Snooping around

Harford Street, London E1 An honourable example of 1950's social conscience. The estate was built as local authority housing with decent views and balconies for all. Wood-laminate floors lend a veneer of chic, although the upwardly mobile might dislike living amid council tenants. Yours for £224,950. Chesterton, 020 7510 8300. Photograph: Chesterton/Chesterton

Stroud, Gloucestershire In the 1960s this three-bedroom house in the Cotswolds was the future. Sliding doors, serene views, and an open-plan interior allow you to contemplate most of your kingdom from your armchair. The Japanese-style courtyard won the Times’ best new garden prize in 2005. The cost? £575,000 to you. The Modern House, 0845 634 4068. Photograph: themodernhouse.net/themodernhouse.net

Wiggaton, near Ottery St Mary, Devon A builder designed this pad for himself in the 1970s. It’s a split-level bungalow with fields on two sides, country views and a glass pitched-roof to the kitchen. Inside, it’s a lot more handsome than it is out, with big, bright, open-plan rooms and film-star bathrooms. It’s now selling for £575,000. Strutt & Parker, 01392 215631. Photograph: Strutt & Parker/Strutt & Parker

Lydney Park, West Bridgford, Nottingham What every right-thinking 1980's family aspired to - his and her cars in the driveway, uPVC windows, coal-effect fire, stripped oak flooring and an en suite in the master bedroom. A snip at £275,000. Royston & Lund, 0115 981 1888. Photograph: Royston & Lund/Royston & Lund

Little Peter Street, Manchester This early example of the 90's warehouse conversion has it all: exposed brick and copper piping, iron columns, cast-iron spiral staircase and wall-to-floor windows. Its three bedrooms and open-plan reception can be yours for £950,000. Knight Frank, 0161 838 7744. Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank