CUMBRIA continues to be a place for property bargains, which often come with the challenge of renovation - but not always.

Among the current opportunities, advertised through Zoopla, are:

* A two-bedroom semi on Westmorland Road, Hensingham, Whitehaven. With good sized living room and a dining kitchen, this house needs some tender loving care and has a very overgrown garden, but it has obvious potential (Auction House Cumbria has set a £25,000 guide price).

* Number 6 Compton Street, Carlisle, is a six-bedroom town house, with a guide price of £140,000. Spacious and fully renovated, it was previously a successful rental investment. Being sold at auction by Cumbrian Properties, it's well worth a look.

* A two-bedroom mid-terrace in Blackburn Street, Workington, with a guide-price of £25,000. This property would be ideal for somebody with DIY skills and has the potential to become cosy first-time home or buy-to-let property.

* A three-bedroom semi at Friars Garth, Abbeytown, Wigton. Being auctioned by Your Move, this property would make a good family home and comes with a decent sized garden.

* A two-bedroom end-terrace house in Mill Terrace, Penrith. This property has been let in recent years with a monthly rental of £550 per month, with split-level accommodation over four floors. The guide price - again with Auction House Cumbria - is £65,000.

* Auction House Cumbria are also selling a property that will give its buyer a slice of Lake District life. Number 1 Ivy Cottages, in Coniston, is a picture postcard country cottage, of slate construction. There's plenty of space downstairs, with potentially three bedrooms, and breathtaking views over Coniston. The guide price is £185,000 - way below what you would normally pay for such a gorgeous Lake District location.

* Another interesting Auction House Cumbria property that has just come on the market is Number 150 Lowry Hill Road, Lowry Hill, Carlisle. With a £200,000 guide price, it is clearly in need of renovation but this four-bedroom detached house, with a large rear garden, will give the new owner a home on one of the city's most sought-after roads.