Property: Three to view under pounds 80,000

Sarra Cottage in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, a pretty thatched Grade II listed cottage in this seaside resort, would make the perfect holiday home. With direct access to the beach and promenade, it has one double bedroom with built-in wardrobes, and another single guest bedroom with loo in the garden. The beamed sitting room is 12' 6" by 12' 6" and has a fireplace with coal-effect gas fire. There's a fitted kitchen and a 13' 8" conservatory. There are cottage gardens with fruit trees, flowers and vegetable patch, shed, greenhouse and two potting sheds. It costs pounds 75,000 through Halifax Property Services (01507 441066).

As a sailor you couldn't miss the Gramercy Boathouse on the River Dart as it's immediately below a local landmark - Gramercy Tower House, which was the home of James Douglass, builder of the Eddystone lighthouse. The Boathouse, converted 30 years ago into a two-bedroom home, is reached via the Tower gardens, or its own private quay, which has mooring and parking. There are views from the sitting room across the river to Kingswear, up to Dartmouth and down to Half Tide Rock. It's being sold on a lease for pounds 70,000 and the current owner says there is excellent fishing to be had from the balcony, quay and steps. Through Fulfords (01392 412007).

This stone-built house in Berwick-upon-Tweed has the solid charm of a Borders house made to last. The two-bedroom house has marble fireplaces with cast iron inlay, stained pine doors and working shutters. There are two reception rooms, fitted kitchen and bathroom with white suite and gold effect taps. The gardens are mature, with rockery, lawn and flower beds and the town centre is a mile's walk away. It costs pounds 69,500 through GA (01289 302828).