Boundary disputes between neighbours are hardly uncommon and can often turn pretty nasty. But there’s nasty and then there’s nasty, and we think this story on the Mail Online takes things to a whole new level.

You’d expect the views from a barn conversion to be of rolling hills and green fields, so pity poor Lee Goddard and his family – from their newly converted barn they can see a brick wall. A six-foot brick wall to be precise, just half an inch from their windows, erected by their neighbour Elhamy Shaqer, who has accused Goddard’s family of trespassing on his land by opening their windows. Extreme measures, one might say.

Shaqer claims his land extends right up to the barn’s walls and by opening their windows outwards, they were encroaching on his land. Any chance of an amicable solution? Not likely. Things have turned nasty, with solicitors, the police, and one very tall (but cleverly just low enough to avoid needing planning permission) wall joining the fray. Find out the full story here.

And for more information, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have some very handy guides about boundary disputes and right to light.

From windmills to castles, converted chapels to houseboats, these days there’s an abundance of options for when a country cottage or simple semi just won’t do.

If you are looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, then look no further. Here are three rather unique properties we’re currently coveting…

The theatre
Battersea, London – £2,000,000
It looks like no expense was spared to convert the former Queens Theatre into a state-of-the-art three-bedroom home. What used to be the stage, dressing room and storage areas of the theatre now offer superb living and entertaining space: a feature entrance hall, a reception room with double height ceilings, a cinema room, a glass staircase linking all the floors, a roof terrace and a courtyard. With or without intended irony, it is, as described in the particulars, a ‘dramatic’ home.

The lighthouse
St Anns Head, Pembrokeshire – £1,250,000
Sea views don’t get much better than this. On the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, this former lighthouse has been converted into a five-bedroom home with a three-bedroom annexe. Brass portholes and painted panelled walls help to preserve a nautical feel. The best feature? The observation lounge offering panoramic views over the islands of Skomer and Skokholm, the headland and the estuary entrance.

The tower
Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire – £1,500,000
Saving the best for last, this Cotswold tower dates back to the 1700s and has had a variety of uses, from windmill to castellated folly, and is currently being converted into an incredible part-subterranean four-bedroom home. Standing in open countryside, the property is as impressive outside as in – with an infinity pool, sunken courtyard and over four acres of landscaped grounds. So beautiful you’d simply never want to leave.

There is nothing that shouts countryside more than a thatched roof. Originally made from wheat straw which is fastened in bundles and then laid out and pegged along the roof, the result is pretty wonderful and something the English countryside is famed for.

They make you dream of years gone by, milking cows, strolling down country lanes and roaring fires. That’s the power of a bit of thatching.

Let’s have a look at a few of the best, shall we?

Sussex – £1,200,000
This five-bedroom home looks like it’s been lifted right out of a period drama – but  looks aren’t the only thing going for it. Yes, that is a games room you can see, and yes it does indeed have a swimming pool. It comes with 1.25 acres of gardens too – well, how else would you fit in the tennis court?

Surrey – £850,000
Now, this is the one that I want. Tucked away in East Horsley, it looks small but perfectly formed. Step inside, however, and you’ll find four bedrooms and four reception rooms. Not so small after all, then. It comes with a wonderful garden too.

Kent – £2,600,000
Not only thatch but wattle and daub as well – some might say that was greedy. But who cares, when it’s as pretty as this? Situated in the much sought after Keston Park, it  comes with five en-suite bedrooms, lots of character, a swimming pool and an ornamental lake.

Can I move to the countryside now, please?