SIX TO VIEW

Trout of this world

CLEVELEY MERE

Forton

Nr Lancaster

Price: 1.5m

Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Tel: 01625 540 340

They say: Estate with four-bedroom Huf Haus on the edge of a 23- acre trout lake, set in a 34-acre private nature reserve with views of the neighbouring fells, as well as two holiday cottages that offer a total of five further bedrooms and provide a useful income.

We say: If you want to escape the rat race and were wondering how exactly to afford it, this is an established business that also allows you to live in some style. In addition to the cottages, there is extra income from letting out rods on a daily or yearly basis, to both corporate and private clients.

Manor from heaven

THE MANOR HOUSE

Garboldisham, Norfolk

Price: 765,000

Agent: Jackson-Stops & Staff

Tel: 01284 700 535

They say: Designed by George Gilbert Scott Jr, this four-bedroom property is all that remains of the 20-bedroom mansion, most of which was destroyed after the Second World War. Now it's an elegant house set in four acres of landscaped gardens, with a basement, two reception rooms, sun room and conservatory.

We say: It's spacious and private, thanks to all those trees . Transport links are improving, but the 1hr 40mins to London is reflected in the price.

Hot house

CANONBURY VILLAS

Islington

London N1

Price: 1.25m

Agent: Currell

Tel: 020-7223 4200

They say: Converted from a former boiler house that used to supply a school, this unique property is a contemporary urban haven, with two bedrooms, touch-sensitive lighting andintegral radio/CD in every room.

We say: The upstairs living space is huge as the bedrooms are downstairs. There is parking for two cars behind electronic gates, which makes it feel secure; you could even use the parking space as an outdoor seating area, although there is also a deck.

Up the garden path

BRIAR COTTAGE

Eastington

Nr Northleach

Gloucestershire

Price: 850,000

Agent: Knight Frank

Tel: 01285 659 771

They say: Exceptional Grade II-listed four-bedroom detached Cotswold stone cottage with spacious rooms and secluded garden in a peaceful village.

We say: Ticks all the country-cottage requirements without looking too much like a chocolate-box. It's rather long and narrow, like a train carriage, which isn't ideal, but the gardens are lovely and it feels very homely.

Fit for a queen

Balmoral Quay

Penarth Glamorgan

Price: 550,000

Agent: Savills

Tel: 029-2036 8930

They say: This unique conversion, situated on the seafront, features a superb leisure suite, three bedrooms and two parking spaces.

We say: There's a gym and a spa with sauna and steam room. The interior is beautifully done, with curved beams echoing the window lines. Two of the bedrooms are rather narrow, but that's unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Brilliantly bijou

JOUBERT MANSIONS

Chelsea

London SW3

Price: 695,000

Agent: John D Wood & Co

Tel: 020-7352 1484

They say: Beautifully presented one-bedroom flat on the lower ground floor of this small, well-managed block. Close to the King's Road, it has an attractive reception room with a deep bay window.

We say: A small flat for a lot of money. But it's all about location - proving that there's no such thing as a credit crunch in Chelsea. Downsides include the lack of outside space and the difficulty of adding any more value.

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