Property: Three To View

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

JUST THREE miles from Birmingham University, this pounds 159,950, distinctive Grade II listed semi-detached, three-bed cottage might suit the gravitas of a lecturer. It stands on the Quaker-built, publess Bournville Village Trust estate. From its crow-stepped gables to the white-painted windows, nothing can be altered without the trust's say-so. It has a 27ft sitting room, with French doors to the back garden, breakfast room, fitted kitchen and a covered veranda. Call GA on 0121-476 5211.

THREE-BEDROOMED Orchard Cottage, at Beenham Hill, is about eight miles from Reading University and near the M4 (junc 12). Quaintly old and thatched outside, it is more modern within. The 24ft drawing-room has an old inglenook fireplace and wooden beams, but new paint finishes. The dining room has a Chinese slate floor; the kitchen a fitted Neff oven and hob. Outside are a terrace, floodlit pergola, greenhouse and garage. Guide price is pounds 255,000. Call Burrough & Co on 01635 521606.

THE COTTAGE, with three bedrooms, in Great Wilbraham, is six miles east of Cambridge and the university. This Grade II listed house dates from 1620 and was extended more than 20 years ago. The reed thatch has been re-ridged. It has a 13ft sitting room with exposed stud work to an open-plan study, dining room and garden room, double garage-workshop. Guide price is pounds 200,000. Call Carter Jonas on 01223 368771. Rosalind Russell