From a glitzy footballer's mansion to a fairytale Scottish castle, discover which property attracted the most attention from house-hunters this year...
When it comes to house listings, we'll admit it, we're nosey. While many of us can't stretch to our own country pile or an extravagant Essex estate, there's no harm in looking.
It comes as little surprise then that the top five most-viewed properties on Rightmove this year are anything but ordinary.
READ MORE: Could you be in line to inherit a Scottish estate?
Rightmove’s property expert Miles Shipside agrees: “Each Christmas I’m always curious to see which homes have sparked the most interest across Great Britain throughout the year and suffice to say the properties with the biggest personalities or quirkiest features are usually the most popular.”
Here are the top five listings that captured the public’s imagination this year...
5. Canonteign Manor, Devon: £3,950,000
In fifth place is this 400-year-old manor house, which looks every inch the backdrop to a period drama. Nestled in the idyllic Devonshire village of Christow, the 10-bedroom property wears its history on its sleeve.
Used as a garrison during the English Civil War, the exterior retains much of its 17th-century splendour, including beautiful mullioned windows and stunning original brickwork, while inside, the dining room with its stone floors and intricate wood panelling would put Downton Abbey to shame.
However, it's much more than a perfectly preserved time capsule as the property has been thoroughly updated for modern living, with state-of-the-art appliances, a steam room and sauna. Also featuring an outdoor pool and 10 acres of grounds, this palatial property was made for summer garden parties.
Fallen for this historic home? It's still on the market with Fine & Country for £3,950,000.
Photos: Fine & Country/Rightmove
4. Overdale, Cheshire: £3,950,000
Known as Overdale, this smart Arts and Crafts property is the last word in luxury, having undergone a stunning contemporary makeover. Plus, with seven sizeable bedrooms, there's no shortage of space to host friends and family.
Set across three floors, there's a wealth of standout features on offer, from the top-of-the-range David Lisle kitchen to the games room and cinema, not to mention the expansive one-acre garden with views over the Cheshire countryside.
Our favourite space, however, has to be the breathtaking indoor pool, which is overlooked by a glass-fronted mezzanine gym. Talk about wow-factor!
Sold? Listed with Gascoigne Halman, Overdale can be yours for £3,950,000.
Photos: Gascoigne Halman/Rightmove
3. Plush penthouse, Manchester: £3,500,000
This stylish triplex apartment is set across the top three floors of Beetham Tower, one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Encompassing a vast 4,950 square feet of accommodation, it’s a masterclass in sleek city living, from the polished marble flooring to the home cinema and sunroom. Located in the middle of bustling Deansgate, the family-sized property couldn't be closer to the action either.
With swathes of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Manchester, it’s definitely a dwelling for those with a head for heights. Just imagine waking up to that incredible skyline!
In the market for a city pad? The triplex is currently on the market with Rendall & Rittner for £3,500,000.
Photos: Rendall & Rittner/Rightmove
2. Glenborrodale Castle, Argyll:£3,750,000
The second-most viewed property of 2019 is this A-listed fairytale Scots Baronial-style castle in the Highlands.
Set amid 133 acres overlooking scenic Loch Sunart and the isles of Carna and Oronsay, the sprawling grounds encompass walled gardens, a boathouse and a jetty, plus a Coach House and Gate Lodge.
Inside, the Edwardian property doesn't disappoint. The characterful living spaces have no end of period features, from grand stone archways to ornate coffered ceilings, while the commercial kitchen offers a potential extra stream of income for a business-savvy buyer.
Elsewhere, the 16 romantic bedroom suites, complete with elegant wood-panelled bay windows, offer comfortable and charming accommodation.
This regal residence is still on the market with Bell Ingram for £3,750,000.
Photos: Bell Ingram/Rightmove
1. Opulent mansion, Essex: £5,000,000
Officially the most viewed house of 2019 on Rightmove, this nine-bed detached gated property in the Essex heartlands offers a breathtaking 8,000 square feet of accommodation and an acre of landscaped grounds.
Currently owned by premiership footballer Andy Carroll and his partner, former The Only Way is Essex star Billi Mucklow, the high-spec home has every luxury you would expect from a celeb pad.
Framed by a tree-lined driveway, the grand home on Chigwell's millionaire's row offers a games room complete with a bar, a full-sized football pitch, opulent cinema room, swimming pool and tennis court, plus a vast state-of-the-art kitchen/diner that's perfect for a family.
It might not be to everyone's tastes, but when it comes to glamour, this mega-mansion tops the charts. With its luxe interior and celebrity connections, it's no surprise that it sparked the most interest with Rightmove house-hunters this year.
It's not too late to snap up this mega-mansion – it's currently on the market with John Thoma for just shy of £5,000,000.
Photos: John Thoma/Rightmove
Loved this? Discover the UK's best and worst value places to live