Snooping around

Property of the week: Brixham, Devon. Built high across a cliff face this three-bedroom curiosity boasts views through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room across the old town to the sea. An original glass chandelier hangs from one of the timbered ceilings, and the wooden, open-tread stairs and bespoke shelving preserve a retro glamour. A summerhouse sits at the top of the gardens. Cost: £350,000.
The Modern House, 08456 344068 Photograph: The Modern House/The Modern House

Wreck of the week: High Bickington, Devon. This old village telephone exchange has planning permission to be a two-bed house and goes under the hammer on November 29. It is expected to fetch up to £100,000. All utilities are ready connected and £30,000 should convert it comfortably. It has an open-plan living area that looks on to a garden, with the sea and moors just 20-minutes away. The new telephone exchange is an unwanted neighbour.
Seddons, 01769 572121 Photograph: Seddons/Seddons

Take three: homes with quirky historical names. Guy Fawkes House in Dunchurch, Warwickshire, has six bedrooms, three bathrooms and costs £800,000. It is thought to have sheltered Guido and his fellow conspirators as they awaited the outcome of their gunpowder plot. Maybe they skulked in one of the reception rooms, the breakfast room, or one of three barns, which are now kitted out with a gym, kitchen and shower. Shame about the busy main road outside.
Knight Frank, 01789 297735 Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank

Take three: homes with quirky historical names. So grateful was a previous owner to survive the trenches of the first world war that he committed himself to a life of prayer, renamed this early 17th-century house Magnus Deo (Great God) and built a chapel in the grounds. Situated in Lingfield, Surrey, and on the market for £699,500, it has six bedrooms, two receptions, a study, two bathrooms and a games room. But it is in need of cosmetic refreshment.
Howard Cundey, 01342 833333 Photograph: Howard Cundey/Howard Cundey

Take three: homes with quirky historical names. Who wouldn't love a home with a beer dispenser? Patrons used to post coins through a slot in the door of this former beer house in Twickenham in return for a flagon. Sadly, this alarmed local magistrates and they forced Uncle Tom’s Cabin to close around a century ago. Today, you get an open-plan living area, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms, bathroom and loft room, all close to the green. Cost: £549,950.
Townends, 020 8891 6371 Photograph: Townends/Townends