Picture perfect — Barlaston Hall in Staffordshire was built in the mid 1700s. Photo: Alex Reay/Jackson-Stops
Everyone’s idea of a dream home is different but we’ve covered all bases in our round-up of gorgeous properties that went on the market in 2024. They include castles, conversions, country piles and contemporary residences — which is your favourite?
1. The Mill House, Sebergham, Carlisle, Cumbria, £950,000
A former corn mill is now a wonderful family home. Photo: Finest Properties
This Grade II-listed five-bedroom former corn mill has been painstakingly restored by the current owners.
Original elements such as the water wheel, mill workings and exposed beams are complemented by contemporary additions — such as a central wood burner in the family room — and the garden is a real joy. Through Finest Properties.
2. Baughurst, Tadley, Hampshire, £1.25m
It's hard to resist this pristine thatched cottage. Photo: Winkworth
Dating from late medieval times, this Grade II-listed thatched cottage is surprisingly spacious and bright for a property from this era.
It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms, a hand-built kitchen and a conservatory overlooking the delightful garden. There’s also a self-contained studio and potential to build an annex. Via Winkworth.
This chateau looks like it's stepped out of a fairytale. Photo: Groupe Mercure
Three round towers — one containing a striking spiral staircase — flank the central building of this restored 16th century chateau.
There are 10 bedrooms, many beautifully preserved architectural features and it's surrounded by parkland and meadows but only a two-minute walk from a village. Via Group Mercure.
4. The Manor House, Sandford Orcas, Sherborne, Dorset, £3m
Tudor manor houses don't get much better than this. Photo: Savills/Strutt & Parker
One of England’s finest surviving Tudor manor houses, with a rare Grade I listing.
Surrounding an internal courtyard, it incorporates 10 bedrooms, a 19th century wing and 12 acres of gardens and grounds. The most impressive room is the The Great Hall, adorned with a 16th century fireplace, ornate wooden panelling and elaborate bay windows. From Savills and Strutt & Parker.
5. Barlaston Hall, Barlaston, Staffordshire, offers over £3m
The Grade 1-listed house is packed with period features. Photo: Alex Reay
This 10-bedroom, mid-18th century Palladian-style country house is also Grade I-listed. The numerous period features include detailed plasterwork, soaring windows and a Chinese Chippendale staircase.
A deconsecrated 12th century church sits in the extensive grounds, and planning permission is in place to convert the orangery into a leisure suite and pool. By Jackson-Stops.
Fully restored, this Catalan castle is ready to move into. Photo: Lucas Fox
Located in a national park and boasting amazing views, this spectacular late 19th century castle was designed by a renowned Catalan architect. In recent years it’s been fully restored and has 19 bedrooms and plenty of contemporary comforts such as underfloor heating and air conditioning. Through Lucas Fox.
Check out this sumptuous Scottish baronial castle. Photo: Stuart Russell
A sumptuously renovated Scottish Baronial castle, compete with a 43-acre estate and views across the Ochil Hills.
There are eight bedrooms, four reception rooms and it comes with a lodge cottage planning permission to build 15 luxury chalets, which would help it pay its way. Through Strutt & Parker.
Live the high life in this state-of-the-art penthouse. Photo: JLL
If you’d prefer to gaze out over an urban skyscape than rolling fields, this brand new penthouse will suit you down to the ground.
Located in the hub of the City of London, it’s spread over three levels, with three bedrooms — one opening on to a terrace — and two bathrooms on the 14th floor, an all-in-one kitchen and living area spanning the whole 15th floor, and a roof terrace on top. From JLL.
9. Freshfield, Formby, Merseyside, £4.25m
Rightmove's most viewed home of 2024 is this modern mansion, once owned by Jurgen Klop. Photo: Berekeley Shaw
An immaculate six-bedroom modern mansion, once the home of former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp, has the accolade of being the most viewed home on Rightmove this year.
Designed for relaxation and entertaining, it features four reception rooms, a swimming pool complex and a striking two-storey glass leisure building. Via Berkeley Shaw.
10. Venice, Italy, €9.8m (£8.12m)
Imagine waking up to a vista of Grand Canal every day. Photo: JamesEdition
City homes don’t get much grander than this elegant apartment as it’s within a restored 16th century palazzo on the Grand Canal.
Along with five-metre high ceilings, neoclassical stuccoes and frescoes and Murano chandeliers it includes two living and entertaining rooms and a dining room that seats 16. There’s only one bedroom but it’s huge, and the mezzanine level study could be utilised as a guest room. Via JamesEdition.
11. Crown Pigeon Island & Cays, Eleuthera, Bahamas, $39.5m (£31.47m)
You get an entire private island for your money here. Photo: Bahamas Sotherby's International Realty
Living on a private sun-kissed island might be the closest you’ll get to paradise on earth. This 11 acre tropical oasis is lapped by the clear blue waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and a short distance by boat from Harbour Island, famed for its long pink sandy beach.
Relaxation's guaranteed in this sumtuous Mallorcan retreat. Photo: Knight Frank
Set on a peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean sea, this exclusive estate comprises four buildings with a total of 15 bedrooms, multiple indoor and outdoor relaxing and entertaining spaces, a swimming pool and bar. The main rooms enjoy spectacular sea views. Contact Knight Frank.
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