Snooping around: Rural, urban and renovation

In town: Cornwall. This is Georgian graciousness in historic Helston town centre. For £485,000 you get ornate arched windows and fireplaces, cornicing and alcoves, which glorify large wood-floored rooms. There are four bedrooms, with room for a fifth in the vast attic. It’s just a shame, or not depending on your preference, that folk dancers cavort through the house once a year as part of the ancient Furry Dance.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01872 261160
Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

In the country: Hampshire. The antique allure of this two-bedder in New Milton, near Lymington, has been updated with a new thatch, a Shaker kitchen and a garage. Out front is a 70ft garden. The New Forest and the sea are close by. Yours for £409,950.
Winkworth, 01425 270055 Photograph: Winkworth

Wreck of the week: London. This two-bed terrace in Bromley, south London, is yours for £230,000. It needs gutting: £20,000-plus should make an impact. Both bedrooms are generous doubles, and the garden is 70ft. But it is on a busy road.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, 020 8460 6066 Photograph: Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

First-time buyer: Exeter. For many first-time buyers the idea of owning a house, rather than a flat, is nothing more than a pipe-dream. This house in St Loyes not only ticks that box but is semi-detached, in a quiet cul-de-sac location and is priced, at £129,950, well below the national average. A bit dull from the outside, once you get through the front door it is well presented with two-bedrooms, living room and kitchen, and front and rear gardens.
Force and Sons, 01392 205040 Photograph: Force and Sons

Dream home: East Sussex. Got a cool £3m to spare? That’s effectively what you’ll need for this Brighton beauty, priced at £2,950,000. With six bedrooms and six bathrooms you won’t be short of space for guests. And with the added appeal of an indoor pool, you’ll probably find friends you never knew you had.
Knight Frank Country, 020 7629 8171 Photograph: Knight Frank Country