Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the week: Warwickshire. This 18th-century two-bed cottage in Burmington is weary. About £50,000 should refresh the fixtures and fittings, and you may want to rejig the first floor to achieve a third bedroom. Surrounded by the charms of the Cotswolds, you can relax in front of the wood-burning stove in the dual-aspect sitting room. The kitchen has space for a table, and outside is a big garden. The front door opens on to the lane outside. Cost: £180,000.
Strutt & Parker, 01608 650502
Photograph: Strutt & Parker

In the country: Devon. There’s an open fire in the living room of this £249,950 two-bedder near Axminster. Benefiting from an additional detached garden room, it has ceiling beams and oak flooring in the lounge, a window seat in one of the bedrooms and an Aga in the kitchen. Beyond is the winsome village of Musbury, just a few miles from the coast. The garden is but a courtyard.
Fulfords, 01297 24224
Photograph: Fulfords

In town: Hertfordshire. This grade II-listed semi in Cheshunt benefits from an 85ft garden with brick outbuilding. Inside it still has many of its Victorian graces – high ceilings, decorative coving and fireplaces in two of the four bedrooms. There’s also a conservatory. Family dining might be a squeeze in the kitchen. Cost: £465,000
Hetheringtons, 01992 440000
Photograph: Hetheringtons

Bargain of the week: County Durham. The only small thing about this end of terrace is the price: £179,950 gets you five bedrooms, three receptions, a decent back garden and outbuildings in the centre of Barnard Castle. The catch? Weary decor and one normal bathroom, although the residents of the eaves bedroom have the unusual intimacy of a double whirlpool tub, shower and toilet sitting open plan near the bed. Downstairs, two fireplaces, a wood-burning stove, built-in china cabinets and beams and vaulting add flavour.
George F. White, 01833 690390
Photograph: George F. White

Over the sea: Egypt. Strung along the Red Sea coast are 117 domed villas and 300 apartments awaiting warm weather seekers. Temperatures here remain balmy enough for year-round swimming at the surrounding sandy beaches. Marsa Alam, until recently a fishing village, is swelling into a resort to rival Sharm el Sheikh with its own international airport, while its remoteness, tropical lushness and coral-ridged sea should guarantee healthy rental income. A marina and golf course are added seductions. From £40,000 for a one-bed flat.
Planet House, 00 44 1275 390421
Photograph: Planet House