I've picked two properties to show you today - both gorgeous, obvs, but both with location issues that add to the renovation challenge.
First up, Bull Farmhouse in the village of Hockcliffe, sent to me by reader David.
Well-placed for London's commuter belt (assuming that's still a thing?) and handy for trains from Leighton Buzzard and for the M1.
It's a good size - four bedrooms over two floors, plus a further attic room, and a bathroom upstairs. Downstairs are three reception rooms, a chunky kitchen and utility aching to be reunited, and a large cellar.
There are gardens to each side (looks like a track and farm buildings behind it) and a picket-fence bound garden to the front.
So, aside from the work that needs doing, there's the location. As mentioned, there are a bunch of farm buildings and land behind it and my worry would be that they'll be sold off and you might find your chocolate box farm house surrounded by an industrial estate.
Moreover, Watling Street, which the house sits on, is the A5, so not the quietest of outlooks - and full marks to the agent's photographer in choice of shots ; )
That aside, it's a pretty house in a convenient location and an open conversation with the seller would help.
On the market through Household Estate Agents at offers over £350k (feels on the cheeky side). More details here and here.
Next, and a full 393 miles away in the Scottish village of Braco, near Dunblane, is this very handsome house.
There are two bedrooms upstairs, two good-size reception rooms and a hodge-podge of smaller rooms downstairs that you'll want to rearrange or extend.
Outside is a decent bit of garden land but, as with its big sister from the south, a larger farm property nestled behind it.
However, unlike Bull Farmhouse, no busy road out front and rather fewer neighbours. And the selling agent has been rather more upfront with the location shots.
Sent to me by reader Irene (who is wreck-hunting in Scotland) it's on the market with Aberdein Considine at offers over £140k. Details and more pictures here and here.
