On the 'nice to have' list...

Regular contributor Trevor Cooper highlights very desirable traditional and contemporary offerings on the open market...

MORE fabulous properties are featured today following last week's look at the open market.

Some are impossible to summarise without losing part of their sheer scale and splendour and such is the case with La Cour de Longue.

First and foremost, this is an extremely attractive granite farmhouse in the longhouse tradition with nearly three acres of land within the rural heart of St Saviour's. There is a triple garage block with studio accommodation above and a swimming pool in a sheltered part of the extensive landscaped gardens, which include an ornamental garden with pond.

There are also two fields and excellent stabling blessed with quiet hacking through the lanes around Rue des Issues.

Step inside the wide entrance hall at La Cour de Longue and straight ahead are arched double doors opening through to a stylish garden room, glazed on two sides and with a lantern style roof light. Alongside this is an equally spacious games room large enough for a full-size billiards table.

Returning to the front of this notable country house, a 34ft drawing room is both impressive yet welcoming with its oak beamed ceiling and inglenook fireplace. There is also a good-sized study, while the formal dining room has a double aspect with three windows at the front and two sets of glazed double doors opening onto the rear garden.

Beyond this is the magnificent farmhouse kitchen and family room. Undoubtedly the heart of the home, one is drawn by its ambient character, polished floorboards, oak beams and vast granite fireplace. The golden retriever is not included in the sale, but might need some moving from beside the four-oven Aga.

Also on the ground floor are a utility room, three-piece shower room, cloakroom and wine store, while upstairs, three of the five double bedrooms have en-suite facilities with the 22ft master bedroom also having a dressing room.

An all too brief look at the type of enchanting property in which to dwell, relax and enjoy.

This is not possible at Treyarnon – not once building commences, anyway. It is possible that a buyer will retain the existing bungalow that already has an open rural aspect from its elevated position in Rue de la Pomare across to Rocquaine Bay and the sea beyond. Exciting plans have been approved, however, to replace the 1960s bungalow and so desirable is the site that the developer has three house designs already approved for the new owner to choose from.

Further spoiling the buyer for choice, there is also an option to purchase an adjoining field. Not that Treyarnon is without space as the site already measures one-and-a-half vergees and gently rises at the back so the views get better and better.

The plans follow a similar contemporary style but range in size dramatically. By any standard, 2,700sq. ft of accommodation on one level is large but the other options increase to 4,000sq. ft or 5,000sq. ft over two floors. Naturally the price varies, as do the housing requirements of any prospective buyers – this is intelligent marketing to attract a wider market.

These articles have explained before the difference between builder-tied and builder-free and Treyarnon is available to buy either way. It is likely that the developer will be retained in view of their long-serving, excellent reputation and their clear vision for this property. This particular developer also encourages clients to influence the interior style of a new house wherever possible.

A growing favourite among open market buyers are penthouse apartments, of which there are some fabulous examples currently available.

Typically, but not only, around the Town area and often with super views, these prestigious apartments are designed to impress.

For little more than the price of an average detached property, they have a wow factor and offer a modern style of living that might not suit everyone, but an increasing number of buyers looking to downsize or who travel a great deal or just appreciate the benefits of this easy lifestyle are seriously considering this option, when 10 years ago they might not have looked twice at the prospect.

Modern construction techniques really have transformed the nuts and bolts of our buildings and nowhere more so than in apartments. Sound and energy insulation, efficient lighting and heating and other green living options can be added to house conversions as much as installed in new developments.

And these are no longer token gestures but are added to floors, walls, ceilings and roofs for maximum effect. Even the rigorous fire regulations have beneficial spin-offs in the fabric of the structure.

Next week will close our brief look at the open market by featuring classic town houses, the much-loved genteel nobility of the housing market.