There might be a freeze on buying and selling properties during the coronavirus lockdown, but that doesn’t mean prospective buyers need to stop looking for their dream home.
Estate agents across the country are adapting to the crisis by offering virtual viewings, which allow prospective buyers to remotely view properties they might be interested in purchasing once the restrictions are lifted.
Among them is Savills, which has worked to develop a system by which an agent ‘hosts’ a video conference call with the seller and prospective buyer on an app like FaceTime or Zoom, and leads the tour remotely as the seller moves in real time around their home.
‘The agent directs the action, pointing out all the key features and answering any questions along the way,’ explained Andrew Perratt, Head of Country at Savills.
Unfortunately for nosy property fans eager to simply have a look around these lavish homes, the same checks are carried out on prospective buyers as they are before a traditional viewing to ensure there is a legitimate interest and to reduce security risk.
Here, FEMAIL offers a peek at some of the most awe-inspiring properties currently on the market with the estate agent, including a Cheshire mansion with its own spa and bar, a four-storey Victorian townhouse in north London and a modern Surrey family home that’s just a stone’s throw from a golf course.
Ollerton, Cheshire
Guide price: £7.5million
This exquisite country estate ticks all of the boxes with award-winning 25 acre gardens, pictured, and exceptional interiors. Extensive leisure facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room, spa area and tennis courts
The 9,500sq ft property has five bathrooms, six reception rooms and five bedroom suites, including the spacious one above. The excellent master suite has twin dressing rooms and access to a balcony overlooking the gardens
The exceptional leisure facilities are a key part of the property and sit in wings at either end of the house. Pictured, the superb first floor games room which features its own bar (pictured) and a booth to relax in
Virginia Water, Surrey
Guide price: £3.25million
This ultra-modern property boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms and plenty of space to entertain. It is on the main island of the Wentworth Estate and offers stunning views over the 16th fairway and green of the Championship Golf Course
The stunning family home boasts its own sauna and steam room, pictured, that is the perfect place to relax after a long day on the course. The room is attached to the leisure room on the lower ground floor of the three-storey home
The landscaped gardens to the rear feature a large terrace with steps up to an area of lawn leading to a bespoke pagoda, pictured, which is perfect for entertaining outside. To the front is a paved driveway with double garage and electric gates
Hampstead, north London
Guide price: £4.25million
This magnificent seven-bedroom Victorian home in Hampstead, north London, is arranged stylishly over four floors. The house retains much of the original character and features grand entertaining and receptions areas
The current owners have made the most of the spaces ground floor by transforming it into a large open-plan kitchen diner, pictured, that really is the hub of the home. The imposing property also boasts seven bedrooms and five bathrooms
A large dining table dominates one of the spacious reception rooms and large windows bring in plenty of natural light
Matlock, Derbyshire
Guide price: £1.95million
This stunning Arts and Crafts family home, which dates back to 1874, is set in eight acres of Derbyshire countryside. Part of the land the property sits on was bought by the then owners from Peter Nightingale, father of Florence
The sprawling home boasts eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and six reception rooms, including the one pictured
From the stunning entrance vestibule and inner staircase hall, pictured, there are three principal original reception rooms, plus a study and an inner hallway with secondary staircase, leading on to the generous living-dining-kitchen
Devizes, Wiltshire
Guide price: £3.25million
A truly awe-inspiring home, Devizes Castle is an exceptional Grade I listed property with far reaching views across the rooftops of Devizes and the castle gardens. The statement property has breathtaking castellations and turrets, pictured
There are an array of period features throughout the Castle: generous stone mullioned windows, beautifully detailed stone archways, impressive fireplaces, oak floor boards, working shutters, high ceilings throughout
Cobham, Surrey
Guide price: £5.75million
This family home, set in over five beautifully manicured acres of land with far reaching countryside views, is available to buy or rent for £30,000 a month. The five-bedroom home boasts a tennis court and outdoor swimming pool, pictured
The reception rooms to the ground floor are also blessed with views across the fields and formal gardens that surround the house, pictured. Further benefits include a separate one bedroom annexe and a summer house