Best properties: boltholes under £500,000

A nicely tucked-away semi-detached property, a stone’s throw from the sea and lovely beaches, with a private courtyard garden – and shared use of a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and communal gardens. The first floor balcony offers impressive views over the surrounding countryside. Main suite, one further bed, family bath, open plan kitchen/recep, balcony. 

This well-presented mid-terrace house (yellow), in the highly desirable harbourside village of Flushing, enjoys lovely views over Falmouth Harbour and direct access to a public slipway. Main suite with balcony, two further beds, family bath, kitchen, double recep with balcony, courtyard. 

A delightful period property, one of a pair of former agricultural workers’ cottages thought to have been built c.1800. It has evolved and enlarged into its current form over the years. The courtyard makes for an ideal sheltered entertaining area. Main bed, one further bed, family bath, kitchen, recep, shower room, garden room, courtyard, summer house, substantial parking. 

Set in what is believed to be the oldest part of the village, this Grade II Tudor cottage has views over the Norman church tower. Two beds, family bath, kitchen, recep, conservatory, garden, garage. 

This Grade II property with medieval origins was rebuilt in Tudor times. It stands on one of England’s most famous and historic cobbled streets, in the heart of the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye. Main bed, two further beds, shower room, kitchen. recep, cellar. 

A charming 18th century B-listed thatched cottage in the heart of a sought-after conservation village. The property was restored and sensitively modernised in 1998 by Arc Architects, and it still retains some period features. Main bed, one further bed, family bath, kitchen/breakfast room, recep, stone-built bothy (with power and light), courtyard garden, driveway with parking for two vehicles. 

A characterful cottage located within a Conservation Area and set off a private lane close to the many facilities offered by this thriving village. The property is reputedly 19th century, and has been extensively renovated over the last few years. Main bed with en-suite WC, one further bed, shower room, kitchen/dining room, recep, restored linhay with potential for conversion, garden with sun terrace. 

A rural country lodge in an elevated position in the desirable Harleyford estate and golf club. Far-reaching views over the estate and down to the River Thames can be enjoyed from the first floor. The estate has a high degree of security, with a manned gated entrance. There is a large ground floor terrace to the rear, which is ideal for al fresco dining. Main suite, one further bed, shower room, study, kitchen, large recep, entrance hall, shed. 

An attractively presented terraced house, within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre and the River Dart, with lovely views across the town. Main bed, 1 further bed, family bath, kitchen, recep, wet room, patio, attic, courtyard garden.