Most Bizarre Places to Live in The UK

The UK is full of weird and wonderful locations as well as unusual architecture. From historical points of interest through to incredible renovations, there are some rather unique properties that some people have come to call home. The Property Buying Company has pulled together a list of the ones we think should make the Top 10 list in the most bizarre places to live in the UK stakes.

Scott Hall Farm – M62

The house, which is right in the middle of the M-62, was rumoured to be the outcome of a dispute between the former owner, Ken Wild, and the planners of the motorway. It is said that he refused to give up his land to them and, as a consequence, they had to build around his farm. In reality, the land is too steep to build on so it’s actually a geological quirk that’s lead to this being one of the most bizarre places to live in the UK. The farm is now part of Yorkshire Water’s ‘Beyond Nature’ initiative to support the land, water and wildlife surrounding it.

Alex Michaelis’ House – Shepherd’s Bush

Alex Michaelis, the internationally-acclaimed architect, is known for bringing elegant simplicity and homely comfort to unusual spaces through projects such as Byron Burgers and the Groucho Club. When it comes to his own home, therefore, you’d expect something out of the ordinary. His circular house definitely doesn’t disappoint. There’s a pool with overhanging kinetic sculpture, a slide running down the side of the staircase and a fireman’s pole to really bring out your inner child.

19^th Century Windmill – Swaffham Prior, Cambridge

The last working in the 1920s, this windmill was recently on the market with a guide price of a whopping £675,000. Having undergone lots of renovations, whilst maintaining its unique structure and traditional features, the windmill now features three lozenge-shaped pods which really bring it into the 21^st century. The pods open up space, giving it a fully open-plan feel and panoramic views of the incredible Cambridge countryside nearby.

Converted Water Tower – Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Now a luxury 6-bed home, this 1930s concrete water tower, designed by a German architect is known as “Kenilworth’s second castle” by locals. The original spiral staircase at the centre of the tower, depth gauges and exposed stonework sit side-by-side with modern fixtures and fittings, a gym and spacious roof terrace.

The ‘Sunken Palace’ – Wraysbury

This property is really out there. The owner had a passion for Venetian architecture and decided to turn this passion into a labour of love by transforming his modest bungalow into a palace over a period of 30 years. Featuring Renaissance frescoes, his and her thrones, a gold front door and a moat, the property is now unrecognisable as its former self. You could even be forgiven for mistaking it for an ancient ruin – the owner’s very intention.  Definitely bizarre and utterly unique.

Toddalong Roundhouse AKA ‘The Hobbit House’ – St Mabyn, Cornwall

Though hobbit-sized from the outside, the inside is surprisingly spacious at this Cornish property. A mezzanine sleeping area, log burner and children’s ‘snug’ are all nestled under a grass roof – everything you’d need for a family holiday. Described as one of the quirkiest places to stay in Cornwall, the magical getaway is listed on Airbnb and is always booked up in advance. Close to the Cornish coastline, visitors are only a stone’s throw away from beautiful bays and glorious cliff walks.

‘Swiss Chalet’ – Banks of The River Thames

Situated next to Hampton Court Palace, this property is extremely regal. The 24-carat bathroom, Koi Carp pond and 70ft man-made beach, complete with 40 tonnes of sand and underfloor heating is utterly unbelievable unless you saw it for yourself. The building itself arrived in the UK in three pieces from Switzerland in 1882 before falling into disrepair. Nearly £5m has been spent on it in recent years, creating the twinkling, Swarovski-embellished palace it is today.

Cemetery Gates Cottage – Edinburgh

Often referred to as ‘the upside-down house’, this cute little cottage has bedrooms on the ground floor and a living room and bespoke kitchen upstairs. The fabulous views of Edinburgh castle from the living room are the reason behind the unusual layout. Set in the grounds of St Cuthbert’s church, the cottage was originally a lookout point from which to spot grave robbers. The garden wall is entirely made up of gravestones from the grounds and date back to the early 1800s. A little bit creepy, but utterly fascinating if you like that sort of thing.

The Old Nick – Belper, Derbyshire

Derbyshire’s first police headquarters, this grade II listed property was built in 1848. The property has retained some original features, despite now being a cosy family home. The former cell is an entertainment room with the original stone walls off-setting a built-in bar area. The family study features an original prison door and the wall-flowered courtyard garden hides what was the inmate’s former exercise yard.

The ‘Wee House’ – Clerkenwell, London

Tucked between two residential blocks, the perfectly named ‘Wee House’ sits on a triangular plot that tapers to a point at the back, making it only 8ft at its widest point. Builders had to abseil in order to gain access to certain parts of the property at the back because there was no alternative. Although it’s small, the current owner has utilised every inch of space by incorporating clever storage solutions. Surprisingly enough, the property includes two bedrooms, two wet rooms, a den and a plant room, plus a fitted kitchen on the ground floor. Not great for those with a fear of enclosed spaces, but cleverly designed, the Wee House has got to be one of the most bizarre places anyone would choose to live.