Snooping around

Property of the week: Kingston Hill Place, Surrey. This mansion is reputedly where actress Lillie Langtry entertained Edward VII. It has long since been divided, but the curving reception room retains a stately air and there are seven acres of landscaped gardens. Residents share a swimming pool, sauna and gym. It's a shame there’s only one bedroom. £425,000 plus £4,000pa service charge.
Winkworth, 020 8946 2930 Photograph: Winkworth/PR

Wreck of the week: Beesands, Devon. This two-bed cottage is exhausted. The wiring needs overhauling, the kitchen and bathroom replaced, and the decor upgrading. Reckon on £20,000. But it is opposite the beach, has sea views and you could fit an extra bedroom in the loft. However, the kitchen is a mere sliver and the second bedroom is less than 6ft wide. You also have to compete with the tourists for parking. Cost: £285,000.
Marchand Petit, 01548 857 588 Photograph: Marchand Petit/PR

Take three: homes under £200,000. This converted chapel with beamed ceilings, wooden floors and a spiral staircase is in Collingham, Nottinghamshire. The grand 20ft kitchen houses handmade pine units with granite worktops, and a cooking range tucked into the chimney recess. There are also lofty views over the countryside, but the garden out front is a mere strip. Cost: £194,950.
Humberts, 01636 701 401 Photograph: Humberts/PR

Take three: homes under £200,000. This four bedroom house is pretty big for the money, and only five minutes from the centre of King's Lynn, Norfolk. Period details abound and there are original floorboards throughout. There's no parking though, and it's on a busy main road. Cost: £199,950.
Belton Duffey, 01553 770055 Photograph: Belton Duffey/PR

Take three: homes under £200,000. For £179,950 you can buy yourself a two-bed flat in the Mazda Building, Sheffield. You get a lot for your money: it's a top-floor duplex in the cathedral quarter, with vast views over the city. Some ceilings are elaborately beamed, the walls are exposed brick, and a spiral staircase delivers you to the bedrooms, one of which is 25ft long. And it's only a stroll into the city centre.
Winkworth, 0114 276 5715 Photograph: Winkworth/PR