Dare to dream – from a baronial castle to a high-end modern waterside house, Amy McPherson compiles the most glamorous homes on the market  

Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk – £2,250,000

Varaness, Cley next the Sea, Norfolk – Bedfords

Set in a picturesque coastal village, this four-bedroom home combines classical character with contemporary fittings, including an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, as well as bleached oak herringbone floors. A rear garden is enclosed by willow fencing and a brick and flint wall. Bedfords (01328 730500, bedfords.co.uk).

St Austell, Cornwall – £1,350,000

Wickets, St. Austell, Cornwall – Jackson Stops

This modern house with four en suite double bedrooms enjoys far-reaching countryside views and glimpses of the sea towards Nare Head and the Roseland Peninsula. An outstanding open-plan kitchen, dining and family space with a vaulted glazed roof and bi-fold doors opens onto gardens and grounds, where outbuildings and a charming holiday let shepherd’s hut
offer potential for generating income. Jackson-Stops Cornwall (01872 261160, jackson-stops.co.uk).

Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute – Offers over £9,000,000

Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute – Offers over £9,000,000

Fancy living in and managing a 19th-century castle? Glengorm is a Scottish baronial estate with sweeping sea views towards the Outer Hebrides. Think classic luxury, blending historic grandeur with modern comfort. The estate includes the Glengorm Coffee Shop and Gallery, holiday lets and long-term rental properties, along with a working farm that breeds pedigree sheep and Highland cattle and has been part of the estate’s heritage for more than 170 years. Savills Edinburgh Rural Agency (0131 247 3720, savills.co.uk).

Porthallow, Cornwall – £1,475,000

Porthallow, Cornwall £1,475,000 – Rohrs & Rowe

Tucked in a secluded spot just a short walk from the coast and the hamlet of Porthallow on the Lizard Peninsula, this elegant four-bedroom farmhouse has been extended and improved while keeping many of its original Georgian features. It comes with three holiday lets and has further potential for development. Rohrs & Rowe (01872 306360, rohrsandrowe.co.uk).

Christchurch, Dorset  – £7,995,000

Christchurch, Dorset £7,995,000 – Knight Frank

A stunning waterfront location is central to the appeal of this luxurious five-bedroom home – generous living spaces with full-height glazing open onto terraces and landscaped gardens with uninterrupted views of Mudeford Harbour, the Needles and Studland. With high-end interiors, energy-efficient design and a gym and sauna, it’s ideal for year-round living and entertaining. Direct access to a private pontoon and moorings make it a dream for those who love boating and water sports. Knight Frank (020 7861 1717, knightfrank.co.uk).

Near Rock, Cornwall – £2,850,000

Near Rock, Cornwall £2,850,000 – John Bray

Hidden in the peaceful grounds of Cant Farm, The Old Granary is a six-bedroom converted barn. Draped in wisteria, it overlooks the Camel Estuary and countryside beyond, and a footpath leads to the water’s edge. Inside, vaulted ceilings and beams blend character with a relaxed, airy feel. John Bray Estates (01208 862601, johnbrayestates.co.uk).

Dartmouth, Devon – £5,500,000

Dartmouth, Devon £5,500,000 – Knight Frank

Meticulously renovated in 2015, this seven-bedroom family home blends modern comforts and period character. It boasts an intriguing history, and now offers exceptional waterfront living, views across the River Dart and out to sea, and direct access to a boathouse, private jetty and running mooring. Knight Frank (01392 848842, knightfrank.co.uk).

Port Isaac, Cornwall – Guide price £2,250,000

Port Issac Cornwall - John Bray (3)
Port Isaac, Cornwall – Guide price £2,250,000 – John Bray

Grade II-listed four-bedroom Northcliffe sits in an elevated position, with commanding sea and harbour views from its main rooms and beautifully landscaped terraced garden. The property has undergone meticulous renovation, blending heritage with clean, modern lines to create an exceptional home on the Cornish coast. John Bray Estates (01208 862601, johnbrayestates.co.uk).

Maenporth, Cornwall – Guide price £1,300,000

Maenporth, Cornwall – Guide price £1,300,000 – Jackson Stops

Perched above Maenporth Beach, Avalon is a beautiful four-bedroom coastal retreat offering spectacular sea views and effortless indoor-outdoor living. Light-filled interiors are arranged over three floors and outside are landscaped gardens, with sun-soaked terraces and direct beach access. It’s also within easy reach of Falmouth’s harbour centre, with its shops, restaurants, cafés and vibrant arts and culture. Jackson-Stops Cornwall (01872 261160, jackson-stops.co.uk).

Cowes, Isle of Wight – Guide price £1,690,000

Cowes, Isle of Wight – Guide price £1,690,000 – Spence Willard

This three-bedroom penthouse apartment is positioned in a prime waterfront location with an unrivalled outlook over The Solent. Occupying the entire top floor of the prestigious Gloster building, it benefits from a superb wraparound terrace, with panoramic views that include the harbour entrance and sea beyond, along with the Royal Yacht Squadron club. It’s also close to a wide array of shops, bars and restaurants, and the Red Jet ferry service. Spence Willard (01983 200880, spencewillard.co.uk).

Wirral, Merseyside – Offers over £1,900,000

Wirral, Merseyside – Offers over £1,900,000 – Savills

This outstanding five-bedroom property has been renovated to create a comfortable and stylish family home, within easy reach of Hoylake Beach. It enjoys impressive views of the Welsh Mountains, Dee Estuary and Royal Liverpool Golf Course, which may be accessed through the garden gate if you’re a member of the club. Savills (01244 323232, Savills.com).

Bridport, Dorset – £3,000,000

Bridport, Dorset – £3,000,000 – Knight Frank

This five-bedroom Victorian house sits on the Jurassic Coast, with views from Golden Cap to the Isle of Portland, and direct access to the beach and the South West Coast Path. With scope for further development, it would make an ideal family home. Knight Frank (020 7861 1717, knightfrank.co.uk).