Snooping around – in pictures

In town: Worcestershire. The square tower and two gargoyles peering down from the facade justify its nickname as the Castle. This five-bedder is a piece of late Victorian bombast in Crabbs Cross near Redditch. The study is at the top of the tower with views over two counties from three sides. Arched windows, part-panelled walls, fireplaces and ceiling beams spice up the principal rooms. Outside, there is a large stretch of lawn thickly screened by trees and an integral garage slotted in beneath the guest room balcony. Cost: £425,000.
Allan Morris, 01527 919819 Photograph: Allan Morris

In the country: Hampshire. This is a pretty, recently refurbished thatched cottage in Penton Mewsey with some original fireplaces and exposed beams. On the market for £355,000, it has three bedrooms – one with en suite shower – but overall is a bit small. It’s a shame the main bathroom leads off the reception on the ground floor.
Smiths Gore, 01264 774900
Photograph: Smiths Gore

Wreck of the week: North Yorkshire. Look to spend up to £150,000 doing up this Grade II-listed farmhouse with planning permission to convert into a three-bed home. It has no gas, electrics or water, and you will need to install a package treatment plant for sewage. Set in Lofthouse, near Harrogate, it has spectacular countryside views, but could be considered a little isolated. The garden is small. Yours for £225,000.
Dacre, Son & Hartley, 01423 711010
Photograph: Dacre, Son & Hartley

Dream home: Shropshire. This £385,000 two-bed cottage is almost cheesy in its allure, and its neighbours in the village of Bucknell are similarly fetching. Within are all the beams and inglenooks requird for a rustic fantasy, and beyond is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the handsome gastro town of Ludlow. There are also large, lushly landscaped gardens and planning permission to create a third bedroom.
Knight Frank, 01432 273087 Photograph: Knight Frank

Overseas home: Italy. If you fancy the glorious views and history of Tuscany without the histrionics of trying to refurbish a property yourself, an apartment on the Toscana Resort Castelfalfi might be just what you need. The development, sited in 1,100 hectares between Pisa, Siena and Florence, features 41 restored apartments, a boutique hotel, two restaurants, a cafe and range of shops. Also on offer are unrestored traditional farmhouses and new-build villas scattered throughout the estate. Cost: €230,000-€805,000.
Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171
Photograph: Knight Frank