Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

In town: Lanark, Lanarkshire. Although it is near the town centre, this four-bedder has gardens of rural proportions. It retains much of its original Georgian splendour and is accessed via a pillared and gated entrance. Inside there is also an attic/playround, a lounge, dining room, sitting room and breakfast/kitchen. It’s a shame it’s on the busy A73 into town. Cost: £450,000. Anderson Strathern, 0131 270 7777 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

In the country: Broad Marston, Warwickshire. This 500-year-old detached cottage near Stratford-upon-Avon is yours for £350,000. Dwarfed by its huge and lusciously planted garden, it is grade II-listed and offers two bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, a utility room and a sitting room with inglenook fireplace. Hayman-Joyce, 01386 858510 Photograph: Hayman-Joyce

Wreck of the week: Darlington, North Yorkshire. Despite apocalyptic appearances this is the walled gardens, plus orangery and outbuildings, that once belonged to Walworth Castle. Part of the building has already been converted into a three-bed house. Anything from £75,000 upwards should see the rest made habitable. The result will be spectacular if not secluded: the neighbouring castle is now a hotel. Yours for £425,000. George F. White, 01388 527966 Photograph: George F. White

Bargain of the week: Southwell, Nottinghamshire. If you incline towards herbaceous borders or like to dwell intimately with your Porsche, this listed house isn't for you. But if you're happy to leave the car on the road and don't care for gardening, you will rejoice in the unusual quantities of space in the middle of town. There are three large receptions, four double bedrooms, a cellar and attics, all elegantly presented with period features. Were there a garden and a bit of hard standing you'd pay up to £100,000 more than the £395,000 asking price. Chesterton Humberts, 01636 701401 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Dream home: Devon. Visual glory abounds wherever you turn inside this £450,000 16th-century cob and thatch cottage, beyond which lies the ancient village of Stokeinteignhead. Later extensions have swelled the living space to three receptions, a farm house-sized kitchen, a study and four bedrooms, most prettily garnished with beams. Woodburners reside in inglenooks in the two sitting rooms. Half an acre of lush valley views come with it. Knight Frank, 01392 423111 Photograph: guardian.co.uk