It's hard to believe that this round house, which lies in the middle of Portsmouth Harbour, could actually be inhabited. The Napoleonic island fortress is one of three that were designed in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth from French naval attacks. Formed mainly from granite, brick and stone, the forts have upper walls lined with a thick armour plating that was designed to withstand high explosive rounds. Construction took 15 years, by which time the threat of enemy attack had passed.

The forts were utilised during World War I and II, but after that, they were decommissioned and eventually sold. According to the forts’ website, Spitbank was purchased in the 1980s and converted into a museum. Then, in 2009, it was placed on the market for £1 million and bought by businessman Mike Clare, who transformed it into a luxury hotel. The project took three years and cost Clare £4 million, according to The Evening Standard.

The fort can only be reached by boat and has a landing stage that's accessible at all times, no matter whether the tide is high or low. A hoist can raise small boats out of the water and lift supplies on board, too. Plus, the fort is fully self-contained with its own private water source, marine generators and even a sewage treatment plant. This means the lucky buyer could create themselves a pandemic-proof home. As for inside space, some benefit from incredible vault-like brick walls and ceilings, like this sprawling living area.

As for rooms, there’s an entrance hall, a dining room, a sitting room, a commercial kitchen, a bar, a games room, a wine cellar, three anterooms (one with original wash basins from Napoleonic times) and nine ensuite bedrooms, plus staff accommodation. All the rooms retain original features, too, such as the metal tracking for the cannons and iron hooks for hammocks. There’s even an amazing waterfront deck, complete with a hot tub, sauna, firepit and, of course, spectacular 360-degree views. Fallen in love? Spitbank Fort is for sale right now at the cut price of £2.5 million!

Read on for more remarkable UK homes for sale right now...

Homes come in all shapes and sizes, but some truly colour outside the lines. From an all-glass house built on the edge of one of the world's most famous cemeteries to a converted fort floating in the middle of Portsmouth Harbour, these are the most remarkable homes for sale in the UK right now. Click or scroll on to uncover the strangest and most spectacular real estate in Britain...

This budget-friendly tiny home is currently positioned in the East Suffolk village of Linstead, but it's ready and waiting to be transported to a new location. For sale with Musker McIntyre for just £67,500, it's affordable, stylish and entirely one-of-a-kind. Let's head inside...

This modern shepherd's hut might be cheap, but it's also fairly compact. Measuring just 298 square feet, it benefits from an open-plan living room and kitchen, a single bedroom and a zinc-lined wet room with a shower, toilet and sink. However, thanks to its chic Scandi colour palette, high ceiling and ample glazing elements, the interior doesn't feel remotely cramped.

The unique build project was undertaken by Thomas Alabaster, who built the tiny home from the ground up. He chose galvanised steel for the exterior and louvres have been placed above the main central skylight to provide shade and an interesting architectural feature. Modern and minimalist, the new owner may wish to add a few new fixtures to the interior. The kitchen, for example, is fairly basic and could do with some extra storage and worktop space.

Thanks to its timber frame, high-performing Celotex insulation and high-end glass, the property is well-insulated and cosy. So, if you've got a piece of land to put it on, then this small but beautiful tiny home could soon be yours. 

If you know anything about the UK property market then it's likely you're aware that you can't get very much for £215,000 in the capital. That is, however, unless you're happy to live on water, in less than 400 square feet of space! This floating house is moored at Poplar Marina, within close walking distance of Canary Wharf, London's glitzy financial district.

Part of a unique floating housing community known as The Water Lodges, the residence measures just 344 square feet – which is less than the average tiny house. However, thanks to its light colour palette and ample glazed panels, the interior feels bright and airy, which means the buyer shouldn't feel too claustrophobic. 

The unique tiny home can be accessed via a dock-side terrace, with double doors that open into the compact living room, which has a dining space and this petite kitchen – we're not sure there's enough room here to whip up a meal. The space flows through to a single bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which could be used as a home office. 

Modern and light-filled, the interior features plenty of lovely touches, like tiny port-hole windows and glossy timber floors. Plus, from every space the owner could soak up idyllic harbour views. However, there is a catch when it comes to this seemingly cheap property. The Water Lodges come with a 50-year mooring rights option at Poplar Marina, but the annual mooring fees are £15,000, including council tax and use of on-site communal facilities. That equates to about £1,250 a month!

If you're on the hunt for a rural home with ample architectural interest, then how about this compact mid-century modern time capsule? Known as Orrock, the charming period property is located minutes away from the idyllic sandy beaches of Balmedie in Aberdeenshire, and is surrounded by nothing but rolling fields.

From the outside, the house is defined by a striking butterfly roof, an exposed stone accent wall and swathes of windows. A front balcony leads to the 2,100-square-foot interior, where you'll find a hallway, a living room, kitchen, dining zone, four beautifully proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom, all of which are overflowing with character.

A true time capsule, it looks like the mid-century home hasn't been touched since it was finished sometime in the 1950s. The lounge is perhaps the property's most impressive space, thanks to its stone-clad open fireplace and marble hearth. The room's built-in shelving, vintage glassware, timber ceiling and slate floor add to its charms.

As if frozen in time, every room is filled with amazing vintage details, such as rough stone walls, full-height fireplaces, original built-ins that act as room dividers, expanses of glass, and, of course, plenty of Formica surfaces. We love the home's cool, retro kitchen, with its old-school turquoise cabinets, brick walls and vintage jelly moulds proudly on display. Plus, the family bathroom boasts an amazing mosaic floor, green tiles and a bright pink suite. Got £450,000 in the bank? Then this house could soon be yours.

Another amazing historic home is this converted Wesleyan chapel in the stunning village of Barford St Martin, Wiltshire. Listed with Unique Property Company for £525,000, the imposing property has bags of kerb appeal and one seriously stunning interior. 

Although we don't know exactly when the chapel was constructed, we do know that the first John Wesley Chapel was built in Bristol in 1739 and many more followed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. From its warm, red brick façade to its ornate stained-glass windows, the Wesleyans certainly knew how to create a striking space for worship – and luckily, many of the building's original features have been lovingly retained.

Inside, the historic church benefits from tongue and groove panelling, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick accents, huge arched windows and wood-burning stoves. There's a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a book-lined study that would make a lovely home office.

The chapel also features a modernist twist, in the form of a mid-century, polished wood staircase. It leads to the open-plan, vaulted reception room, which is undoubtedly the finest space in the house. The master bedroom is also lovely, thanks to its generous ceiling and pretty windows. There’s also a nice garden outside with a lawn and a sun-soaked patio.

Upon first glance, you might think that this classic Victorian terrace house in southeast London is just like all the others on the street – but you'd be very wrong. The pretty period property can be found in Abbey Wood Village, close to a mainline train station and the newly opened Elizabeth Line. 

While the exterior has plenty of historic charm, the interior is spacious and filled with natural light, thanks to large sash windows and high ceilings. There are two reception rooms, a large kitchen with newly fitted units, three bedrooms and a single-family bathroom. There are plenty of lovely period elements throughout, too, such as fireplaces and ceiling roses. However, the home's interior really isn't what makes it remarkable...

That's right, head into the backyard and you'll find something extremely unexpected – a miniature castle! Nestled at the bottom of the garden, the stone structure is completely out of place but certainly adds a unique selling point to the otherwise ordinary residence.

Up close, you can see the craftsmanship that clearly went into constructing the tiny castle. From its rough stonework, which appears hand-chiselled, to its bespoke stained-glass windows and faux battlements, whoever made the structure thought about every detail. Sadly, we don't know when the castle was built, or why, but we do know we're absolutely obsessed! If you'd like to snap up this one-of-a-kind residence, it's for sale via John Payne for £550,000.

Located in the market town of Spalding, Lincolnshire, this grand building is an extraordinary property opportunity. Now a stunning family home, it started life very differently, as a magistrates' court and police station. Designed and built in 1842 by architect Charles Kirk and prestigious local builders Booth and Walker, this is where local criminals would have been held and tried. The police station was added in 1852 and in 2016, both buildings were converted and renamed Sessions House.

From the outside, the Grade II-listed structure appears almost untouched, with its gothic, castle-like elements adding plenty of kerb appeal. However, the interior is a mix of old and new, with plenty of original features left intact. Stretching out over 10,628 square feet, there's a bright entrance hall, a modern kitchen, a snug lounge and this striking dining room, which boasts a gorgeous timber barrel ceiling, a large stone fireplace and dramatic, church-like windows.

Amazingly, the home's bedrooms all lie on the lower level, in what used to be police interview rooms and holding cells – in fact, the glass peepholes and visitor booths are still in place. There’s also a bar, a photography room and a dressing area, since the property has been used for weddings over the years – the building’s beautiful courtyard and gilded staircase are fantastic for photos. Yet the home's most interesting feature can be found elsewhere...

That’s right, the original 180-year-old courthouse and magistrates’ room has been left in its authentic condition. From wooden panelling to the soaring beamed ceiling and court seating, the space looks entirely untouched. The original magistrates’ chair, desk and gavel also remain intact. So, if you're keen to snap up this incredible property for yourself, it's for sale via Unique Property Company for £1 million.

Named the UK's Best Sustainable Home by the Daily Telegraph, The Garden House can be found in the market town of Southwell, Nottinghamshire, and was designed by the current owners, Allan Joyce, an award-winning architect, and his wife Anna, a landscape designer. Described by listing agents, Gascoines, as "a masterpiece of thoughtful and efficient design", the gorgeous modern home is a juxtaposition of old and new, blurring the lines between inside and out.

The self-built home sits inside a walled vegetable garden on the grounds of Westhorpe Hall – a historic Georgian manor house. The garden dates back to the 1790s and, while the house itself is very modern, it blends in beautifully thanks to the use of exterior brickwork and glass walls inspired by historic greenhouses. Developed from scratch over 20 years, the garden features a sunken lawn, a wild meadow and a large vegetable plot.

Head inside and the 4,000-square-foot residence is light, bright and contemporary, with open rooms that look out over the garden. With generous ceilings, a simple colour scheme and a free-flowing layout, the property is laid out over three floors with the main living areas located on the ground floor, five bedrooms and a study positioned on the lower ground floor, plus a workshop and studio situated on the first floor.

There are plenty of amazing, one-of-a-kind features throughout, too, including a quirky staircase disguised as a wine rack and a four-poster bed formed from old tree trunks. There’s also a roof garden where you can enjoy idyllic views over the garden. Built with the environment in mind, the ultra-sustainable property has low running costs and boasts excellent insulation and underfloor heating, which is powered by passive solar. If you'd like to snap the place up, it's for sale with Gascoines for a very reasonable £1.5 million.

Can you guess what this home used to be? Well, we've tricked you somewhat because if you were thinking the property used to be an old, converted keep, you'd be wrong. The country residence, which lies in Fife, Scotland, was actually custom-built in 1998 to mimic the style of the traditional fortified keeps that were built during the Middle Ages by the nobility.

Clearly the former owners of Pirwindy Keep wanted to capture the character and uniqueness of this architectural style. They constructed the faux historic home from concrete block and timber frame, cladding it entirely in stone to give it an aged appearance. There’s an entrance hall with stone flooring, a spacious kitchen with exposed stone accents, a cream AGA range cooker and two Belfast sinks, a sitting room, a family room, a home cinema, a drawing room, six bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

Laid out over two floors, the interior measures 5,343 square feet and is an unusual mix of traditional and highly contemporary. For example, the kitchen is old-fashioned and classic in style, while the master bedroom is a modern oasis. The suite benefits from panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, as well as two separate dressing rooms, an ensuite with a freestanding tub and a dedicated sitting area for relaxing after a long day.

The property sits on almost two acres, equipped with a cobbled driveway, beautiful mature trees and a flagstone terrace that’s ideal for entertaining. There are also numerous lawns, a summerhouse, a garage and an octagonal stone building that could easily be converted into a guest house. All this could be yours for £1.7 million!

You'd be forgiven for thinking this gorgeous property lies in the Alps, however, it's actually located alongside the River Thames in the Hampton Court area of London. Yet there's a reason why it looks a little out of place. The Grade II-listed property was picked up and moved from Switzerland in around 1882 and rebuilt on its current plot. Originally used as a boathouse, The Chalet at Hampton Court was later converted into a stunning family home. Initially for sale for a cool £3.5 million, it has recently had a major price cut down to £2 million.

The Chalet stands proud at 6,012 square feet, features four bedrooms and plenty of living spaces filled with unusual features. Every room comes with canary yellow windows and sliding double doors adorned with Swarovski crystals, while the Italian-designed kitchen has five Gaggenau fridges, worth thousands. Many of the interior spaces could do with a complete overhaul, but the new owner will no doubt be keen to preserve these striking details.

The unique home also has three opulent bathrooms, one of which offers a pair of freestanding copper bathtubs that reportedly cost £8,600, Italian washbasins that were carved from marble and 24-carat gold, worth almost £17,000 apiece, bespoke Japanese toilets and a central rainfall shower. Even the parquet flooring is made from gold! Yet this bathroom isn't the property's only surprising space...

That's right, this unique home comes kitted out with its very own indoor beach – just in case its private River Thames frontage and moorings weren't enough! The space contains 40 tonnes of sand and benefits from underfloor heating, a stage, palm trees and bespoke wine racks, while nautical murals adorn the walls. There's also a Japanese water garden complete with koi carp and a bridge decorated with samurai swords. How's that for one-of-a-kind?

Over in rural Buckinghamshire, you'll find a Grade II-listed fairytale castle with 60-foot castellated walls, battlements and even arrow-slit windows. The remarkable property, known as Stowe Castle, dates back to 1741 and is every bit the idyllic English country house. Let's find out more...

The property is nestled on almost two acres of land and stands proud at 4,098 square feet. The mature gardens are surrounded by open countryside and boast formal lawns, an open courtyard and an attractive stone colonnade pergola that leads to a one-bedroom brick guest house. The estate is also home to a paddock, a converted barn and a helipad – making this fly-in home perfect for VIPs in need of a convenient means of escape.

Inside, there’s a large entrance hallway, a drawing room, a formal dining room, a country-style kitchen and a sizeable family room. Upstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms and a large owner’s suite, complete with a dressing room and ensuite bathroom.

The home is cosy and light-filled, and thanks to a recent makeover it now blends modern touches with historic design details. These include segmental arches, large arched doorways finished in solid oak, ornate marble fireplaces, flagstone floors, pretty window seats and decorative cornicing. Design-wise, there are plenty of unique elements – just look at this pretty candy-striped bedroom! If you've fallen in love, then the property is for sale with Knight Frank for £4.5 million.

Would you be willing to spend £7 million on a property that overlooks an old cemetery? Well, this gorgeous glass house sits on the very edge of London's iconic Highgate Cemetery, where the likes of George Michael, Karl Marx and George Eliot were laid to rest.

The ultra-modern home was designed by the celebrated architecture studio Eldridge London and replaced an old steel house that had been designed by architect John Winter. The property was in a bad way, with its steel frame all but deteriorated, so a new property was crafted to take its place. The impressive, four-storey home was constructed from concrete, black granite and, of course, plenty of glass.

Measuring over 4,000 square feet, the property plays host to three reception rooms, including a large, open-plan entertaining room and a kitchen and dining zone with a retractable glass roof. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a glass-walled study and a state-of-the-art cinema room in the basement. Decked out with smart home tech, it has an integrated audio-visual system, central controls for underfloor heating and lighting and a high-end security system.

The heavenly home also boasts numerous exterior balconies. In fact, all the first- and second-floor rooms have terraces, while the ground-floor bedrooms open onto a small, private patio. Of course, almost every space benefits from views over the cemetery below. If you're not turned off, then Knight Frank has all the details you need to make this unusual property your own.

If you fancy being the king or queen of your own castle, then Earlshall could be your dream come true – providing you have the budget for it, that is. Located in the town of Leuchars, close to St Andrews in Fife, the fairytale castle has style and space in abundance, not to mention a rich and fascinating history...

Sir William Bruce, a "gentleman-architect" who's said to have effectively founded classical architecture in Scotland, began building the castle in 1546. He added musket loops and small, strategically placed windows as insurance against future invasions. He named the stately home after the hunting lodge of The Erlishall, which was owned by the Earls of Fife, who were relatives of King Robert de Bruce. Amazingly, Mary Queen of Scots stayed at the castle in 1561, as did King James I.

The 16th-century property spans 8,398 square feet and boasts six reception rooms, 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms. Everywhere you look you’ll spot incredible period features and historic elements that have survived the test of time. For one, Alexander Bruce’s marriage is commemorated on the granite fireplace in the Great Hall, while the painted ceiling in the Long Gallery is a true masterpiece and features the coats of arms of European royalty and Scottish noble families. 

The estate benefits from 53 acres of land, which includes magnificent listed walled gardens that were laid out by Robert Lorimer, three cottages that could be rented out as holiday accommodation, numerous outbuildings ready to be transformed, and a five-car garage for your favourite toys. There's even a bowling green, an orchard, a 125-year-old topiary lawn and what has been called a "secret garden". On the market with Savills for a cool £8 million, Earlshall Castle doesn't come cheap – but you get what you pay for!

If you have a bulging bank account, then this incredible abandoned mansion could be within your reach. Positioned on a private road in north London that has been nicknamed Millionaire’s Row, the rundown property is up for grabs via Bargets for an eye-watering £22.5 million.

Considered to be one of Britain’s most expensive streets, Compton Avenue is a private cul-de-sac that lies moments away from Hampstead Heath. It benefits from barrier-controlled access and 24-hour security, and the average property price on the street is north of £10 million. Behind this gate lies the crumbling mansion, making it an amazing opportunity for one wealthy (and extremely lucky) buyer.

Sadly there are no interior photos and that's because the existing buildings are in extremely poor condition and are essentially uninhabitable, according to the listing. Therefore, the agent suggests the new buyer knocks the property down and utilises the one-acre lot to build a brand-new home. In fact, planning permission for a new 18,000-square-foot, six-bedroom house has already been granted.

The proposed plans for the modern new home include a large basement with underground parking, as well as leisure facilities such as a cinema, gym and swimming pool. The garden is also home to a separate ancillary building, which could be replaced with a holiday rental, home office studio or anything else of your choosing.

If your budget will stretch, then you could get your hands on this incredible and rare gilded palace in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Located in the quiet village of Denham, on its own 43-acre estate, the majestic property comes with a spectacular interior and a seriously eye-watering price tag of £75 million. Dating back to 1688, Denham Place is considered to be one of Britain's most important country houses, according to Knight Frank. 

Sprawling across 28,525 square feet, the Grade I-listed mansion was built in the classic William and Mary architectural style and recently underwent an extensive restoration which took almost a decade to complete. The project was led by award-winning architect Alexander Kravetz, alongside English Heritage and The Georgian Group to ensure historic accuracy. Like stepping back in time, every single room is overflowing with refined period details, including 16-foot-high painted ceilings, tall sash windows, gilded accents and ornate plasterwork. 

Inside there are 13 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, 12 reception rooms and two kitchens. Yet there’s also plenty of modern additions such as a lift to all floors, underfloor heating, integrated audio-visual systems and air conditioning. Offered fully furnished, the lucky new owner will gain all of the home's antique furniture, paintings and ornamental finishes – crystal chandeliers, anyone? The mansion has had notable former owners too, including the Bonaparte Imperial family, American banker JP Morgan and the co-producer of the James Bond movies, Harry Saltzman.

The stately home comes with plenty of unique extras, including a secret underground speakeasy. The space comes complete with a painted barrel ceiling, a walnut bar and plenty of seating for you and your friends. Plus, the property's seemingly endless gardens were designed by the iconic English landscape architect Capability Brown, which makes this property particularly significant. Elsewhere on the acreage, there's also a Grade II-listed coach house, an estate cottage and ancillary buildings totalling 8,500 square feet.

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