Old and new

Historic home: Ayrshire. This former stable for pit ponies in Dalry, Scotland, dates from the late 18th-early 19th century and has been converted into a spacious and elegant four-bed cottage with two kitchens, three shower rooms, a big conservatory and an outbuilding currently used as a gym. The garden is massive. Offers in excess of £395,000 will be considered.
Slater Hogg & Howison, 01475 778718 Photograph: Slater Hogg & Howison

Historic home: Devon. The village of Harbertonford, near Totnes, sits beside the river Harbourne, and this home really couldn’t get any closer. Previously two cottages, the property offers lots of space with four bedrooms over two floors, and dining and living rooms. The whole of the ground floor is tiled while the kitchen has doors on to external decking. The private garden includes a summer house. On the market for £400,000.
Marchand Petit, 01803 424019 Photograph: Marchand Petit

Historic home: Cumbria. This is almost a cliche among cottages, with beamed ceilings, a log-burning stove and fabulous views across the Lake District national park from your base in Ulverston. As the estate agent says, it “oozes charm and character throughout”. But don’t let the cosiness fool you – it has two sitting rooms, a fitted kitchen, a utility room, four double bedrooms and a bathroom. Cost: £500,000.
Carter Jonas, 0153 95 28886 Photograph: Carter Jonas

New build: West Yorkshire. Aged looking bricks belie the age of this property in Rawdon, Leeds, which has just been completed. For £500,000 you get four bedrooms, a large living room with french doors on to a rear raised patio, a decent-sized kitchen with travertine flooring and granite worktops, and a utility room. Your car should also feel happy in the remote controlled garage or sitting on the gated driveway.
Dacre Son & Hartley, 01943 496988 Photograph: Dacre Son & Hartley

New build: Somerset. This is a brand new three-bed home in an old barn near Wells. It includes vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outlook over the cathedral and surrounding Mendip Hills. Yours for £350,000.
Savills, 0117 205 0159 Photograph: Savills