Best places to buy a second home in the UK

Totnes, Devon

Why live here? Totnes has long been a favourite destination for hippies, bohemians and those who simply enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, particularly since Time magazine named it the "capital of New Age chic" in 2007. With its quirky boutiques, craft brewery and thriving artistic community, it's a home from home for the arty East London set.

However, it isn't all vegan brownies and poetry readings – as a traditional market town on the picturesque River Dart, it retains plenty of quaint, old-fashioned charm.

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Average price for a four-bed detached family home: Somewhere in the region of £350,000 to £550,000

Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland

Why live here? Nestled in the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Cumbrae is linked to the mainland by a 30-minute ferry journey. The small but vibrant island is home to the National Watersports Centre, an 18-hole golf course, and plenty of walking and cycling trails, so you certainly won't be short of family-friendly activities. If you crave the hustle and bustle of the city, Glasgow is less than two hours away by car or train.

Average price for a four-bed detached family home: With a population of around 1,500, you'll have to be eagle-eyed to catch a property on the market. The good news is that if you do, you might have a bargain on your hands. Spacious four and five-bed properties have sold for little over £200,000 in the past two years.

Llyn Peninsula, Wales

Why live here? Named one of The Times's 30 best places to have a second home last year, the Llyn Peninsula stands out for its "super collection of sandy beaches" and easy access to scenic Snowdonia.

Extending into the Irish Sea on Wales's west coast, the Llyn Peninsula boasts jaw-dropping coastal scenery that gives Cornwall a run for its money and a host of pretty seaside villages.

If you prefer a more bustling scene, the towns of Porthmadog and Criccieth are also on the peninsula.

Average price for a four-bed detached family home: Prices depend on the specific location. A four-bed detached house in sought-after Abersoch, for example, will set you back between £400,000 and £450,000, but a similar property can be had in nearby Nefyn for as little as £250,000.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Why live here? Frequently called the prettiest village in England, it's hard to see why anyone wouldn't want to live in Castle Combe, a favourite location for TV and film directors looking for a quintessentially English setting.

Despite being only five miles from busy Chippenham and twelve miles from Bath, Castle Combe's traditional Cotswold stone cottages and tranquil streets are so carefully preserved that entering the village is like stepping back in time.

Average price for a four-bed detached family home: As you might expect, living in the heart of England's prettiest village doesn't come cheap. A family home will generally cost at least £700,000, but if you widen the search to a few miles closer to Chippenham you can knock at least £200,000 off the price tag.

Isle of Wight

Why live here? With easy access to Portsmouth and Lymington via a frequent ferry service, the Isle of Wight makes a perfect base for a weekend break or a longer summer holiday on the south coast. As well as its golden beaches and traditional seaside entertainment, parts of the island also boast a cool, bohemian vibe. The island's vibrant homegrown arts scene is embodied by the annual Ventor Fringe Festival, while world-famous acts appear at the Isle of Wight festival and Bestical. It is also home to the annual eight-day Cowes sailing regatta.

Average price for a four-bed detached family home: A comfortable property with easy access to the sea can be had for £300,000, although expect to pay between £400,000 and £500,000 and upwards in the more sought-after locations.