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LINGEN, WELSH BORDERS

Enjoy the rural life in the village of Lingen on the Shropshire and Welsh borders. A Grade II listed black-and-white cottage has period details throughout its cosy interior. Doors off the reception hall open to a kitchen, utility area and a living room warmed by a bread oven. Upstairs you'll find a bathroom and three bedrooms. Outside, a stepping-stone pathway winds through a mature back garden. London by train takes about three and half hours. Bill Jackson (01568 610600) is asking £159,950.

SIBFORD FERRIS, OXFORDSHIRE

If Oxfordshire is your favourite part of the world, April Cottage, a stone village house in Sibford Ferris near Banbury, is available for £187,500. On the ground floor exposed stone walls and an inglenook fireplace are charming features of the sitting room, while the kitchen/breakfast room has a ceramic-tiled floor. The first floor has two bedrooms and a fully fitted bathroom. The cottage's secluded garden has a pretty patio. Trains from Banbury take just over an hour to reach London. Contact Seccombes on 01608 663788.