Old and new homes – in pictures

New build: Norfolk. As Kirstie and Phil are always saying, location is key. Thornham ticks all the boxes: it’s on the posh bit of the Norfolk coast (the beach is surely one of the most beautiful in the world), is chock-a-block with traditional flint stone cottages, and boasts a couple of popular restaurants including one owned by Marco Pierre White. Treetops House, on the market for £1.4m, is a short stroll away from all these things, yet on a quiet road, slightly inland and away from any pesky tourists. It is light, neutrally decorated and enormous: four bedrooms and four large bathrooms, a large kitchen/day room, and a sitting room, dining room and utility room, all copiously endowed with lime oak.
Click here or call Sowerbys, 01328 730 340 Photograph: Sowerbys

Historic home: Peeblesshire. Black Barony Lodge in Eddleston was the gate lodge to Barony Castle, and was built in 1855 when the entrance was moved closer to Peebles station. The £275,000 property was extended in 1962 and now includes a sitting room, kitchen and three bedrooms, or two bedrooms and a dining room depending on your needs. Outside are two garages, a stable and a greenhouse, plus about 1.5 acres including a grazing paddock. The interior is pristine and light, but the kitchen could do with refreshing.
Click here or call CKD Galbraith, 01721 722787
Photograph: Galbraith

New build: Cornwall. This five-bed, four-bathroom house, currently being built in Carbis Bay, St Ives, will have a 180 degree view of the sea – it has a wraparound balcony to ensure uninterrupted views. Given all the glazing, you really can’t worry much about privacy – and you would definitely need a regular window cleaner. But for £2.5m you get acres of space – the kitchen, living and dining area is all open plan – and the house has direct access to the beach below.
Click here or call Chesterton Humberts, 01872 300 453
Photograph: Chesterton Humberts

Historic home: Herefordshire. The Hop Kiln, sited midway between Hereford and Ledbury, enjoys lush views over the surrounding countryside. The property, on the market for £649,000, is believed to have been built about 200 years ago and was converted 10 years ago to form a well-proportioned family home, making full use of the original features. It includes five bedrooms, a huge kitchen with room for a 12-seat table, a large dining room and separate living room, plus study and utility room. And for all the cider lovers out there it backs on to mature apple orchards which can be bought by private negotiation.
Click here or call John Goodwin, 01531 634 648
Photograph: John Goodwin

New build: Birmingham. Enjoy views over central Birmingham from the towering heights of this five-year-old block. Beetham Tower is 39 floors high, but the bottom 20 are given over to the Raddison SAS Hotel. Above there are 12 apartments ranging from a studio at £90,000 to the three-bed, 3,200 sq ft penthouse for £650,000. Because of the height none have a balcony, but they do have conservatories called 'sky gardens' by the architects. Residents get a discount at the hotel gym and spa.
Click here or call Knight Frank, 0121 200 2220
Photograph: Knight Frank