Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

Wreck of the Week: Dormston, near Worcester. This seven-room cottage is structurally unsound and would take £300,000 to more or less rebuild it. But it’s a grade II-listed building, which prevents you doing the obvious – demolishing and starting again. Nevertheless it has nearly an acre of land, an overgrown lake in front and period features inside so is worth the effort for those with time and energy.
On the market for £250,000 through R.A. Bennett & Partners (01386 765200).
Photograph: R.A. Bennett & Partners

In town: Heriot Row, Edinburgh. Take advantage of wonderful shopping and of the annual Edinburgh Festival. Heriot Row is one of the most exclusive streets in the heart of the city hence the price, which may seem steep for a garden (aka basement) flat. The flat comes with three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen diner, reception room and a private back garden – and access to the gorgeous Queen Street Gardens for an annual fee of about £100.
Offers over £650,000 to C.K.D Galbraith (0131 240 6968). Photograph: C.K.D Galbraith

In town: Beckenham, London. Another town house but if this is city living, it is not as you know it. Charing Cross is seven miles away and this house is close to the high street and station, but Beckenham is more small town in Kent than ultra-cool urban. The garden is 55ft, but it’s a shame that the second bedroom is wee.
On the market for £305,000, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward (020-8650 8268). Photograph: Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

In the country: Kilfinnan, near Tighnabruaich, Argyll. This home is for those who prefer the countryside to town – the property is 25 miles from the nearest urban area. It is spacious and idyllically set in nearly a third of an acre and is just a short walk from a loch. Two bathrooms serve the four bedrooms, and it is all newly renovated.
On the market for £295,000, Strutt & Parker (0141-225 3880). Photograph: Strutt & Parker

Dream home - Marbella, Spain. If all those homes are too tame, buy this outrageous bit of bling and you get your very own Picasso thrown in. The house, sited by the sea, was originally owned by Spain’s most famous dancer and Hollywood actor Antonio. Picasso was his lifelong friend and painted an abstract on the tiles of his outside swimming pool. A true water colour you could say. The house was rebuilt 15 years ago with no expense spared, and includes vast areas for entertaining, two guest or staff cottages, a second pool indoors and five ensuite bathrooms in the main villa.
Yours for €17m though Savills (020 70163740). Photograph: Savills