Whetstone, LeicestershireThe definition of a mansion is a large and imposing residence with typically at least five or six bedrooms. This country house, south of Whetstone, meets the brief. The approach is arresting, with a tree-lined drive leading to the central Doric portico and slate steps. It has 10 bedrooms and a collection of stable outbuildings in two hectares (five acres) of gardens. In the vendors’ family since 1910, it was a care home until 2008. It is now looking for a buyer with vision (and deep pockets) to lovingly renovate. £800,000. Strutt & Parker, 01780 408 514
Photograph: Andy Giddings/Strutt & Parker
Kirkhill, HighlandOn the fringes of this scenic village, nine miles from Inverness, is historic Wardlaw House, built in 1776 and arranged over three floors. The airy hallway leads into two front-facing, dual-aspect drawing rooms, while the sitting room opens into the formal dining room. There are six bedrooms, with two large family bathrooms, all overlooking the surrounding grounds. Kirkhill is known for its hiking, cycling, horse riding routes, nearby golf courses and fishing. The town of Beauly (with a station) is only four miles away. £600,000. Strutt & Parker, 01463 723 596
Photograph: Strutt & Parker
Claverham, North SomersetThere is no onward chain for potential buyers interested in this classic 19th-century manor house. A long drive leads to a grand entrance with spiral fluted columns and a flagstone hallway with a sweeping Georgian staircase. The Grade II-listed gem, built in 1820, has a formal dining room, separate sitting room and family-sized kitchen with a central island to gather around. There are seven bedrooms spread across the first and second floors. Halfway between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, just inland from Clevedon on the coast. £997,500. Fine & Country, 01275 859 000
Photograph: Fine & Country
Echt, AberdeenshireWith seven bedrooms and three reception rooms, the Grade B-listed Glenecht was once the manse (house occupied by the minister) of the small, ancient, village. It sits on the outskirts and has been owned by the same people for 30 years. The characterful home has plenty of period detailing, such as the fireplaces, tall sash and casement windows and high ceilings. There is a collection of outbuildings, including a potting shed that was once the groom’s room, and a garage with double doors (once the cart shed) and original stables. £750,000. Galbraith, 01224 860 710
Photograph: Galbraith
Westgate, County DurhamRenovated and extended, this elegant stone manor house was built in 1864 in a wraparound garden. It has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library with the original bookshelves and a dining room that opens into the orangery laid with flagstone flooring (heated) with three glazed sides under a lantern-style roof with exposed wooden ceiling beams. The garden has a summerhouse, an ornate gazebo and a sun terrace. The village is in the Weardale valley surrounded by the moorlands of the North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty. £895,000. Finest Properties, 01434 622 234
Photograph: Finest Properties