Selling Sunset's Christine Quinn Showcases Britain's Mega Mansions |

last updated 16 October 2020

The Netflix show Selling Sunset is proving to be a big hit this year, taking viewers inside the most jaw-dropping homes in America. One of its stars, Christine Quinn, appeared on ThisMorning to help showcase some of the most amazing properties currently for sale in the UK. They include an unusually large estate in London, a contemporary coastal property in Sandbanks – which Christine said is “very similar” to the properties near where she lives in Malibu, and a castle which the actress hinted was a personal favourite, as it's "something we don't have in California".

1. HEATHFIELD HOUSE

Highgate's Heathfield House is for sale through Sothebys International Realty for “a cool 40 million pounds”, Christine Quinn introduces.

“This is a ten bedroom, seven bathroom contemporary mansion that sprawls across two acres of land – an unusually large space for this area,” she continues.

HeathfieldHouse is a striking contemporary family home that offers a secure, private oasis amongst two acres of gardens and mature trees, within a short walk of Highgate village.

Built in 2011 and set back from the road by a long manicured driveway, the seller has created a home perfect for entertaining with open plan living spaces, a large swimming pool and extensive spa and leisure suite.

“This is a luxurious property with a formal sitting room and dining room, and panoramic views of the breathtaking grounds of this property,” says Christine. “The leisure facilities you're seeing here include a huge pool, a tennis court, a full spa, gym and billiards room - so this is really something special for this area of town.”

The striking property is for sale through Lee Koffman of Sothebys International Realty. He comments: “Heathfield House is an exceptional and very private family house, set within beautifully landscaped gardens and with breathtaking views across London. It is close to all the amenities of Highgate village and the much sought after local schools and enjoys efficient transport links to central London. It is without doubt one of a kind and will provide the incoming owners with an unrivalled home.”

2. SANDBANKS PROPERTY

The television star then moves on to introduce a contemporary property on Dorset's coast, in Sandbanks. Listed with Lloyds Property Group, the La Baie And La Plage house is actually divided into two, so two families could actually live alongside each other with plenty of room each – making it potentially attractive for buyers with vulnerable grandparents for example.

Christine talks a bit about the area, saying: “This area is on a small peninsula, this area is known for it's lux price tag, the prestige, but also it has a very trendy reputation as a destination holiday home. This is really just for the who's who – a lot of celebrities live in this area. There's also a golf course very close – it's very exclusive, and very ritzy and expensive as well.” Speaking on the interior design of this property, she comments: “so far I'm actually seeing pretty comparable design features to that of Hollywood. The property has direct beach access and this is really just the ultimate millionaire's beach getaway.”

https://youtu.be/ZOjJQF4nlSA

3. SETON CASTLE

Next on her list is Seton Castle, currently for sale for £8 million through Savills. The Netflix star says: “Number three is Quintessentially British and something we don't have in California. This castle is £8 million and really spectacular.”

She's not wrong. The castle was built in 1789 by acclaimed architect and designer Robert Adam using the stone from Seton Palace, described as Mary Queen of Scots' preferred retreat. Seton Castle was Robert Adam's final project in Scotland and his light but masterful touch is in evidence in the beautifully executed ceiling plasterwork, curved oak panelled doors and dramatic bay windowed rooms.

The property has stayed within the Wemyss family from the late 18th century until 2003 when they had to sell – meaning that all of Robert Adam's original details and plasterwork have been preserved, and the interiors were a bit of a time warp. The property has since been renovated and refurbished; a two year long restoration saw a team of expert stonemasons, stone by stone, and using painstakingly sourced period sandstone and limestone, rebuild the castle's many chimneys and turrets as well as the sweeping rooftop parapets.

Internally, all services have been renewed, ceilings restored to their original beauty, the sweeping staircase lovingly reinvigorated, ironwork magnificently restored, dumbwaiter reinstated and 10,000-bottle wine cellar spectacularly brought back to life.

The installation of 17th century French oak flooring, modern central heating system, entertainment system and security system all sensitively installed hidden from sight help to give the home a most welcoming, warm and private appeal.

The castle's interior design offers a successfully eclectic mix of styles and influences curated by the current owners and include an array of silks, damasks, silk velvets, embroidered silks, jacquard velvets, jacquard linens, silk wall hangings, gilt detailing, with Scottish wools and cashmere adding elegant and warm touches to every corner.

Christine comments: “The four storey castle has U-shaped wings around a courtyard. The castle's grounds are astonishingly lush, with perfectly manicured landscaped designs. This is a true family home meant for a king and queen. It also has a breathtaking ten thousand wine cellar, and this is a complete working stable, perfect for any equestrian enthusiast – like me!” She joked that she can very much see herself living there.

On the market for £8 million, Christine Quinn said the £8 million castle is “great value” as it encompasses 18,196 square feet of interior space, along with 13.4 acres of land, all close to Edinburgh.

Seton Castle is for sale for £8 million through Savills.

4. SEASPRAY COTTAGE

Last but not least, the reality TV star introduces Seaspray & Back Cottage in Polzeath, along the north coast of Cornwall.

Listed for sale for £3.5 million with John Bray And Partners, the property features a pair of contemporary, detached houses. Christine Quinn explains: “This is another his and hers property – a pair of contemporary detached houses. It's elevated above a complete 180 view of the beach. This property is very similar to what I would see in Malibu where I live – it's absolutely stunning, located on the coast Cornwall.”

The striking interior design was done by Claire Alderson of Pebble Design Interiors.

Photography by Doon Williams

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.