Gazing at homes we can’t afford is a very real vice.

Some people have booze, others smoke – we’ll take a property porn session any day.

While many house fans like to look at unconventional options (yes, we will take London’s narrowest house, or one with its own bunker), others like to stay just within the realms of realistic options – places we could almost afford.

Then there are those who like to blow the imaginary budget and behold mansions, country estates, and coastal cottages in their millions.

Rightmove’s most-viewed homes of 2021 reflects this diversity in our tastes – although the top ten is entirely made up of pricey spots.

Their property expert Tim Bannister reckons this is down to our lockdown fantasies, as we dream of ditching cities and buying the most luxurious of homes.

‘This year in property has really been like no other,’ says Tim. ‘We’ve seen people imagining the life that could be in the countryside, looking at what’s on offer by the coast, and more recently, reigniting their curiosity about the city.

‘All of this is apparent in our most viewed homes of the year, where there really is a dream home for everyone, from a London manor house just yards from Hampstead Heath to a coastal escape with direct access to the sea in Cornwall.

‘Britain continues to have a real fascination with property this year, and a passion for homes of varying designs, layouts and locations.’

So, shall we see the top properties Brits have been marvelling at this past year?

Aspen House in Chigwell, £15million

This Essex mansion really does have it all – including five bedrooms, a private gym, a cinema room, 52 acres of private land, and its very own spa.

With all that on offer inside, we don’t think we’d ever leave.

Take a look on Rightmove

Five-bedroom house in Cornwall, £2.5million

Cornwall replaced London as the area with the most property searches earlier this year, so we’re not surprised to see a coastal pad come in at number two on the list.

This one’s pretty special, with panoramic views and direct access to a creek.

It’s the first time this property has ever been on the market.

Take a look on Rightmove

Six-bedroom house in Stockport, Manchester, £4.75million

This is a manor house of dreams, with 9,792sq ft of space, glorious private gardens, and excellent hosting features – including a cinema room, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.

Plus, check out that rather grand staircase in the entrance. Fancy.

Take a look on Rightmove

Compton Bassett in Wiltshire, £6.75million

An important celebrity connection here: Compton Bassett house previously belonged to Robbie Williams.

It’s pretty spectacular even without that famous link – a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion that comes with two extra flats, a cottage, and a leisure complex, set over 72 acres of stunning grounds.

Take a look on Rightmove

The Chanters House in Ottery St Mary, £5.95million

The Chanters House dates back to the 14th century, and has undergone a major renovation to combine period features with modern living.

The centrepiece has to the The Great Library (the largest library west of Salisbury), which is home to around 22,000 books.

A reader’s dream home, basically.

Take a look on Rightmove

Skiddaw House in Keswick, £1.5million

Okay, we see why people were lusting after this place.

Skiddaw House is the most remote home in England, offering total peace and quiet with not a neighbour in sight.

It’s set 1,500 feet above sea level, and is only accessible by foot or 4×4 vehicle.

There are six bedrooms though, so enough space for all your pals.

Take a look on Rightmove

Ten-bedroom mansion in Highgate, London, POA

With views over Hampstead Heath, this home is described as a modern mansion set right in the heart of London.

The glass elevator is a standout feature, along with the indoor pool and spa facilities and billiards room.

Take a look on Rightmove

Five-bedroom house in Knutsford, £7.5million

A Georgian-style country estate with award-winning gardens and parkland, this place has a grand water feature, its own lake, and a stunning tree-lined driveway.

Inside you’ll five five bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a home gym.

Take a look on Rightmove

Five-bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge, London, £26.5million

This list wouldn’t be complete without a fancy-pants apartment in west London, right?

The most expensive property in this year’s ranking, this is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom city pad with high ceilings, plenty of marble, and its very own cinema room.

Take a look on Rightmove

Four-bedroom house on Evening Hill in Poole, £5.5million

A unique dream home that’s a well-known landmark in the area, offering stunning views over Poole Harbour.

Rightmove describe this place as ‘the ultimate entertaining home’ thanks to its cinema room and outdoor private bar, but note that it’s also a great space for remote working – there’s a pretty lovely home office too.

Take a look on Rightmove

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Source: Read Full Article