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Sevenoaks, Kent
Once a Grade II-listed pile, Wildernesse House has been converted into a luxury retirement village. The estate dates to 1327 and is linked to the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. There are 23 apartments and eight mews houses with facilities worthy of royalty: a pavilion restaurant, a cocktail and coffee bar, a spa and fitness centre, and a croquet lawn. The grand staircase, in the centre of the residents’ lounge, is a nod to its stately origins and leads to a warren of apartments. £595,000 for a one-bedroom flat. Elysian Residences, 0808 189 8657
Photograph: Elysian Residences
Robertsbridge, East Sussex
On the high street is historic Robertsbridge House with its origins in the 15th century. This was an important building in the 17th century as the White Horse Inn served locals and thirsty travellers. The heritage detailing has been picked out and cherished amid a thorough renovation. Low and slightly bowing beams, panelling and a wide brick fireplace in the main sitting room create charm and atmosphere. At its centre is a Jacobean staircase with broad steps that wind from floor to floor that are likely to creak a little underfoot. £900,000. Inigo, 020 3687 3071
Photograph: Inigo
Haugh of Urr, Kirkcudbrightshire
Haugh of Urr is a pretty village in the middle of rolling countryside popular with cyclists, hikers and fishing folk. This impressive home has been transformed from an old grain store into a three-bedroom contemporary house built of locally reclaimed granite, western red cedar, steel and glass. The open-plan ground floor has double-height windows and vaulted ceilings. Cantilevered stairs with steel cabling lead up to the first floor. There is underfloor heating on both levels. £795,000. Savills, 0141 222 5875
Photograph: Angus Behm/Savills
Belsize Park, London
This studio apartment has won awards – or rather the architect has – for its compact design, creating a separate suspended bedroom pod within the open-plan reception-kitchen-dining space. On the first floor of a converted Victorian townhouse, it is inspired by Japanese design. The block stairs lead up to a pod, which is behind screens that can slide back to connect it with the whole room, or be closed to shut it off. The theme is birch ply cabinetry, with storage in a hollowed-out chimney recess opposite the galley kitchen. £490,000. The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Photograph: The Modern House
Whitechapel, London
Between the Elizabeth line station and Stepney Green tube, and close to Stepney Green park, is a one-bedroom flat on the ground and upper ground floor, bookended by a private rear and front terrace. There are more staircases here than bedrooms. A black metal stair leads into the front enclosed terrace, but the star feature is the wooden stairs from the reception area to the bedroom, painted in a vibrant “arsenic” green. Residents of the block have access to a large roof terrace with views of London. Canary Wharf looms large. £775,000. The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Photograph: The Modern House
