Revealed: The Most-Viewed Properties of the Year So Far

Following a summer of record-breaking temperatures and successive heatwaves across much of the UK, a number of property listings have proved just as hot with buyers. Rightmove’s most-viewed homes so far this year show just how varied that interest has been, ranging from a restored Scottish castle and a Greek renovation project to a Victorian villa and a detached property set within two acres of Lincolnshire countryside. Here are the five listings that have attracted the most attention so far this year, and the features that may have helped drive buyer interest.

4/5-bedroom property with cinema room and two acres, Bratoft, Lincolnshire – Offers in excess of £535,000

In the Lincolnshire hamlet of Bratoft, this detached property occupies around two acres and is arranged over three levels. It includes five bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area. The principal bedroom has an en-suite, while the remaining accommodation includes a family bathroom and flexible living space.

The lower ground floor features a cinema room, an office that can also be used as a fifth bedroom, a WC and a garage/workshop with further potential for hobby or gym use. Outside, the property includes a gravel driveway, gardens, patio areas, several outbuildings and land extending to around two acres. The listing also notes potential for development or business use, subject to obtaining the necessary planning permissions.

12-bedroom Grade II Gothic mansion with two lodges and former gymnasium, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne – Guide Price £20 million

Rightmove’s third most-viewed property, Jesmond Towers, sits within just under six acres in Newcastle’s Jesmond Dene Conservation Area. The Grade II* listed Gothic mansion dates back to the early 19th century. The estate includes the main house, two detached lodges and a former gymnasium, which was damaged by fire in 2021 and is identified in the listing as having redevelopment potential, subject to the necessary consents.

The 12-bedroom main residence extends across four floors and includes eight bathrooms, reception rooms, a cinema, games room, wine cellar and staff accommodation. Extensive refurbishment has preserved many of its historic features, including a Clifford Chapman staircase, and the landscaped grounds back onto Jesmond Dene.

8-bedroom Victorian detached property with coach house and hot tub terrace, Manchester – Offers Over £1,444,000

Built in 1885, this detached Victorian villa extends to almost 5,000 sq. ft across four floors and is located close to Alexandra Park, around 10 minutes from Manchester city centre. The property includes eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, several reception rooms, a cinema room and a detached coach house with its own kitchen, shower room and mezzanine sleeping area.

The current owner has restored the property over the past decade while retaining a number of its period features. One of the upper-floor bedrooms includes a roll-top bath, while outside the landscaped gardens feature a separate hot tub terrace. The lower ground floor also provides additional storage and guest accommodation.

2-bedroom renovated stone property with sea views, Corfu, Greece – €530,000

This two-bedroom stone property in the village of Kokkini, Corfu, was renovated for the BBC One series Amanda & Alan’s Greek Job. The restoration retained a number of original features, including stone flooring and exposed timber beams, while introducing a new country-style kitchen and updated living accommodation.

At 145 sq. m, the property has two double bedrooms, both with sea views, and a bathroom featuring a circular built-in bath. Outside, the landscaped garden surrounds the house, while the location provides access to nearby Agios Stefanos and Kassiopi. The listing also notes that proceeds from the sale will be shared equally between Comic Relief and BBC Children in Need.

6-bedroom restored 15th-century castle with views across the Firth of Clyde, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire – Offers Over £900,000

Dating back to 1467, Law Castle is a restored medieval tower house overlooking the Firth of Clyde from Law Hill in North Ayrshire. Built as a wedding gift for Princess Mary Stuart, daughter of King James II of Scotland, the castle later served as a law court before falling into disrepair and undergoing a restoration completed in 2005.

The accommodation extends across five main floors and includes six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a Great Hall, library, kitchen, study and attic space. Original features, including the spiral stone staircase, vaulted rooms and roof parapet, have been retained, while modern facilities have been incorporated throughout the property. The elevated position also provides views towards the Isle of Arran.