When it comes to homes with character, nothing beats a truly one-of-a-kind property - whether that's an uncommon type of home, like a houseboat, or a historic property converted from a previous use.
If you've always dreamt of living in an unusual home - maybe that's a castle, a lighthouse, or a church - you're not alone! So we've scoured estate agent listings up and down the country to discover one-of-a-kind homes with unrivalled character on the market right now - just keep reading to see our favourites.
Best unusual homes on the market
All Saints Church, three-bed church conversion in South Yorkshire
Price: £550,000
Agent: Fine and Country
Standout feature: The stunning original features
Amid declining religious observance in the UK, for years it has been common to see former churches and chapels turned into flats or houses, but few wear their former occupation as gloriously as this church conversion outside Doncaster. Grade II listed, many of its original features have been sympathetically adapted into the design of this three-bed home, including the magnificent wooden church door, arched timber beam roof, period tilework and religious decorative motifs.
Downstairs, there's a generously-sized open-plan kitchen/diner, a small bedroom, and family bathroom with adjoining dressing room. Head upstairs and you'll find a large sitting room full of clerical character, as well as the sumptuously-appointed master bedroom and guest bedroom. There's even a study in the bell tower! The outside space includes a patio, fenced lawn and a driveway with room for several vehicles.
Manor Oast, five-bedroom oast house conversion in Kent
Price: £1,045,000
Agent: Savills
Standout feature: Grade II listed, plus those gorgeous grounds!
Manor Oast sits in the heart of Kent's hop-growing region, a few miles outside of Tonbridge and with easy access to Sevenoaks, Maidstone and beyond. Converted into a family home in 1994, it offers a generous 343.65 sq m of living space spread over three floors, including five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms. Several rooms reflect the characterful round shape of the historic kilns, while other period features include exposed beams and high ceilings.
Outside the delights continue, with large, gated gardens to enjoy. In addition to established flowerbeds, you'll find multiple terraces for outdoor entertaining, as well as an integral garage, accessed via private driveway.
The Keeper's Cabin, one-bed lighthouse cabin in Caithness
Price: offers over £119,000
Agent: Sylvyn, Crail, Fife
Standout feature: Remarkable location on the northern edge of the Highlands
If you're in full goblin mode and dream of living the secluded life of a 19th century lighthouse keeper, this is the house for you. Perched at the end of Noss Head, on the scenic north-east coast of the Highlands, this compact one-bed lodge, one of two within the former keeper's cabin, sits in the shadow of an active 19th century lighthouse. The compact interior consists of a kitchen/living area and bedroom with ensuite shower room and WC. While the decor is simple and rustic, the property has recently been renovated to install brand new electrics, plumbing and insulation, ensuring you can enjoy the wild setting with all the modern comforts.
Although you'll be tucked away at the end of three-mile lane, you won't be totally cut off from society (unless you want to be), as the bustling town of Wick is only 15 minutes' drive away.
The Water Tower, four-bedroom water tower conversion in Warwickshire
Price: £POA
Agent: Tyron Ash
Standout feature: The roof deck and balcony, perfect for wowing guests
For downright quirky you can't get much better than The Water Tower in the Warwickshire market town of Kenilworth. Built in the mid-18th century, it began life as a windmill before being converted into a water tower in 1885, and has since been transformed into a comfortable and luxurious four-bedroom home with a truly unique facade.
The quirkiness continues inside with a circular kitchen and bedrooms, a spacious roof terrace off the first floor and a fifth-floor balcony offering panoramic views over Kenilworth and the Warwickshire countryside. This isn't just a novelty home, though - the decorative finish is high throughout, including a bespoke kitchen and luxe family bathroom. Outside, you can enjoy a 1/3 acre garden, with a garage and parking for six cars.
"Port", three-bedroom houseboat in London
Price: £1,395,000
Agent: Unique Property Company
Standout feature: The spa bathroom and cinema room
If you've spent any amount of time exploring London's canals, you'll know that there are plenty of houseboat owners enjoying life on the capital's waterways, but the "Port", currently moored in St Katharine's Docks, brings houseboat living to a whole new level of luxury. And by luxury, we're talking a spa bathroom and a cinema room!
On the lower deck, there are three bedrooms (two of them ensuite) as well as a spa bath and entertainment room with projector connection and fittings for speakers, all finished to an impeccable standard.
Head onto the upper deck and you'll discover a high-spec kitchen/diner with a skylight, as well 120sq m of external decking, meaning you'll really be able to make the most of entertaining outside on sunny days.
Ready for more house daydreaming? Check out our pick of the best castles, country houses, Tuscan villas and French chateaux on the market to fuel your fantasies!
