Househunter Polperro, Cornwall

With a single garage on the market for pounds 14,500, parking in the steep fishing village of Polperro looks as expensive as in parts of London. But at least the higgledy-piggledy houses themselves are slightly more affordable. This one-bedroom cottage, with a bathroom, open-plan living- room and kitchen, in the centre of the popular tourist village is priced at pounds 45,000 through Black Horse Agency (01503 262271).

For what it's worth

House buyers would be far more willing to pay for electrically operated curtains and heated bathroom mirrors than a home office, if we are to believe a new survey carried out for Hassall Homes. More than 200 visitors to the company's Life Style 2000 exhibition in Derby last year were asked to complete a questionaire on the features offered in a futuristic showhome. Each feature was costed, so buyers could make real choices on the basis of their spending power. Top of list came extra insulation, a water filter and a central vacuum system which significantly reduces the levels of dust in a house.

In general, respondants said they would rather spend their money building in security, health and cost-saving features than on comfort and convenience.

Who's moving

The actor Alan Bates has swapped homes in St John's Wood, London. John D Wood's office found him a studio house with a vaulted, double- height reception room for just over pounds 600,000.