France: Laroque-Timbaut
With a considerable 230sq m (2,475sq ft) of space and seven bedrooms, this traditional stone house stands on 1.8 hectares in a small hamlet close to Laroque-Timbaut. Interiors have rustic French decor with flagstone floors and large open fireplaces. With century-old cedar trees, grounds have a covered terrace and swimming pool. Price: €350,000. Agent: healeyfox.com
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Ireland: Castlecomer
This old technical school dating from 1936 is now a superb conversion located in the countryside, about a 10-minute drive from Castlecomer. Refurbished to a C3 energy rating, it has four bedrooms in the 135sq m (1,453sq ft) of floor space. An outstanding feature on the site, which has apple and plum trees, is a stream and waterfall on the wooded rear boundary. Price: €350,000. Agent: dng.ie
![Converted school](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RDVR2TNEHBF55G7JAT3EO4IC3U.jpg?auth=fac2a3fcd0a8241b44ed0f85b2f0d229234320bb13852d7fd06ce4476558a354&width=800&height=457)
Spain: Alicante
This two-bedroom apartment located in Playa Flamenca extends to 103sq m (1,109sq ft). The large private complex has seven communal swimming pools, two of which are heated. There is also a gym and spa. Located on the ground floor, the unit has a 25sq m garden, an American-style kitchen and small storage room. It is located a few steps from Zenia Boulevard and La Zenia beach. Price: €350,000. Agent: spotblue.com
![Alicante: Playa Flamenca apartment extends to 103sq m. The large private complex has seven communal swimming pools, two of which are heated.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVMBLGH4IZD3HPLVZXSIJ4YLIY.jpg?auth=c3c4806a229d82d22c05e9d976da49259b116f317b521d623df7ea7ffeb1e3d8&width=800&height=600)
Sweden: Arvika
This two-bedroom cottage extends to 84sq m (904 sq ft) and also has a guest cottage on site. Constructed in 1978, views from the first floor take in the lake that lies at the end of the garden. There’s also a mini 13-hole golf course along with outbuildings including sheds, workshops and storage units. A small beach borders the lake for swimming. Price: 4mSEK/€345,645. Agent: svenskfast.se
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![Sweden - Arvika: two-bedroom cottage extends to 84sq m and has a guest cottage on site.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EHP2Y3FFTFAYDJIK4B7SQCWTNU.jpg?auth=caa16558de6b73c2aa39e86694263d4421040ac2cbfd6f98da2a7196468e9a11&width=800&height=532)
South Africa: Gauteng
Extending to a whopping 750sq m (8,073sq ft), this thatched house lies on almost six acres. The main house has five spacious bedrooms, while the second building has three garages and a fully contained flat that could also generate an income. It has a built-in pub, a huge loft area and the grounds have an orchard, a tea garden and entertainment area with built-in barbecues. Price: 6.8m ZAR/€336,680. Agent: sothebysrealty.com
![South Africa - Gauteng: thatched house lies on almost six acres. The main house has five spacious bedrooms.](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SUJ36URAJFBHLBCEGA7NMJSOFU.jpg?auth=e48dc4930d44b662054722868f542acd66dde434ab5e9dcfa5382309dcf07a9c&width=800&height=533)