Snooping around

Property of the week: Clifton, Bristol. In the 1830s, this building was earmarked to become one of the grandest cathedrals in Britain, but the project was shelved. Much later a roof was added and it became a Roman Catholic cathedral, before being used as a school in the 1970s. Its latest incarnation is as a series of smart apartments, 38 in fact, which feature designer appliances and ornamental gardens. From £180,000- £575,000.
Savills, 0117 910 0305. Photograph: Savills/Savills

Wreck of the week: Culmington, near Ludlow, Shropshire. This four-bedroom cottage is structurally sound but desperately needs a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring and paintwork. All in all, a buyer would have to spend an extra £15,000 to bring the property up to scratch. There’s plenty of space outside to create a garden room and the charming town of Ludlow is a mere five miles away. Cost: £200,000.
Lane Fox, 01584 873711. Photograph: Lane Fox/Lane Fox

Take three: homes for £400,000. Space is not an issue in this five-bedroom home in Ropsley, Lincolnshire, which also features a conservatory, utility room, storeroom, playroom, two bathrooms and a garage. The living room, meanwhile, has an impressive, vaulted ceiling, open fireplace and resident gargoyle. The house comes with a third of an acre of land - perfect for families who enjoy plenty of outdoor space. Cost: £400,000.
Humberts, 01476 514514. Photograph: Humberts/Humberts

Take three: homes for £400,000. This penthouse in West Bute Street, Cardiff Bay, is perched close to the quayside with views of the hills. The floors are oak veneer, the finishings chrome-plated, and there are hi-fis built into the walls. A remote-controlled gas fire in the living room completes the ultra-modern look. There are three bedrooms and bathrooms and it’s just a mile to the city centre. Expect to pay in excess of £400,000.
Knight Frank, 029-2044 0136 Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank

Take three: homes for £400,000. This recently renovated cottage in Holcombe, Devon, certainly isn’t short on charm. A mere 450-years old, it has ornate panelling, stone hearths, window seats and beams that embellish the large living rooms. The garden is generous, and it’s a short walk to the beach. For £400,000, you also get two reception rooms, four bedrooms, a cloakroom, two bathrooms and a garage.
Rendells, 01626 353881. Photograph: Rendells/Rendells