DEVON: flat in a converted almshouse
Exeter: part of a 15th-century building with a communal courtyard in the heart of the city
WHAT YOU GET: Three bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, cloakroom and communal courtyard and garden.
WHERE IT IS: Close to restaurants and pubs in the city centre, and within a conservation area. Within walking distance of both St Thomas and Central railway stations; trains to London take about three hours.
UPSIDE: It is near the business and nightlife areas of the city, making it ideal for young business types to use as a pied-à-terre.
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DOWNSIDE: The bathroom has only a shower, so there’s no chance of a long soak.
COST: £249,950
CONTACT: Drew Pearce, 01392 201748, www.drewpearce.co.uk
SCOTLAND: second home in monastery
Loch Ness: one-bedroom apartment in a leisure development set in more than 20 acres
WHAT YOU GET: One bedroom, one reception room and one bathroom. Plus the use of the clubhouse, spa, pool and tennis courts.
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WHERE IT IS: The Highland Club is near Fort Augustus village and local shops. It is a 45-minute drive to Inverness, where there are direct flights to several UK airports.
UPSIDE: You’ll never be bored: outdoor pursuits include golf, walking, shooting, tennis, fishing . . . you name it, the club’s got it.
DOWNSIDE: Beware of the Nessie hunters — among them officials in Mrs Thatcher’s Government, according to declassified documents.
COST: From £170,000
CONTACT: Knight Frank, 01320 366498, www.knightfrank.co.uk
ESSEX: modern mock almshouse
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Great Notley: a two-bedroom property built six years ago in a garden village
WHAT YOU GET: Two bedrooms (both en suite), reception room, large kitchen/family room, garden and double garage.
WHERE IT IS: In Great Notley Garden Village, which is a five-minute drive to Braintree; from there trains to London take an hour. Stansted airport is 16 miles away.
UPSIDE: If you like the horses, a new racecourse is being built near by at Great Leighs, which promises 24-hour racing. It is due to be completed later this year.
DOWNSIDE: If you’re looking for a house with history, you’ll be disappointed: the village was built only ten years ago.
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COST: £245,000
CONTACT: Hamilton Piers, 01376 341141, www.hamiltonpiers.co.uk