Bargain Hunter

HOME OF THE WEEK

Brewed to perfection

THE OLD Reading Rooms in Wivelscombe, 11 miles from Taunton in Somerset, were built in 1887 for the people of the town by the Hancock family, the local brewers. Not only could the residents read there, they could also enjoy a convivial game of billiards with friends. Now converted into a one- to two-bedroom home, the Grade II listed building still has enormous charm. The property is available for pounds 95,000 through Webbers. Ring 01984 624055 for details.

Rosalind Russell

CAR OF THE WEEK

Touring at a terrific price

BMW DOES not make estate cars. They are euphemistically called Tourings. That's because these five-door vehicles offer only average accommodation and space. What they do have, though, is style. You have to be well up the corporate ladder to afford a top-of-the-range 328i Touring - so it was a surprise to find one for pounds 1,000 less than the price guides say. For pounds 18,995 you could own this 1995, N-registered, one-owner, pristine 328i Touring - a seasonal offer by performance-car specialists, Richards, of Sutton in Ashfield. Call 01623 553028.

James Ruppert

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Do it with direct choice

HIGH CHARGES take a huge chunk out of a person's final pension income. Which is where Torquil Direct Choice comes in. The company offers pensions from leading pension providers - Standard Life, Scottish Widows, Scottish Life and CGU. It charges a one-off fee of pounds 50 plus VAT, plus a small "trail" commission, making it better value than most ultra-cheap providers, such as Tesco or Virgin Direct. Call 0800 561836.

Nic Cicutti