Who wants to be a millionaire? We all do! But what does a million pounds actually buy you in the current market?
1. Kensington, London
Of course, a million pounds in prime central London is a very different matter from a million pounds in outer London, or anywhere else in the country for that matter. In desirable Kensington, for example, £1m will certainly buy you something, but square footage is likely to be limited. This apartment in Gloucester Road, W8, for instance, is very well presented in calming shades of cream, and its location is undeniably excellent, but at £1.075m it only has one bedroom and measures just over 650 square feet. It does have access to a lovely communal garden, however, and the lease is a healthy 147 years. It’s for sale with Winkworth Kensington; 020 7727 1500.
2. Kensal Rise, London
Roughly two miles north of Gloucester Road, Winkworth Kensal Rise and Queens Park, 020 8960 4947, has just sold this four bedroom house in Nightingale Road NW10, marketed at £999,950. It’s stylishly finished, with three bathrooms, two receptions and a large south-facing garden. The loft has been converted into a large master bedroom and there’s potential to extend further on the ground floor too, though at just over 1800 square feet, this is already a good-sized house.
3. Canterbury, Kent
It’s easy to see why Londoners leave the city when you begin to compare what that million pounds can buy elsewhere. Just outside Canterbury in the sought-after hamlet of Patrixbourne, this five bedroom cottage not only has lots of charm but also offers almost 2500 square feet of attractive living space. Dating back to the 17th century, the Grade II house is full of original features such as beams, large fireplaces and traditional tiles. It’s for sale with Winkworth Canterbury 01227 456645 for £995,000, even giving you change from your million.
4. Wimborne, Dorset
For the same budget in Dorset, this intriguing Grade II listed former water mill just outside Wimborne has its origins in the 11th century and now functions as a waterside self-catering business. With six bedrooms and over 6000 square feet of accommodation, it has idyllic grounds of almost half an acre as well as the original water wheel, and access to a tributary of the River Stour. It’s for sale for 999,950 with Winkworth Poole 01202 733000.
5. Norwich, Norfolk
Also steeped in history is this similarly priced house in Norwich. Dating back to the mid-1800s, it has six bedrooms and three receptions, spread across three floors, with impressive views across the city centre. The spacious house is surrounded by its own extensive grounds and has a double garage, an outbuilding and an intriguing secret garden lodge too. It is on the books at Winkworth Eaton 01603 324466.
6. Bath, Somerset
In Bath, this four bedroom townhouse in Clarendon Villas has an asking price of exactly £1 million with Winkworth Bath 01225 829 000. Located just above the city, within a few minutes’ walk of Bath Spa station, it’s a spacious family home with four bedrooms and attractive period features as well as a lawned rear garden.
So, clearly a million pounds is an undeniably healthy budget for anywhere in the country and will buy you a desirable and spacious home – unless you’re looking in London, where it will certainly buy you a desirable home, though perhaps not quite so spacious.