Six to View

Old meets new

GROVE COTTAGE, Penshurst, Kent
Price: £1.5m
Agent: Chesterton
Tel: 01732 741212

They say: Part 14th-century medieval hall, part-modern renovation, this combines reclaimed bricks and timbers with every modern convenience, including underfloor heating and en-suite bathrooms. It is set in four acres with views over the river.

We say: With its five bedrooms and three reception rooms, this house has the space and charm to appeal to the modern family. You need to like that beamed look, though. Outside it has river frontage, is in an area of outstanding natural beauty – and there is a regular train service to London.

Cotswolds classic

THE WOOL-GATHERERS, Coxwell Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Price: £1.45m
Agent: Humberts
Tel: 01285 650955

They say: One of the principal houses of Cirencester, this 17th-century wool-merchant's house has a secluded walled garden in the heart of the oldest part of the town. There are three fine reception rooms, a kitchen with an Aga, as well as a playroom and five bedrooms with five bathrooms.

We say: A wonderful property, although the stonework does need some restoration, and a bit of a bathroom and kitchen refurb. Still, it also comes with a four-bedroom flat with its own entrance – and the rental on that should help. Incidentally, it was lived in by the stepmother of Joan Hunter Dunn, with whom Betjeman sat in the car park till 20 to one.

Buy Georgian

IVY COTTAGE, Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire
Price: £695,000
Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff
Tel: 01525 290641

They say: Semi-detached, five-bedroom Georgian house arranged over three floors. The kitchen has been extended into the coach house and a secluded courtyard is ideal for outdoor dining, while traditional gardens lie to the front and rear.

We say: The huge kitchen and three further reception rooms make this a great family house. Two of the bedrooms are in the eaves, but would make ideal spare and/or study rooms – there is a massive store room on the floor below and plenty of space for a downstairs playroom. Well-presented – if rather peachy in the drawing room.

Pull up a pew

NOTTING HILL LOFTS, Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11
Price: £3.5m
Agent: Winkworth
Tel: 020-7727 3227

They say: The ultimate pad in Notting Hill's most sought-after and prestigious development. Created within a former church, this exciting space has a large open-plan living area opening on to a terrace, above which is a mezzanine cinema area. There are also two bedrooms with en suites and the apartment comes with two secure parking spaces.

We say: City boys, flex those bonuses. This is fully wired for sound, has lutron lighting and walnut flooring throughout, not forgetting a wall of fish tanks dividing two of the rooms. It's been reduced by £150,000, so is practically a bargain – and in this buyer's market, there might be room for an even cheekier offer.

Spa very much

YORK APARTMENT, Charlwall Tower, Otley Road, Harrogate
Price: £395,000
Agent: Carter Jonas
Tel: 01423 523423

They say: Immaculately presented, first-floor luxury apartment in an impressive Victorian building. The reception hall is part-panelled and the sitting room has a feature fireplace and double doors leading to a terrace. There are two bedrooms as well as an allocated parking space.

We say: House prices have rocketed in Harrogate over the past few years, so while this might seem pricey, it's actually a very grand and spacious flat given its proximity to the town centre.

The sky's the limit

1 WEST INDIA QUAY, London E14
Price: £950,000
Agent: Chesterton
Tel: 020-7510 8300

They say: A 1,500 sq ft, 21st-floor two-bedroom apartment in this landmark development, which has solid wooden floors throughout, an open-plan kitchen/reception, two bedrooms with en suites and splendid views over Canary Wharf.

We say: It's possible that this building looks more exciting from the outside than the inside, where it's all glass bricks and neutral decor. You might have to work quite hard to stamp a personality on this – but then again, it depends if you're buying a home or a crash pad.