Snooping around

Property of the week: Cotes Heath, Staffordshire The grand Hatton Manor started life as a water pumping station and is destined to become a clutch of three-bedroom homes, complete with solid oak floors and Philippe Starck bathrooms. The M6 is five miles away, but the nearest bar is even further. Cost: from £340,000.
Savills, 0121 634 8469. Photograph: Savills

Wreck of the week: Oving, near Chichester This three-bedroom 1920s farmhouse looks exhausted and the staircase to the studio above the garage is perilous, but just £60,000 should be enough to recharge the place. With large gardens, a sun room and double garage, in good condition it could be worth £725,000 - a good return on the £500,000 asking price.
Henry Adams, 01234 533377. Photograph: Henry Adams

Take three: homes below the stamp duty threshold This grade-I listed building in King's Lynn, Norfolk, may have only one bedroom, but two reception rooms, a box room and a study mean there is room for guests. A grade-I listed building, and yours for just £94,950. The catch? There are several: there's no parking, annual maintenance fees are nearly £2,000 and there are only 65 years left on the lease.
Belton Duffey, 01553 770055. Photograph: Belton Duffey

Take three: homes below the stamp duty threshold In Burnley, you get even more for your money - three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen and utility room for £84,950. There's a park across the road and green spaces all around. Just as well, as there's a courtyard where the garden should be.
Reeds Rains, 01282 429191. Photograph: Reeds Rains

Take three: homes below the stamp duty threshold Nostalgia in miniature is up for grabs in Buckfastleigh, Devon. The one reception room/kitchen is dominated by a large stone fireplace and chimney, and there is just one bedroom upstairs. Tucked away through an arch in the town centre, this is one for minimalists. The (relatively) small price tag is £119,950.
Bradleys, 01364 642642. Photograph: Bradleys