Erna Low is a well-known tour operator specialising in skiing holidays but in recent years the company has started up a property arm and is fast becoming known for selling in ski destinations. Traditionally, autumn is the time when many people start planning winter ski breaks, but some ski lovers are going a little bit further and are buying their own properties in ski resorts. But it is also true to say that many of the locals genuinely feel that the stunning riverside surroundings and villagey atmosphere more than make up for any disadvantages.Get the specWhat's for sale: an architect-designed six-bedroomed double-fronted house on the St Margaret's Estate, Twickenham, with a huge, dramatic glass elevation on the back.Serious kit: underfloor heating, polished concrete kitchen worktops, marble fireplaces, and two roof terracesUSP: access to communal gardensHow big: 3,628 sq ftBuy it: The Avenue, Twickenham, is for sale through Foxtons (020-8973 2700) for £2.1m. The house is minutes from the Thames, with Richmond Lock footbridge leading straight over the river and on to Richmond, with all its shops, restaurants and bars. The towpath also stretches in other directions towards Kew, Isleworth and Twickenham. Rail connections are also good, with the District Line at Richmond nearby, and direct rail connections to Waterloo from nearby St Margaret's station.One thing that should be pointed out is that the house lies under the Heathrow flight path, so anyone with an aversion to aircraft noise would be advised to stay away.

Two separate roof terraces are accessible from bedrooms upstairs.The garden has been created with low-maintenance in mind although, as Politowicz admits, "this has become a bit of a joke - because it goes crazy all the time and seems to require endless upkeep."Predominately, The Avenue is a house for a family who love the great outdoors. Victorian radiators have been replaced and the three bathrooms are contemporary in style, with a winning combination of clean white ceramic and chrome, wooden floors and white walls. Politowicz commissioned the kitchen worktops to be made from polished concrete, created by Domus Tiles, and combined them with Ikea cupboards below. "I think that the two work really well together - the smooth and heavy concrete above and the unpretentious, simple, everyday stuff below," says Politowicz.The original floors have been restored throughout the house, and each room retains its open fire- place, most of which have ornate marble surrounds and stone hearths.

This huge space, naturally lit with open sky above, provides plenty of room for a large family to congregate, with views over the garden and the communal grounds beyond.Throughout the rest of the house, similar standards have been applied. Coated with a layer that repels dirt and water, the glass requires attention only once a year.Inside, the limestone floor incorporates an under-floor heating system which, combined with the excellent thermal properties of the glass, allows for economical heating costs."The whole thing was put up within a week by a team of fantastic Germans, who were the best builders in the world in my opinion", says Politowicz. But I pointed out all the improvements that had already been made to the back of the house by removing the outbuildings.My trump card, though, was the model of my proposed building. I threw it into the conference room, explained it to them and they bought it." Politowicz relayed his vision of clarity and light, explaining that the original elevation would still be visible through the proposed extension.