Snooping around – in pictures

In town: Cornwall. There are views of Falmouth harbour from this 17th-century house, and an enormity of elegant space within its five bedrooms, four receptions and large gardens. But the decor is not not for the faint hearted: some of the wall colours are startling. On the market for £695,000.
Chesterton Humberts
Photograph: Chesterton Humberts

In the country: Scottish Borders. In a forest near Newcastleton, with a diving board over its pond, this former outdoor centre is now a £135,000 two-bed cottage with attic potential. But it’s remote – services are down miles of rough track – and you must master a generator for electricity.
H&H King
Photograph: H&H King

Wreck of the week: Cumbria. Hayton, near Aspatria, is the setting for this £99,950 two- to three-bed detached cottage. The decor might have looked spruce 40 years ago but it will take about £50,000 for a modern refitting. It backs closely on to a farm with its garden all to the front, and the garage and side lawn are not for sale. But it’s in a popular village with good road connections near the coast and the Lake District.
H&H King
Photograph: H&H King

Dream home: London. Toddlers might not be welcome in this immaculate five-bed house in Putney, where everything is shiny and new – from the Victorian-style hallway tiles to the shower room on the top floor. The layout may not be to everyone’s taste – the living room and kitchen are on a lower ground floor, while the roof terrace comes off the master bedroom – but a lighting system that can be controlled while you are away from home, a sauna and an integrated media system more than make up for it. Cost: on the market for £2m.
Douglas & Gordon, 020 8788 3000
Photograph: Douglas & Gordon