It may have been tricky to take an overseas holiday this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped people from daydreaming and window shopping for homes in exotic locations.
In fact, 2020 has marked an 18 per cent jump in people looking at the overseas section of property website Rightmove.
Of the most viewed overseas properties, popular locations include the sunnier climes of Greece and California.
We take a look at the five most viewed overseas properties on Rightmove in 2020 including homes in Greece and New York
Homes range from a huge £30million to £1.9million with mega mansions boasting a host of features including a helipad and an equestrian centre.
The luxury estates also include a New York apartment, a mansion in Spain once owned by model Claudia Schiffer and a one of kind, architectural treat in Nova Scotia.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, said: ‘As many people will appreciate, it’s been an unusual 12 months for the overseas market as people have been restricted from flying abroad for much of the year.
‘However, we’ve still seen enormous interest in overseas property this year, and in fact there’s been an 18 per cent annual increase in the number of users on our overseas site in 2020.
‘So there definitely remains a huge appetite among the British public to view homes overseas. From a magnificent New York apartment to a palatial Greek mansion, these five properties are pretty special.’
Top five overseas properties viewed on Rightmove in 2020
1. Equestrian facility, California, £30m
Home: This Californian property has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms and is situated near both Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
Those interested in the property will have to stump up £30million but will benefit from acres of nearby hillside views
The inside of the property is spacious whilst there is also outdoor entertaining areas, fireplaces, a BBQ and swimming pool
One of the main features is the equestrian facility that is on the property with an 11-stall barn perfect for horse lovers
A wine cellar is perfect for those who enjoy an evening drink whilst a helipad is also available for easy commutes across state
One of the most popular homes on Rightmove, the main residence of this Californian property has six en-suite bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
Situated in Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County, the huge property offers over 4,600 acres of land.
Included on the land is an equestrian centre with an oversized 11-stall barn, perfect for horse lovers.
There is also outdoor entertaining areas, fireplaces, a BBQ and a sparkling swimming pool and gym.
Wine lovers will be happy to know there is a spacious wine cellar, meaning the home is also perfect for entertaining friends and family.
A helipad affords convenient access to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and beyond whilst the drive time to Santa Barbara’s beaches is just 40 minutes.
However, those interested will have to fork out £30million.
2. Five bed house, Rhodes, £1.88m
This stunning one level, five bedroom property in sunny Rhodes is currently on the market for £1.88million
One of the main features of the property is an outdoor helipad for those who prefer to travel across Greece in style
The spacious gardens that accompany the property host an infinity swimming pool and a fully equipped 50sqm guest house
The 4,585 square foot property is home to a number of bedrooms and bathrooms, perfect for having guests to stay
The main house has five bedrooms including a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom
This one level, 4,585 square foot home is found in Ialysos in Rhodes.
In the main house, owners will find five bedrooms including a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.
A formal living and dining room overlook the gardens that surround the house whilst a study lined with wooden shelving makes it the perfect place to work from home.
A home cinema can be found in the basement – making the property ideal for families.
The spacious gardens are home at an infinity swimming pool and a fully equipped 50sqm guest house.
Other highlights include a 90 square meter three-car garage, central air conditioning and a ‘Smart Home’ security system allowing the property to be controlled remotely via the internet.
For those who like to fly home at the end of the day, there is a helicopter pad. Those interested will be looking at a price tag of £1.88million.
3. Six bedroom apartment, New York City, £18.8m
There are over 80 linear feet of wonderful Central Park views from this six bedroom apartment at 80 Columbus Circle
A large entrance gallery leads into the apartment’s Central Park facing Great Room which has a family library/media space
There is a state of the art kitchen, with two Wolf ovens, a vented range and a double Sub Zero fridge with four freezers below
There are two separate bedroom wings which each one featuring its own master bedroom suite and two secondary bedrooms
The master suite in the west wing has calming views of the river, lots of closet space and a marble slab master bathroom
Views are the main selling point of this six bedroom New York City apartment which is currently on the market for £18.8million.
With surrounding views of Central Park and the Hudson River, the floorplan of this apartment creates two separate bedroom wings and entertaining space that can feel open or be divided into smaller rooms for formal entertaining.
The six bedroom apartment at 80 Columbus Circle, which is part of the Residences at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, has a large entrance gallery leading into the Great Room which also homes a family library/media space, an informal dining area, a formal dining room and a large square living room.
A state of the art kitchen and two separate bedroom wings complete the apartment.
Each wing features its own master bedroom suite, two secondary bedrooms, a powder room and a laundry room.
The entire apartment is wired with electric shades and all of the bedrooms have blackout and solar shades.
The residences have access to all of the five star amenities at the Mandarin including a 24 hour concierge, maid service, room service, valet, doorman, a fitness facility with a 75 foot enclosed swimming pool and the Mandarin Spa.
4. 12-bedroom estate, Spain, £26m
This twelve bedroom property, found in Mallorca, was previously owned by German model Claudia Schiffer
Scenic: The home gives long reaching sea views in Camp de Mar on the sought-after southwest coast of sunny Majorca
The vast terraces have stunning views, an infinity pool, chill out areas with bar, sofas & TV plus equipped fitness & spa areas
Made up of three villas, this estate is accessed through an exclusive road which gives owners privacy and maximum security
Another property with amazing views, this 12 bedroom estate in Mallorca, Spain, is currently on sale for £26million.
The home comes with spectacular panoramic sea views on the hills of Camp de Mar, less than 30km from Palma and its international airport.
Made up of three villas, this estate is accessed through an exclusive road which gives owners total privacy and maximum security.
There are vast terraces to enjoy the stunning views, an infinity pool as well as three covered garages with electric doors.
There are twelve bedrooms in total with ten coming with an en-suite bathroom.
Other features include central and underfloor heating, air conditioning, an alarm system, and a garden irrigation system.
5. Four bedroom ‘one of a kind’ house, Nova Scotia, £2.15m
Just a 20 minute drive outside of Halifax this unique home is surrounded by beautiful scenery near the Atlantic surf
Renowned designer Erla Laurie came upon the abandoned military installation and was inspired to make it her home
The cherry wood and soapstone kitchen offers a relaxed gathering space for friends and family around the eat-in island
The master suite comes with a luxury spa en suite, wet bar and private roof top deck with hot tub and wood burning fireplace
There are two guest suites with en suite bathrooms and a commercial elevator that links all the levels to the top floor roof deck
Unique property: Overlooking the Atlantic, this ‘one of a kind’ contemporary residence is located on a private 2.7 acre estate
One of the most architecturally unique properties on the list, this four bedroom house is situated just a short 20 minute drive outside of Halifax.
The unique home is surrounded by beautiful scenery where the coastal barrens give way to rugged granite cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic.
This ‘one of a kind’ contemporary residence is on a private 2.7 acre estate that includes 550ft of rugged oceanfront bordering 1,800 acres of pristine Crown Land.
This modern home offers 360 degree views and was once a WWII observation tower strategically positioned to guard the coast and Halifax Harbour.
Renowned designer Erla Laurie came upon the abandoned military installation and was inspired to make it her home.
The residence includes a main level open concept floor plan with the great room boasting walls of glass and soaring ceilings.
The outdoor terraces and the ocean view infinity pool are part of the exterior.
The dining room has a feature, marble wall while the cherry wood and soapstone kitchen offers a more relaxed gathering space for friends and family around the oversized eat-in island.
The main house includes an open library/office area on the second floor and three bedrooms, including the master suite with luxury spa ensuite, wet bar and private roof top deck with hot tub and wood burning fireplace.
There are two more guest suites with ensuite bathrooms and a commercial elevator that links all the levels to the top floor roof deck.
Accessible from the main house via walkways on two levels a separate, two storey guest house provides visitors with their own private space and has a fully equipped kitchen, sitting area and bedroom with ensuite.
Anyone interested will be looking at forking out £2.15million.