Trading up, trading down

Trading up: Wiltshire. A veritable tardis, this. The front it presents to the town of Mere is humble – it used to be the grocer. Behind, though, unfold two large sitting rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a study, five bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms. It's all light, bright period elegance with neutral colours, beamed ceilings and a scattering of vintage fireplaces. The lawned garden is walled and there is parking at the back. Yours for £415,000.
Chesterton Humberts, 01747 853492
Photograph: Chesterton Humberts

Trading up: Flintshire. This four-bedder once housed the local vicar, but its Regency splendour can now be enjoyed by the ungodly provided they have £625,000 to fund it. With it comes 1.5 acres 12 miles from Chester and views over its near neighbour, the village church of Northop. Accommodation is stately –three reception rooms, a loft and spreading cellars – but it could do with some grooming. The old stables and an orchard survive near the walled garden.
Jackson, Stops & Staff, 01244 328361
Photograph: Jackson, Stops & Staff

Trading down: Dorset. You can’t sleep in this one, not that you’d want to. The nearest tap is a windy walk away at the public lavs. The idea here is that you sink some of your equity into a glorious perch for the family deckchairs. The hut stands on dunes near the end of Mudeford Spit, a ferry ride from Mudeford Quay or the Tuckton tea gardens. Summer will zap idyllically by with views over sand and sea. There’s a shop and restaurant on the spit and shops on the quay. Cost: £40,000.
Denisons, 01202 484748
Photograph: Denisons