It’s a very strange time we’re living in, our daily lives have been turned upside down, our social lives are non-existent and our priorities have completely changed. Just one of the impacts of this crisis is the housing market, with property buyers unable to view new homes and sellers unable to shift houses.
With buyers now spending a substantial amount of time inside their homes, we realize now more than ever what is important to us when it comes to making an offer. Practical aspects such as nearby schools, ground rent, and full searches to determine if possessory title insurance from LawSure could soon be replaced with priorities such as space for a home office, nearby parks and exercise routes, and a garden that can safely allow social distancing when buying a new home.
For some of us feeling isolated, we are taking comfort in the views our homes can benefit from, whether this is a beach, mountain, or famous landmark. While others are now wishing they had put more thought into what their windows look out to.
With the summer holidays approaching and the idea of enjoying these warmer months like we once did diminishing, we curiously look into how much we would have to pay to benefit from a property that allows us to see some of the UK’s favourite landmarks.
Do you think it’s worth paying this much to be one of the exclusive few who can still enjoy these sights, even in lockdown?
1. Big Ben
If you want a private view of the world’s most famous clock tower, it certainly will cost you. Just under £30 million will provide you with a secluded roof terrace on top of your property where you can enjoy the ringing of Big Ben morning, noon, and night.
Built-in 1859, the tower has been an iconic part of London’s skyline for over two centuries and is a hot tourist spot of holiday photos. You can spend as much time as you please taking selfies of Big Ben if you are willing to pay the premium price.
However, you do also get seven bedrooms, an indoor pool, snooker room, home cinema, and countless other entertainment rooms. If you can afford this epic lifestyle, you’ll probably find something more fun to do during lockdown than staring across the horizon.
2. The Tower of London
Even for those with little knowledge of London know about The Tower of London. Depicted in countless period dramas for its grisly history of executions and the main target of modern-day villains for attempting to steal the crown jewels, it’s as famous as the royal family.
The last execution was performed in 1941, this was by firing squad and thankfully not the infamous guillotine.
While £30 for an adult admission ticket may seem steep, wait until you hear how much it costs to live nearby.
An apartment on the opposite side of the river bank recently sold for £9,500,000 and came with a private riverside terrace that allows spectacular views of the iconic London skyline.
3. Windsor Castle
So far the above properties may have two of the most iconic landmarks in England but during the lockdown, they are lacking the one attraction that brings millions of tourists to the UK every year.
The royal family, more specifically Queen Elizabeth II brings a substantial amount of revenue to businesses across the UK, but at the moment, she isn’t even in London.
Her majesty is spending quarantine in Windsor Castle, the favourite of her many homes. You can purchase a home of the same streets as the gates to the castle for just under £1.5 million.
You may think it is a bargain as you’ll be rubbing shoulder with royalty and can even boast that you share the same postcode. However, this price only gets you a small terrace house with a very modest garden and no parking.
A high price to pay when you’ll probably be shunned away if you ask your royal neighbour if you can borrow a cup of sugar.
4. Edinburgh Castle
Castles sweep the countryside in the UK and Edinburgh Castle is certainly one of the most iconic.
From a fortress to a prison in the 1700s and now a tourist attraction, the castle has certainly had its fair share of uses.
The most famous event that takes place today is the New Year’s Eve firework display that attracts over a million visitors from all over the world. If you love the idea of an epic firework display but loath large crowds of people, you could always purchase a nearby property to benefit from a private viewing.
Firstly, you’ll need £1,388,500, this will get you an apartment overlooking the castle with a balcony for that perfect view.
Although for that price, we might just settle to watching them on TV instead.
Ben Nevis
Staying in Scotland, Ben Nevis is the tallest summit in the UK and is located in the picturesque Highlands. The average house price in this area is £200,000, not bad right?
While many properties are at this mark, they don’t sit at the base of this impressive mountain. If you want to witness this every day, you’ll be looking at £600,000.
The valley is vast enough for you to get a little more for your money though, the houses are significantly larger than most in the area and your £600k will get you eight bedrooms.
Blackpool Tower
Try to think of a classic British beach holiday and you’ll immediately think of Blackpool. The iconic arcades, donkeys and nightlife are famous as the quintessential English summer holiday.
Teamed with Blackpool Tower and you couldn’t get a more postcard-perfect spot. As a built-up area, there are plenty of homes that you can see the tower from, especially as it’s grand height.
Blackpool Tower was once the tallest structure in the UK, standing at 158m. It’s not dwarfed by the current record holder, The Shard, at 310m.
If you want to always feel like it’s summer, it will cost £100,000.
So do you think it’s worth forking out this kind of cash to be able to feel like a tourist on holiday every day? Or are you happy to save those pennies and wait until the lockdown is lifted and pay general admission? Perhaps your window skyline is so tiring, any chance in scenery would be a good one, no matter what you can see!
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