5 quirky properties for sale right now

You’ll find homes and properties of all shapes and sizes on Rightmove. And while there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ home, there are some listings that stop us in our tracks. From a penthouse apartment atop one of London’s most iconic buildings to a converted mill in a prime waterside location, these quirky homes currently for sale are gloriously unusual.

1. A colourful 18th century mansion in Kent

Originally built in 1768, Barming Place is a striking seven-bedroom Georgian mansion extending over more than 7,500 sq ft. It’s a property of both grand proportions and quirky features.

The current artist owners have lovingly restored it over several years, with a vibrant symphony of colour, pattern and texture. It also featured on the cover of House and Garden magazine in November 2024.

The property’s history is equally rich. In World War II it was requisitioned as an officers’ garrison, then becoming a school in the 1970s, before being beautifully restored as the private residence that it is today.

2. A plant-filled former school in Brixton

This flora-filled home forms part of another former school. Situated in Brixton, the property was originally built in 1853 and designed by architect Benjamin Ferrey.

Now a private home, it offers over 2,110 sq ft of predominantly open plan living. Inside, the current owners have layered the home with plants, warm materials and charming touches like an olive green kitchen and walnut shelving. Outside, a jungle-like private courtyard opens onto shared lawns and a secluded garden studio.

3. A Dutch barge overlooking Hammersmith Bridge

For those drawn to life on the water, this beautifully converted Dutch barge offers characterful living in a truly standout setting. Moored on the ever-popular Dove Pier, it enjoys amazing views across the Thames towards Hammersmith Bridge.

The wheelhouse is the real heart of the home, flooded with light and opening straight onto the deck. With some of London’s best riverside pubs just moments away, it balances peaceful floating life within a sociable setting.

4. A penthouse above St Pancras Station

Few people realise that St Pancras is home to private apartments. At the very top sits the principal penthouse, crowning one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere in the world.

Stretching across three levels and almost 6,000 sq ft, it features some amazing spaces. The real highlight is the main reception room, which once served as the hotel’s original water tower, where exposed Victorian beams frame an expansive living space complete with a large entertaining bar.

5. A riverside mill along the Norfolk Broads

Occupying a quiet and unspoilt corner of the Norfolk Broads, this Grade II listed converted mill is as distinctive as they come. Believed to date back to 1908, it was converted into a holiday home in the mid-20th century. Its third owner has since made careful improvements, including the installation of a completely new cap in 2021.

Arranged over four floors, the three-bedroom accommodation features unique circular rooms and breathtaking river views. Outside, the property is accompanied by a generous mooring plot with slipway that gives the opportunity to make the most of its waterside location.

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