Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

In town: Stanwix, Carlisle. This is Georgian grandeur in an urban village, just a short trot across the river to the city centre. Several of the six bedrooms and two regal reception rooms have views over a park and water to the city. But it is in need of a cosmetic upgrade. £397,500. Hayward Tod, 01228 810300 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In the country: Hunton, North Yorkshire. For £199,500 you get show home chic with plenty of beams and glorious pastoral views and a pub close by. Both bedrooms are en suites. Outside, however, the back garden is a mere courtyard. George F. White, 01677 425301 Photograph: Action images

Wreck of the week: Castleside, County Durham. This detached two-bed cottage is cosmetically weary – around £20,000 should rejuvenate it. A second-storey extension over the kitchen is feasible. This won't detract from the fact there's only one reception. However, you do get stunning aerial views and a large garden with outbuildings. Yours for £248,500. George F. White, 01388 527966 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Dream home: Cornwall. A few minutes from the idyllic harbour village of Port Isaac is the old vicarage, perched on a cliff with nearly half-an-acre of gardens and views to infinity. From the drawing room and master bedroom you can gaze across the Atlantic as far as Tintagel Head. Inside it is all Victorian graciousness: amply proportioned rooms (five bedrooms, two receptions and a sauna), wood panelling, fireplaces and large sash windows. Yours for £995,000. Waterfront and Country Homes, 01872 273473 Photograph: Waterfront and Country Homes

Over the sea: Italy. Eight homes have been hewn out of these medieval Umbrian monastery buildings, seven miles from Gubbio and half an hour from Perugia. The estate sits in its own 120 acre valley with views to the Appenine Mountains, and residents will share a pool, tennis court and, later, a golf practice course. Inside there are beamed ceilings, terracotta floors and open fires mingling with designer kitchens, bathrooms and mod cons. Each house gets its own garden or terrace, while onsite services will stock the fridge and clean the floors. Prices from £355,000 for three bedrooms. Ultissimo, 020 3178 4975 Photograph: Ultissimo