Snooping around: Rural, urban and renovation

In town: Bristol. At dusk, lights from boats twinkle on the water below the balcony of this £275,000 block of apartments in Harbourside, yet city life is but a stroll away. These are large, stylish two- and three-bed flats with parking. It’s just a shame the annual service charge is up to £2,000 for a two-bed.
Savills, 01179 100354 Photograph: Savills

In the country: Dorset. This large space, which carries four beds, three receptions, a study, a well-fitted kitchen and two bathrooms, has three centuries of detail and is yours for £475,000. Outside is a double garage and parking, while the back gardens meld into open country near Dewlish. Separate staircases lead to each pair of bedrooms.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01305 262123 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Wreck of the week: County Durham. This two-bed gatehouse in Satley has planning permission to extend, although the grade II-listing might cramp your style. About £15,000 should tidy it up; but £80,000 extra would sort the bedroom, en suite and kitchen extension. And that’s on top of the £155,000 asking price. It overlooks the park of Broomshields Hall and has its own large, part-wooded grounds. Inglenooks ornament two rooms. The garage is across the road.
George F White, 01388 527966 Photograph: George F White