Snooping around: Rural, urban or renovation

In the Country: Bildeston, Suffolk. On the market for £395,000, this house has large rooms with beams and brick hearths. It’s a shame that while there are two downstairs shower/wetrooms, there is no bathtub – and that one of the bedrooms is accessed through another. Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01284 700535 Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff

In Town: London SE5. This three-bedroom house with a dining kitchen and a cellar is within walking distance of the City. The double reception room opens to the back garden. There is no chain and it’s yours for £429,950. However, it’s a shame that there is no nearby tube, so you’re reliant on buses. Wooster & Stock, 020-7708 6700 Photograph: Wooster & Stock

Wreck of the Week: Folkingham, Lincolnshire. This massive eight-bed detached house, on the market for £399,950, is more or less derelict – £150,000 would do it many favours. It has nine reception rooms and a paddock and could be divided into three cottages with planning permission. But it’s a long way from any sizeable centre. Winkworth, 01778 392807 Photograph: Winkworth

Over the sea: Lanzarote. If you’ve had enough of volcanos this year, this dramatic hilltop villa in Spain is not for you. On the border of the national preserved area of the Volcanic Mountains, the estate even includes its own volcanic crater with a cave. A path leads to the beach. The villa has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and extensive terraces. On the market for €1,500,000. Cluttons Resorts, (020 5784 3050) Photograph: /Cluttons Resorts

Dream home: Norfolk. Follow in the first footsteps of Lord Nelson, who was born in the village of Burnham Thorpe, just two miles from the Norfolk coast. Holly Cottage has two bedrooms and a beautiful walled garden, mostly laid to lawn. The cottage has been used as a holiday home, and the only slight irritation might be that the bathroom is on the ground floor, rather than with the bedrooms on the first floor. On the market for £279,950. Sowerbys, 01328 730340 Photograph: Sowerbys