Snooping around: Rural, urban and renovation

In town: Manchester. Smithfield Buildings sits in the northern quarter, and this two-bed duplex is yours for £400,000. It has exposed brick and timber, and doors that open from the living area on to a covered balcony. It’s a shame you have to negotiate paid-for parking in the NCP car park over a footbridge.
Reeds Rains, 0161 884 0278 Photograph: Reeds Rains

In the country: Dorset. This four-bedder combines period grace with modern space. It’s part of a small 10-year-old development in Buckland Newton, near Sherborne, and has large rooms and a garage and car port across the garden. It’s also attached to a neighbour. Yours for £395,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01305 262123 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Wreck of the week: Shropshire. This is a three-bed farmhouse with adjoining cottage in Richards Castle, near Ludlow, for £325,000. About £150,000 would renew it; demolition might be more practical. It has filmic views to the Clee Hills with potential for expansion. It is very close to a neighbour.
Strutt & Parker, 01584 873711 Photograph: Strutt & Parker

Bargain of the week: Northumberland. If you make your move before the end of May you can have this 200-year-old farmhouse in the hamlet of Warenton, near Belford, for £595,000 instead of £725,000 – the owners need a quick sale. The in-laws can be installed in the large and stylish two-bed estate cottage, or else you could continue its lucrative career as a holiday let. Since there is access from the main house, there’s also the option to absorb it fully into family life. Five acres of land with stables are also yours, and there are views to Lindisfarne and the coast.
George F White, 01665 603581 Photograph: George F White

Dream home: Perthshire. This two-bed cottage may not be everyone’s idea of dreamy, but just think: you’re in the glorious heart of Scotland (within spitting distance of Aberfeldy); you have peace, stunning views and a sheltered porch from which to appreciate them; and a neat, well-presented home developed in 1997 from the original buildings of an 18th-century farm. The rooms are not so large you are going to bankrupt yourself with the electric heating. Cost: £200,000.
CKD Galbraith, 01887 829446 Photograph: CKD Galbraith

Overseas home: Portugal. Enjoy life far from the madding crowd of the Portuguese coast with this secluded three-bed, three bathroom farmhouse near Odemira. Set in 11 acres it is newly renovated and offers stunning views in all directions – you certainly won’t be fighting for space around the pool. It sits on the edge of the village of Amoreira Gare, which has two restaurants selling traditional Portuguese food, two convenience stores, a hairdresser and a hardware store. Yours for €425,000.
Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171 Photograph: Knight Frank