Five Unusual Property Listings for Buyers Seeking Something Different

Property listings rarely stay under the radar for long, particularly when they combine historic architecture, striking design and unique settings. For this week’s article, we have sourced five unusual property listings courtesy of Rightmove for buyers seeking something a little different, including a converted smock mill in West Sussex, a riverside Norfolk Broads mill with its own mooring plot, a triplex penthouse within the former water tower of St Pancras Chambers, a Dutch barge moored in Hammersmith and a converted Victorian school building in Brixton. Join us as we take a look inside five out-of-the-ordinary property listings.

4-bedroom windmill, West Chiltington, West Sussex – £1.6m

This Grade II-listed smock mill in West Chiltington dates back to the early 1800s and was converted into a residence in 1927 after operating as a working mill until 1921. The four-bedroom property extends to more than 2,300 sq. ft, with three bedrooms positioned within the windmill itself, including two en-suite rooms, while a fourth octagonal bedroom sits within a later extension. The property also includes a vaulted dining room with bifold doors opening onto the garden alongside a modern kitchen and utility room.

The current owners carried out extensive refurbishment works between 2014 and 2020, including the installation of underfloor heating, an air source heat pump, solar panels, updated electrics and new bathrooms, with further external works completed in 2023. Set within secluded walled gardens, the property also includes a car barn, former stables, a vegetable garden and countryside views from the upper floors and balcony. West Chiltington is located close to Storrington and Pulborough station, which provides direct rail services to London and Gatwick.

3-bedroom converted mill with rental potential, Martham, Norfolk – £495,000

Set in a secluded riverside position within the Norfolk Broads, this Grade II-listed converted mill includes a private mooring plot, slipway and a freehold parking space located around 400 metres away (direct access to the property is provided via river and footpath). Believed to date back to 1908, the property was converted into holiday accommodation during the 1950s or 1960s and is currently operated as a holiday let. The current owner, only the third since conversion, replaced the mill cap in 2021 and added a new kitchen during their ownership.

Arranged across four floors, the property includes living accommodation within the original circular structure, with additional space inside the boat-shaped cap where an external gallery overlooks the River Thurne and the surrounding countryside. The sale also includes a substantial leasehold mooring dock measuring 45ft by 14ft, with access to the wider Broads network via Potter Heigham Bridge. The listing states the property has full residential status and is offered with no onward chain.

Penthouse apartment, St Pancras Chambers, King’s Cross, London – offers over £7.5m

Occupying the principal penthouse position within the Grade I-listed St Pancras Chambers, this triplex apartment extends to almost 6,000 sq. ft across three levels in the heart of King’s Cross. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1873, the Gothic Revival building forms part of the wider St Pancras station complex and remains one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. The leasehold property includes three bedrooms, five bathrooms and a series of entertaining spaces positioned within the former hotel water tower.

One of the property’s defining features is the main reception room, where exposed Victorian beams frame a large open-plan entertaining area incorporating dining, music, games and lounge spaces alongside a substantial fitted bar. Residents also have access to a 24-hour concierge, spa, gym facilities and two allocated parking spaces. Positioned above St Pancras International, the property offers direct access to Eurostar services and six London Underground lines from King’s Cross St Pancras station.

3-bedroom Dutch barge, Hammersmith, London – £600,000

Moored at Dove Pier in Hammersmith, this converted Dutch barge provides approximately 1,380 sq. ft of living space across a three-bedroom layout, alongside an additional bunkbed crew cabin. The vessel includes two en-suite shower rooms, a separate bathroom and a wheelhouse with seating areas overlooking the Thames. According to the listing, the barge was surveyed in November 2024 and remains fully operational.

The residential mooring is offered on a new one-year licence with annual mooring charges of approximately £19,375, alongside a service charge covering water, sewage, pier lighting and security. Dove Pier is a gated riverside development within walking distance of Hammersmith’s restaurants, cafés and transport connections, including Underground services and the A4. Parking is also available.

Plant-filled, 2-bedroom converted school house, Brixton, London – £2.1m

Part of a Grade II-listed former school building in Brixton, this two-bedroom property extends to more than 2,200 sq. ft across predominantly open-plan interiors. Originally constructed in 1853 to designs by architect Benjamin Ferrey, the building was later converted into residential accommodation after the school closed in the 1970s. The property includes triple-height living areas, original fireplaces, underfloor heating, a roof terrace and a separate garden studio currently used as a workspace.

The house also features a private courtyard designed by Thomas Rapley, offering access to landscaped communal gardens and a gated car park. Located a short walk from Brixton station and Brixton Village, the shared freehold property sits close to a range of restaurants, cultural venues and green spaces including Brockwell Park. The listing states there are approximately 990 years remaining on the lease, with an annual service charge of around £3,100.

Which one of today’s out-of-the-ordinary properties appeals to you?