Keep your House in Good Order....
Walls
Repointing over the whole house is seldom necessary. If it has to be done, use an experienced craftsman who won't damage your bricks or use the wrong mortar mix or methods. Inappropriate repointing can actually make your house less able to withstand damp and harsh weather, as well as spoiling its appearance. Hard cement used in repointing will risk increasing damp and cause the decay of older brickwork, for instance. Lime mortar is always best for older houses.
Painting brickwork: Winchester has beautiful bricks. Admire them - don't cover them with a layer of paint which you will have to renew regularly and expensively. Salesmen's claims for new super-plastic paints are mostly unfounded and they can cause severe long-term problems. A cheap rate for a "show house" is invariably a sales gimmick.