Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

In town: Chester. This is sleek, chic, massive and within the old city walls. Three of the six voluminous bedrooms have en suites and the entire family could live spaciously in the kitchen. It's a shame there's not a vestige of garden. Cost: £450,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01244 328361 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

In the country: Somerset. Once part of Cucklington's village inn, the four bedrooms and two receptions of this £350,000 end-of-terrace remain hospitably proportioned, with open-plan dining downstairs. The garden backs on to the rolling glories of Blackmore Vale, but you may need to redecorate the glazed utility room – it is ageing gracelessly.
Chesterton Humberts, 01935 812323 Photograph: Chesterton Humberts/Chesterton Humberts

Wreck of the week: Oxford. This three-bed end-of-terrace is tired of life – £50,000 would refresh its inner workings, but won't change the fact the rooms are petite and the bathroom is off the kitchen. The 100ft garden should absorb any expansions, however. You can freewheel the mile or so down the hill to the city centre. Yours for £300,000.
Scott Fraser, 01865 759500 Photograph: Scott Fraser/Scott Fraser

Dream home: Kent. Aesthetic perfection inside and out. Beyond the veil of wisteria lies graceful domesticity – two receptions, a playroom, a conservatory, a study and four bedrooms. Relatives could be lodged unobtrusively on the top floor where the study/sitting room and a bathroom lead off the eaves bedroom. A brick gazebo sits in the third-of-an-acre of garden. The fetching village of Boughton Monchelsea is a walk away. Cost: £595,000.
Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01580 720000 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff/Jackson-Stops & Staff

Over the sea: America. From the outdoor hot tub you can absorb the mountains that ring Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, and many of the living areas in this three-bedder glimpse the water. Inside is a drama of vaulted ceilings, pine beams and panelling, while outside there is more than half-an-acre of garden close to the shore. The town of South Lake Tahoe is a walk away (except Americans don't walk). A £220,000 price reduction mean these glories are yours for £375,500.
Chase International, 020 7467 5330 Photograph: Chase International/Chase International