M+ Property: What £700k Buys You in the City, Country & Coast
Whether you are actively planning a move or simply enjoy keeping an eye on the market, this week’s M+ Property edit looks at what £700,000 and under can realistically buy across three very different settings.
One city home, one country retreat and one coastal option, all chosen with modern family life in mind.
City: Makepeace Mansions, Highgate, london
£675,000 | Leasehold | 2 Bedrooms
Set within the Holly Lodge Estate on Swain’s Lane, just minutes from Hampstead Heath, this two-bedroom apartment sits inside a Grade II-listed Tudor Revival mansion block dating back to the 1920s. Originally designed as housing for single women, the building has a fascinating social history and is now part of a well-maintained conservation area surrounded by private gardens.
Inside, the apartment has been carefully redesigned by multi-RIBA award-winning architects Surman Weston, whose work was named Architects’ Journal Architect of the Year in 2024. The result is a calm, design-led interior that feels contemporary while respecting the building’s heritage. Fluted oak cabinetry, terrazzo surfaces and soft art deco-inspired curves sit alongside updated period details, including picture rails, internal doors and double-glazed windows.
The living room is light and quietly impressive, anchored by a bespoke terrazzo fireplace and French doors that open onto a south-facing balcony with leafy views stretching across north London. The handmade kitchen is compact but beautifully executed, with birch fluted fronts, terrazzo worktops and integrated appliances, plus a distinctive oculus window that subtly connects the space back to the living area.
There are two well-proportioned bedrooms. The principal bedroom features built-in fluted wardrobes, while the second bedroom works perfectly as a nursery, child’s room or home office. A monochrome bathroom with brass fittings completes the space, offering glimpses of the Heath beyond.
Why we like it
It feels grown-up, peaceful and properly considered. A brilliant starter home for a small family, with a second bedroom that works beautifully as a nursery or child’s room. Green space, excellent schools and transport links are all close by, making this a home that works for now and won’t feel outgrown in a hurry.
Country: Fox Farm, Gate Helmsley, York
Offers in excess of £700,000 | Freehold | 3 Bedrooms
Nestled in open countryside just east of York, Fox Farm is a Grade II-listed detached cottage that has been recently renovated to an exceptional standard. It manages to strike a rare balance between period character and modern comfort, making it an easy house to move straight into.
The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen and dining space, fitted with oak worktops, a large island and Belfast sink. Exposed beams and wooden floors bring warmth, while generous glazing fills the room with natural light. Multiple reception rooms offer flexibility, each centred around a log-burning stove, creating cosy spaces for family life across the seasons.
Upstairs, the principal suite feels indulgent without being excessive, accessed via its own stairwell and complete with a freestanding slipper bath, private bathroom and dressing room. Two further bedrooms benefit from en-suite shower rooms, ideal for children, guests or visiting family.
Outside, the gardens are established and private, with lawn, mature planting, a greenhouse, summer house and patio seating area. A sloped driveway leads to a gravelled parking area and double garage, making everyday logistics easy.
Why we like it
A ready-to-move-into home with beautifully finished interiors and a standout bathroom that gives a modern take on country living. It offers space, calm and character without feeling remote, with York and village amenities within easy reach.
Coast: Marine Terrace Mews, Kemptown, Brighton
Guide price £700,000 | Freehold | 3 Bedrooms
Tucked away behind Brighton’s grand seafront villas, Marine Terrace Mews offers a peaceful coastal home with surprising space and flexibility. Originally converted from coach houses, these mews properties are quietly positioned yet moments from the beach, independent cafés and Kemptown Village.
The house is arranged over multiple levels, with high ceilings and tall windows creating a sense of light throughout. The main reception room opens onto a private courtyard garden, ideal for summer evenings and easy entertaining, while a roof terrace above provides an additional outdoor space with views across Brighton’s rooftops.
The kitchen blends traditional Shaker-style cabinetry with modern finishes and integrated appliances, making it both practical and timeless. Upstairs, three double bedrooms offer flexibility for family life, home working or guests, while the bathrooms feel considered and contemporary. Parking and an integrated garage are a rare and valuable bonus in this part of the city.
Why we like it
A coastal home that feels calm, practical and sociable in equal measure. Close to the beach, good schools and strong transport links, it offers seaside living without sacrificing everyday ease.