Old Town, Edinburgh

Near the top of the Royal Mile in the historic Old Town, which is part of a Unesco world heritage site, is James Court. The apartment block sits just behind the terrace of properties above the shops on Lawnmarket. On the first floor is a compact one-bedroom, stylishly decorated flat. The living room is a vibrant green, with the sash windows and shutters stripped back to natural wood, while the bathroom is a dramatic black with a burgundy door. The bedroom is off-black, and has built-in cupboards as well as a stone lintel above the fireplace. £235,000. Rettie, 0131 220 4160

Pimlico, London

On the western side of Moreton Street is a terrace of 1860s Victorian townhouses above old or current shop fronts. It is in the Pimlico conservation area, an eclectic mix of artisan shops, galleries and homes. One property covers four storeys incorporating the old shop front and original shop door to one side. Sash windows on the first floor open on to a Juliet balcony with greenery trailing from window boxes. The shop front houses a sitting room and library-cum-study. It is a two-minute walk to the Thames or Pimlico underground station. £3m. Inigo, 020 3687 3071

Modbury, Devon

Arguably in need of modernisation, this Grade II-listed three-storey townhouse is in the heart of town with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. A large entrance hall leads into a study, sitting room, kitchen and utility room. On the first floor there are two bedrooms, another study and a large family room at the front with a bay window. There is a pretty enclosed garden to the back. The long high street has a pharmacy, a post office, a jewellery shop, a fine art store, galleries, takeaway restaurants, a bakery and antique shops. £535,000. Marchand Petit, 01548 831 163

Bruton, Somerset

In the heart of the high street is Long House, a narrow Georgian property covering three floors. This Tardis-like home is Grade II-listed and built from Belgian brick with a zinc-clad extension at the back. Fully renovated, the five-bedroom home has stayed true to its roots. The original flagstone floor runs underfoot, there are sash windows and whitewashed archways that lead into the central kitchen and dining room. A skylight brings light into the middle of the ground floor. The River Brue is minutes away. £800,000. The Modern House, 020 3795 5920

Cuckfield, West Sussex

On the sloping high street, in this historic village, is Cobblers, a handsome three-bedroom family-sized home over four floors. On the ground is the sitting room with a fireplace and archways into the study. An orangery on this level leads out into the garden. There’s a snug in the basement and the kitchen. The high street has a string of amenities for the villagers: a dentist and a medical centre, independent shops and pubs, a convenience store and a petrol station. It is also known for its award-winning Ockenden Manor spa and hotel. £795,000. Strutt & Parker, 01403 888 451