Bright to buy in Sunshine State

4-BEDROOM HOUSE, HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA, pounds 161,080

THE AGENT SAYS: This fourbedroom, two-bathroom house in Florida is in mint condition. It has awnings, hurricane and plantation shutters, a bar and central cooling and heating systems. There is elegant wood flooring, a family room, custom-fitted kitchen and a beautiful tropical backyard.

UPS: A lot of space for the money.

DOWNS: It's difficult to get permanent residency in the US.

Details: Mayfair International Realty, 020 7408 1400.

'THE BOYS SAY: Lights!

Camera! Action! Oops, sorry, wrong Hollywood.

Nope, we're not heading to LA this week, in fact we're off to Florida's Hollywood, a destination which we have to report is a totally different kettle of, ahem, A-list fish.

You see Florida's Hollywood is a holidaymaker's mecca, with a massive range of property, a great tourist infrastructure but a much more limited chance of bumping into Brad or Angelina as you wander the neighbourhood.

But take it from us, and we've been to both areas, all those glitzy parties in the Hollywood Hills can be just a little taxing! You might actually prefer the more relaxed pace of life in Florida's namesake. And as far as pounds per brick blimey!

So it's going to be pricey, huh? Well, actually, no. For the price of a wee studio in the wrong part of London - just pounds 161,080 - you'll get a truckload of property for your dosh in the Sunshine State.

But, remember, the subprime crisis in the US has still to settle, so house prices may yet continue to fall. Plus, if the pound gets weaker against the dollar, your property may lose its value. Anyway, let's kick things off with four bedrooms. Yup, you heard us. Four. Next, add two modern bathrooms to the mix. And how about gorgeous - and very pricey - timber plantation shutters?

Also included is a central cooling and heating system, guaranteed to keep you perfectly temperate... whatever the weather.

Add in elegant solid timber flooring, a generously proportioned family room, a custom-fitted timber kitchen (which includes granite work tops, cooker, microwave, a washer and an ice-making machine) and you should, by now, be getting the picture.

There's even a new roof which should withstand even the most determined storm or hurricane.

Outside is a lush and imaginatively designed garden of approximately one-third of an acre which is perfectly big enough should you wish to add a pool (permissions allowing, of course).

As it currently stands the "yard" is a richly-planted tropical paradise that includes grapevines, verdant shrubbery and almond trees.

So all in all, this is a FANTASTIC buy.'

'You'll get a truckload of home for your dosh

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