Blue Monday – officially the most depressing day of the year – is approaching. After the excesses of Christmas and the New Year, it’s normal to be feeling at least a little flat and it’s not surprising that many of us are dreaming of elsewhere, of new lives in new places that are more inspiring than surroundings that might be feeling a little drab right now. So here’s a roundup of some homes to dream about.
Who doesn’t want a sea view? This architect-designed contemporary house in Milford On Sea has stunning sea views over Christchurch Bay and floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms make the most of them. Inside, the house is spacious, airy and comfortable with four bedrooms on the ground floor and an impressive open-plan living space on the first floor that’s flooded with natural light. It’s not just about looks either – this is a fully energy-efficient home with a state-of-the-art air source heat pump and a rain harvesting system. Watch the sunset from the balcony and you’ll really be living the dream.
Four bedroom eco home, De La Warr Road, Milford On Sea, Lymington, £1.895m, Winkworth Milford On Sea, 01590 642641.
Are you dreaming of Devon? All those blue skies and semi-tropical fauna make the average urban vista seem unbearably grey in comparison. This house in Churston is described as a bungalow, but it’s a lot more stylish than it sounds. Alongside three bedrooms and a sprawling grassy garden, the lateral space has a light-filled open plan living area with windows on all sides and easy access to the neighbouring golf course, if that’s your thing.
Three bedroom bungalow, Bascombe Road, Churston, Devon, £795,000, Winkworth Torbay, 01803 444595
Or maybe your dream is to restore a 15th century farmhouse and create a new life with some holiday lets in a beautiful period home? This Grade II listed detached farmhouse in the Suffolk countryside is waiting for you. The oak-framed building has six bedrooms and lots of original features as well as three separate barns and three acres of mature gardens. Granted, it’s a large project, but for someone looking for this kind of life change, this could be the dream situation.
Six bedroom detached farmhouse, Bridge Street, Long Melford, Sudbury, £1.5m, Winkworth Long Melford, 01787 326740
Looking to get away from it all? How about a house in the South Downs National Park, with its own b
eautiful mature garden surrounded by acres of beautiful landscape with views over the Downs? Within easy reach of lovely Lewes but also quietly rural, this is a large 16th century Grade II listed house with five bedrooms and lots of period features including leaded windows and an inglenook fireplace – and did we mention the swimming pool?
Five bedroom house, The Street, Rodmell, Lewes, £1.7m Winkworth Lewes, 01273 471471
Moving to Bath is a popular fantasy for Londoners in particular, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a compact and stylish city with lots of shops and restaurants, and the housing stock is beautiful. This pretty townhouse has lots of kerb appeal, while views from the back of the house stretch over beautiful countryside. Inside it’s tastefully decorated, with three bedrooms and lots of original features spread over three floors. There’s also a pretty garden with a small studio.
Three bedroom house, Richmond Place, Bath, £850,000 Winkworth Bath, 01225 829000
And if moving to London is your dream, or you’re staying in London and buying a house, then Peckham’s Bellenden Road is a pretty good address. Excellent local shops, cafes and pubs are on your doorstep, and the terraced houses are attractive and popular. This three bedroom house has great decor and is ready to move straight into, but if you’re looking to add space and value, you could extend to the side return.
Three bedroom house, Bellenden Road, Peckham Rye, £1.04m, Winkworth Dulwich, 020 8299 2722