It came onto the market at £375,000 and is worth around £325,000 but because the owners are anxious to secure another property it’s available for offers around £299,950. This, by Guildford standards is a bargain for it’s a two-bedroom flat spread across the top floor of this Victorian house with wide views in all directions and a share of communal gardens. The master bedroom is the size of a small ballroom, there’s space for a dining table in the kitchen and a hospitably proportioned living room. The mainline station with services to London is under a mile away.
Townends.co.uk 01483 300700
Photograph: Townends
This 1960s’ bungalow was designed by architect Gerry Jones for himself, and the kitchen and central heating echo the era of its birth, although £20,000 would tweak it into shape. Floor-to-ceiling windows give views to the Forest of Dean but the kitchen is small
On the market for £385,000 through The Modern House, 08456 344068
Photograph: The Modern House
This two bedroom 17th-century cottage near the Althorpe estate boasts wattle and daub beneath thatch, a conservatory and generous garden. But, unfortunately, you must pass through the lounge to reach the dining room and stairs.
On the market for a reduced price of £275,000 through Jackson-Stops & Staff, 01604 632991
Photograph: Jackson-Stops & Staff
For the price of a London apartment you could waft into a Scottish baronial fantasy on the shores of a loch on Lochawe, Argyll. Given the size of the place – 17 bedrooms and a similar tally of bathrooms including a self contained apartment and separate wing – you could bring numbers of your favourite friends and family to dwell with you which means the extreme remoteness will weigh less heavily.
The chief glory is the location: four rugged acres with views to the famous Kilchurn castle ruins and the mountains. Recent renovations have respected the dark panelled walls, beamed ceilings and huge fireplaces. If you demolished the 1960s’ west wing containing half the bedrooms it would be of a more manageable size. £695,000
www.savills.co.uk 0141 222 5875
Photograph: Savills
This charming stone-built 15th century villa sits in an elevated and secluded position on the island of Lopud, and benefits from fabulous sea views from the upper level. The villa has been split into three apartments for holiday rental purposes, but it could easily be reverted into a private residence again, according to the estate agents, Savills. Lopud is part of the Elafiti islands, most of which are very small and uninhabited. It has about 220 inhabitants, gorgeous beaches and – best of all – no cars.
On the market for £483,300 with Savills (+44 (0) 20 7016 3740)
Photograph: Savills
