Trading up, trading down

Trading up: Essex. The hospitable charms of this four-bedder in Wivenhoe have lured crowds since it was built in the 1600s. In the 18th century it was a pub with its own brewery, warehouse and bowling green; more recently it has hosted the vendor's art exhibitions. Future throngs can be dispersed among three reception rooms, a study and the floriferous front garden. A river runs close by. Cost: £495,000.
Fenn Wright, 01206 763388 Photograph: <a href="http://www.fennwright.co.uk">Fenn Wright</a>

Trading up: County Durham. It's called Little Croft but the name belies this generously sized bungalow in the centre of the picturesque town of Barnard Castle. The £325,000 price tag will secure you four bedrooms, a luxury kitchen-diner and plenty of space for the family. Established gardens and a rolling lawn will give you somewhere to potter.
George F White, 01833 690390 Photograph: <a href="http://www.georgefwhite.co.uk">George F White</a>

Trading down: Norfolk. Reduced circumstances will be elegantly accommodated in this old bakehouse in the village of South Creake, on the market for £225,000. It's daintily sized – two bedrooms, a reception and a kitchen/breakfast room – but smartly spruced with underfloor heating, renewed bathroom, kitchen and windows and a woodburning stove in the living room. The ground floor is tiled with stone and french doors merge the living room with the courtyard garden.
Belton Duffey, 01328 710666 Photograph: <a href="http://www.beltonduffey.com">Belton Duffey</a>

Trading down: Yorkshire. The glorious rear courtyard has won the local best-kept garden competition for the last two years and the interior merits similar accolodes. It's a beautifully restored two-bedroom cottage near the centre of the market town of Helmsley. The ceilings are beamed, the floors stripped pine, the windows cottagey casements and there are glamorous extras such as a conservatory a large en suite dressing room and an extra shower room. The North Yorkshire moors surround you. Yours for £258,000.
Illingworth Wood, 01751 431107 Photograph: <a href="http://www.illingworth-wood.co.uk">Illingworth Wood</a>

Bargain of the week: Lancashire. This three bedroom semi in Knuzden came on the market at £139,500 but because the vendor is impatient to emigrate you can now have it for £99,950. For that you get two generous reception rooms, one opening onto a large back garden, a garage off your own driveway, a stylish kitchen and wood laminate flooring throughout the ground floor.
buy-the-house, 01254 236000 Photograph: <a href="http://www.buy-the-house.co.uk">buy-the-house</a>