m+ property Homes of the Week in the City, Country and Coast under £550,000
Three homes, three very different lifestyles. This week, we're heading to north London for an architectural apartment in a landmark Edwardian building, Norfolk for a three-bedroom country home surrounded by meadowland, and Whitstable for a characterful seaside terrace with views across the harbour.
City: The Beaux Arts Building, Islington, London
£460,000 | 1 Bedroom
For buyers who love architecture and a little London history, this one-bedroom duplex in Islington's Beaux Arts Building is an interesting find. Originally built in 1909 as the Post Office's Money Order Office, the grand Edwardian building has been converted into apartments, retaining many of its original architectural details.
Inside, the apartment makes the most of its proportions, with double-height windows bringing natural light into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space. Views across the internal courtyard gardens add to the appeal, while the duplex layout gives the bedroom its own sense of separation.
Beyond the apartment, the building's ornate plasterwork, stained glass and impressive communal entrance make coming home feel rather special. Upper Street's restaurants, independent shops and cafés are within easy reach, along with transport connections across London.
Country: North Lane, Thursford, Norfolk
Guide Price £500,000–£550,000 | 3 Bedrooms
For families looking to trade busy streets for open countryside, this detached Norfolk home offers space both inside and out. Set among mature meadowland in the village of Thursford, the property takes its inspiration from traditional barn architecture, with generous proportions and a rural outlook.
With approximately 2,104 sq ft of accommodation, there's plenty of room to spread out. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms make it a practical option for family life, while the flexible living spaces offer scope for working from home, entertaining or simply enjoying a slower pace.
The setting is a large part of the attraction. Surrounded by greenery, the house offers a sense of privacy and space that's increasingly difficult to find, yet the market towns and villages of north Norfolk remain within reach. And with the county's much-loved coastline not far away, weekends could easily be spent exploring beaches, coastal walks and country pubs.
Coast: Harbour Street, Whitstable, Kent
Offers Over £450,000 | 3 Bedrooms
Harbour views, a sunny garden and Whitstable's independent shops and restaurants on the doorstep. This three-bedroom terraced house has plenty going for it, particularly for anyone considering a move to the Kent coast.
Arranged over three floors, the house has a separate sitting room and dining room, a kitchen and three bedrooms, with the top floor reserved for the main bedroom. It's here that the property really comes into its own, with panoramic views across Whitstable Harbour and out to sea.
Outside, a garden with rear access provides space for summer afternoons, while the harbour, seafront and High Street are all just a short walk away. Think morning coffees, fresh seafood, independent galleries and walks along the shingle beach.
Whitstable station is also within easy reach, with services into London, making this an appealing option for a permanent coastal move or a weekend retreat. There's potential to put your own stamp on the interiors, too.