Three on view Waterside homes

Ashforde House at Shurton, nine miles from Bridgwater in Somerset, is reached by driving through a ford, three times. Visitors on foot don't have to wear wellies: there is a stone pedestrian bridge leading to the gardens. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom converted barn lies between the Bristol Channel and the Quantock hills. The gardens are mainly walled and have the brook running along the bottom. pounds 142,750 through Greenslade Hunt (01278 425555).

Siesta Quay must be the most expensive house on Poole Harbour. The lemon- painted, five-bedroom, five-bathroom, harbour-front house has a hand- painted kitchen with marble floors, four reception rooms, balconies with views to Brownsea Island and electronic security gates. It is being sold fully furnished for pounds 900,000 through Lloyds (01202 708044).

Waterside Cottage, in North Warnborough, Hampshire, lies next to the Basingstoke Canal and so enjoys frequent visits from ducks and swans. The two-bedroom, end-of-terrace cottage, which is situated a mile from the mainline station at Hook, has lawns leading down to the canal bank; the towpath is on the opposite side of the canal. pounds 105,000 through Hill & Morrison (01256 702892).