Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: Littlehampton, West Sussex. This £375,000, four-bed semi has been in the same family since 1942, and in terms of decor and condition has not yet entered this millennium. As such it does retain many of the original features, but its grand rooms need completely updating. It is situated in East Preston, which still has the feel of a fishing village. There's no parking.
Jane Musgrave, 01903 859440 Photograph: Jane Musgrave/Jane Musgrave

In the country: Latheron, near Dunbeath, Caithness. This 18th-century laird's house is built of stone with a slate roof. Recent renovations have bequeathed two reception rooms, six pristine bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms, and you could continue its rebirth in the stone stables and coach house in the grounds. There are views from most windows over the fields to the sea. It's also remote – 17 miles to the nearest secondary school. Offers over £295,000.
Knight Frank, 0131 222 9600 Photograph: Knight Frank/Knight Frank

In town: Carthew Road, London W6. You have your own street entrance into this £499,950 three-bed maisonette. Inside is a designer kitchen and two chrome-trimmed bath/shower rooms, a spacious reception, and solid smoked oak wood flooring. Beyond is the expensive prettiness of Brackenbury Village. Stray out of this, however, and the idyll abruptly ends.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 020 7727 5111 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Bargain of the week: Argyll. The advantage for the thrifty is that this £230,000 manse is on the Scottish Isle of Bute. On the mainland you'd have to find another £40,000. Escape is easy, though – the 35 minute ferry from Rothesay connects with direct trains to Glasgow (55 mins). But why bother when you are perched so exquisitely on the shore with views over Loch Riddon? There are three receptions, a study, a conservatory, five beds and generous gardens.
Strutt and Parker, 0141 225 3880 Photograph: Strutt and Parker/Strutt and Parker

Over the sea: Mallorca. Behind you rear mountainous crags, in front the sea laps the private beach metres from your door. For €245,000 (£228,000) you get a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in this pastel coloured development in Betlem. From your terrace you look over communal gardens to the sea, you cook in an American-style kitchen, a fireplace will temper the winter blues, and you share an outdoor and indoor pool, barbecue and sauna with your neighbours.
MJC Associates, 00 34 971 577 99 57 Photograph: MJC Associates/MJC Associates