Old and new

Historic home: Essex. This is an entrancing confection of thatch and beams, of uncertain pedigree, but visibly ancient, near Chelmsford. Both reception rooms have capacious brick fireplaces, the kitchen will take a breakfast table and there are three pretty bedrooms with views over the 88 feet of garden. Yours for £310,000.
John D Wood, 01245 344 222 Photograph: <a href="http://www.johndwood.co.uk/site/pages/home">John D Wood</a>

Historic home: Yorkshire. When the developers divided this 19th-century manor in West Layton, this portion got all the best rooms and 3.25 acres of garden. The two receptions are huge and ornately plastered, two of the six bedrooms are en suites, and even the toilet boasts panelled grandeur. A chain of linked ponds make a fetching water garden. It is on the market at £695,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01904 625033 Photograph: <a href="http://www.jackson-stops.co.uk">Jackson-Stops & Staff</a>

New build: Dorset. Brewery Square reckons it is the new heart and soul of Dorchester. The old brewery, where Thomas Hardy once worked, will become a Conrad-designed hotel and apartments. Fountains will lap large piazzas, 11 acres of shops and restaurants will double the size of the town centre and, most thrilling of all, the brewery clock will puff coloured smoke on the hour and squirt water at anyone who stands in the "puffing points". Prices start at £170,000 for a one bedder.
Savills, 01305 757000 Photograph: <a href="http://www.savills.co.uk/residentialsearch/home.aspx">Savills</a>

New build: Bristol. This curiosity offers topsy-turvy lifestyle down a cul-de-sac amid Clifton's stately chic. The living room and balcony on the top floor enjoy a panorama of the floating harbour and the Avon gorge, you cook and eat in the middle and sleep downstairs. Shopping is a quaint descent down meandering steps. Three-bedroom duplexes start at £330,000 and town houses from £460,000.
Cabot Homes, 01179 294034 Photograph: <a href="http://www.cabothomes.co.uk">Cabot Homes</a>

Bargain of the week: Cornwall. There are views of the harbour of East and West Looe a millionaire would envy here. You get it from the little front terrace, from your fireside armchair and from both bedrooms. Ordinarily, a character cottage with these glories would fetch nearer £240,000 than its £174,000 asking price, but there is a rub: only sturdy legged purchasers need apply – you have to leave the car at the bottom of the hill. On the plus side there is no passing traffic.
Bradleys, 01503 264888 Photograph: <a href="http://www.bradleys-estate-agents.co.uk">Bradleys</a>