Properties of the Week

5 March 2009: This week's curious collection includes an unusual historic gem, a substantial village property, a charming brick-built barn conversion with its own annexe and a grand old country residence.

The Laurels in Orleton, within striking distance of Ludlow, was originally a black and white cottage which has been extended to create a large and attractive family house. It has a drawing room, sitting room, dining room with French windows to the garden, breakfast area, kitchen with Rayburn, utility, master bedroom with en suite, three/four further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The Laurels has a large sweeping driveway with herbaceous borders, lawned rear gardens, a fruit orchard and paddock. There's also a large barn with hay loft which, subject to necessary planning consents, could provide very useful office space, housing for a dependent relative or even holiday lets.

Guide price £550,000 through Strutt & Parker.

The major part of this fine residence was built in the early part of the 19th century and extends into the 13th century Grade I Listed part of the building - a drum tower of the Medieval town gate. The property has a total of four storeys and an extensive outside decked roof terrace with views well above the rooftops of the old town. Offers around £595,000 through Nock Deighton on (01584) 875555.nextpage

Bastard Hall at 57 Sheinton Street, Much Wenlock, is an historic, Grade II listed period property set over three storeys. This character home is packed with period fireplaces, oak panelling and exposed timbers, as well as a 16th century priest hole. It has two/three reception rooms, five/six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a kitchen. Outside are extensive rear gardens, a courtyard and views over the abbey.

Bastard Hall derived its name from Richard le Bastard, owner the house in 1267, who was attorney to the Priory, and later owned by William Bastard. Bastard Hall was visited by the BBC Time Team in 1994, discovering when it was built, and other interesting historical finds and information.

Price £525,000 through Nock Deighton on (01952) 432533 or www.nockdeighton.co.uk

Thornfield is a brick-built barn conversion with a separate annexe, located on the edge of the popular village of Bicton, near Shrewsbury. This well laid-out home includes a large family kitchen, spacious dining room, sitting room with logburner, study, utility, downstairs cloakroom, five bedrooms (two en suite with dressing rooms) and a family bathroom.

The house is approached via a gravelled driveway to the front walled garden and Thornfield's one-bedroomed annexe, Lavender Cottage.

Guide price £450,000 through Balfours on (01743) 353511 or www.balfours.co.uk

The School House at Whixall, near Whitchurch, is a substantial country property with views over open farmland towards the Welsh hills.

Surrounded by well-stocked gardens, the house offers characterful accommodation including a hall with original Victorian mosaic-tiled floor, living room, fitted kitchen, sunroom, utility, cloakroom, three bedrooms with countryside views and a family bathroom.

Attached to the house is a double garage, which is approached over a gravel driveway flanked by lawns with well-maintained borders and mature trees and shrubs. There's also a paved garden, terraced garden, greenhouse, timber garden shed and timber workshop.

Price £295,000 through Halls on (01948) 663230.