Houses off the beaten track
Herefordshire: The Yoke, Cradley, Malvern, Worcester. Accessed via a track and dating back 300 years, this period cottage is situated in a peaceful, secluded valley with fine views over the surrounding countryside. Master bed, 3 further beds, family bath, shower, kitchen/ breakfast room, sitting room, utility, boot room, patio, sun terrace, landscaped gardens, fish pond. £560,000; Grant & Co (01531-637341).
Highlands: Ballachar Estate, Loch Ruthven, Dores, Inverness. A fine estate comprising 287 acres of pasture, rough grazing, woodland and hill, in a beautiful setting at the end of a private drive on the banks of Loch Ruthven. 4-bed converted former farmstead; 2-bed renovated cottage; loch frontage with brown trout fishing. OIEO £900,000; Strutt & Parker (0131-226 2500).
Shropshire: Birchope Farmhouse, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury. A cosy stone…