These are the dream homes we’ve been lusting after in 2021
Whether you’re actually thinking of moving house or you just enjoy a bit of property porn, checking out homes for sale has totally become our guilty pleasure during the pandemic.
Property website Rightmove has revealed its list of the most viewed properties for sale and while we're totally fascinated by unique homes - the house skinnier than a London bus and the disappearing eco home to name a few - it turns out the homes we’re scrolling online are somewhat more luxurious.
While the most viewed properties are spread across the entire country, with locations featured including London, Cornwall and Manchester, they all come with some pretty lofty price tags starting at £1.5 million and going all the way up to a whopping £26.5 million.
Rightmove's property expert, Tim Bannister, believes this could be attributed to our lockdown fantasies, as we dream of ditching city life and moving to a luxurious pad in the country or a sprawling pile by the sea.
"This year in property has really been like no other," Bannister explains. "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.
Read more: The affordable rural locations house-hunters should have on their radar
"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."
Featured properties range from a modern, mega mansion in Chigwell, to a remote rural retreat in Keswick, a historic estate in Salisbury to a luxe apartment in London's Kensington, but all are worthy of a place on our dream home list.
1. Modern mansion in Chigwell, £15 million
Scrolling through the images of this beautiful Essex mansion gives new meaning to the phrase "having it all".
From the impressive private gym, cinema room and spa to the 52 acres of private land, the five bedrooms and six (six?) bathrooms, this house has so many features you'd never actually need to leave it.
2. Coastal paradise in Cornwall, £2.5 million
If you've been spending the various lockdowns dreaming of a sea view, coastal vistas don't come much more picturesque than those in this unique home in Cornwall.
Situated in Truro, Cornwall, this five bedroom, three bathroom home is ideal for those wanting a slice of seaside life and to enjoy a sundowner in one of the most idyllic locations in the South West.
Read more: Baronial Scottish castle for sale for £650,000
3. Manor house in Greater Manchester, £4.75 million
This newly constructed and immaculately decorated mansion has five bedrooms, a leisure suite, jacuzzi, cinema and additional annexe.
There's also a pretty impressive garden space, with lawns sprawling to around 0.75 of an acre, perfect for anyone dreaming of owning a ride-on mower.
Plus the fancy spiral staircase in the entrance hall is giving us total Grand Designs vibes.
4. A mansion fit for a celebrity in Wiltshire, £6.75 million
If you've always wanted to live in a celebrity crib, this could be the home for you as Compton Bassett house previously belonged to Robbie Williams.
Famous connections aside, the house is pretty impressive in its own merit and offers seven-bedrooms, eight-bathrooms and also comes with two extra flats, a cottage, and a leisure complex, and sprawls over a whopping 72 acres of gorgeous grounds.
Read more: Good news for renters: It's now cheaper not to own your home
5. An estate filled with history in Ottery St Mary, £5.95 million
The Chanters House dates back to the 14th century, but has undergone a major renovation to combine the impressive period features with modern living.
The centrepiece has to the The Great Library, which is home to around 22,000 books and is the largest library west of Salisbury.
Watch: Housing expert takes readers’ questions on UK property market
The house also comes with a whopping 11 bathrooms, 10 bedrooms, an indoor pool, and a galleried landing which overlooks the grand reception hall.
Downton Abbey fans will adore this impressive mansion.
6. Six-bedroom detached house in Keswick, £1.5 million
If the pandemic has got you dreaming of living in total peace and seclusion, then the most remote home in England might just be for you.
It’s set 1,500 feet above sea level and only accessible by foot or 4x4 vehicle.
And with no immediate neighbours, this house gives whole new meaning to the idea of social distancing.
7. Contemporary mansion in Highgate, POA
With views over Hampstead Heath, this contemporary pad in Highgate is set right in the heart of London.
Described as a modern mansion, the house comes with no fewer than 10 bedrooms and seven bathrooms, a stunning indoor swimming pool, home gym, billiards room and spa facilities, but the standout features has to be the glass lift which whisks you between the floors James Bond style.
8. A countryside escape in Knutsford, £7.5 million
This Georgian-style country estate with award-winning gardens and parkland, has a grand water feature, its own lake, and a stunning tree-lined driveway.
Inside, the home is immaculately decorated with standout features including an indoor swimming pool, large entertainment area, and home gym.
9. Luxury apartment in Knightsbridge, £26.5 million
This incredible five bedroom, five bathroom apartment in Knightsbridge combines period features, with luxury modern living.
Impeccably designed, the apartment also has an impressive Insta-worthy kitchen with marble worktop design and huge island.
For entertaining guests the home also comes with its own cinema room, and plenty of space for hosting the ultimate dinner party.
10. Four bedroom house in Poole - £5.5 million
This unique dream home is a well-known landmark in the local area and offers 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, with a pretty impressive home office too.
