inside. Nestling in 55 acres of countryside, the properties on Natural Retreats Yorkshire Dales have attained zero-carbon status through using natural sedum roofing, solar glazing, natural spring water for drinking and showers and a natural sewage treatment system. For £250,000 you can stay in your property for six weeks a year. Management costs are about £7,000 a year. Call Rentons Countrywide (01748 850341).
Photograph: Rentons Countrywide

Old: Mariners, Mevagissey, Cornwall. The colour of the exterior of this classic Victorian villa may make you gulp, but the views over the beautiful fishing village of Mevagissey will make you sigh with pleasure. All four bedrooms have uninterrupted sea views, and there is a terrace at the front where you can sip your gin and tonic while surveying the harbour below. On the market for £375,000 with Knight Frank (01392 423111).
Photograph: Knight Frank

New: near St Ives. Pole View, Lelant, was designed by local architect Barrie Briscoe, and thanks to the interior use of timber has a cosy, ski chalet feel. The ground floor includes a big kitchen/diner with bespoke handmade units, Aga and sliding patio doors opening on to a front courtyard. The living room, complete with fat Douglas Fir poles, is on the first floor along with two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The remaining three bedrooms, all with slanting roofs are on the third floor. On the market for £495,000 through Miller Countrywide (0843 318 1644).
Photograph: Miller Countrywide

Old: Derwent reservoir, Derbyshire. This 18th century four-bedroomed gritstone farmhouse was originally part of the Duke of Devonshire’s estate, facing south over the Derwent reservoir. The £695,000 asking price includes a separate stone barn with “excellent planning potential”, according to the agents, to convert into additional accommodation or a holiday cottage. The garden is idyllic, with a wooded backdrop, a natural pond and even a waterfall. Contact Saxton Mee on 01433 650009.
Photograph: Saxton Mee

Dream home: Corfu. This renovated 200-year-old stone house at Lavandula, Rou Estate, north-east Corfu, is the spitting image of Villa Donna – the Greek hotel run by Meryl Streep’s character in the film Mamma Mia. Villa Donna was typical of many Greek island villas. The house, part of a restored hill top village of 12 houses, has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and its own plunge pool. The owners will also have access to a 26-metre pool, spa and gym interconnected by wildflower gardens. On the market for €595,000 through Savills (+44 (0) 20 7016 3740).
Photograph: Savills