From the wonderful to the weird and wildly unexpected, discover the lots that grabbed the public’s attention in 2025.
The last 12 months have seen a host of eye-catching properties appear in the catalogues of national property auctioneer Auction House. However, some lots had a little something extra to snatch bidders’ attention.
Here are the eight lots that dominated the spotlight and racked up the most views online.
1. Land grab
When Clover Hill Farm entered the list for Auction House East Anglia, it was an immediate success with viewers. With a site that spanned 8.83 acres in the famed Norfolk Broads, this lot benefited from a desirable scenic woodland setting, ideal for future use as a camping site (with the right permissions). On auction day the lot attracted a record-breaking 100 registered bidders, eventually selling for an outstanding £550,000 (plus fees).
2. A hawks-eye view
It’s unsurprising that this tower gained plenty of views from potential bidders. Peering over the grounds of Boughton Park in Northampton, this 18th century hawking tower is full of quirks and character. Originally built as a folly by the second Earl of Strafford and Wentworth, the property enjoys outstanding views over the surrounding countryside. Inside, it still possesses plenty of historical charm, including studded arch doorways, exposed oak beams and gothic mullioned windows. Creative and history-loving bidders were delighted with the chance to own this unusual home, which resulted in a final winning bid of £230,000 (plus fees) at Auction House Northamptonshire’s event.
3. A Cold War retreat
When this Royal Observer Corps (ROC) bunker and observation post was listed with Auction House East Anglia, it immediately captured the spotlight. Once part of a complex network of observation posts, the bunker is a remarkable and rare reminder of the Cold War conflict. Set at the bottom of a 15-foot shaft, the bunker features a room for working and sleeping, as well as a smaller room for a toilet. Viewers certainly loved this relic of history, which went on to successfully sell for £45,000 (plus fees).
4. A fire-damaged family home
This three-bedroom family home had been severely damaged by a fire, but its potential was clear to see. Situated in the popular and family-friendly Northampton suburb of Queen’s Park, similar properties in the area are able to command selling prices in excess of £200,000 when in good condition. As a result, savvy cash buyers saw a great opportunity with this home. At Auction House Northamptonshire’s livestream auction last February, the property subsequently sold for the fantastic figure of £150,000 (plus fees).
5. Canal-side commercial space
Residential properties were not the only ones to draw attention in 2025. A former transhipment warehouse on the banks of a canal in Dobcross also took its turn in the limelight thanks to its stunning waterside location. Once used as a loading shed for the nearby Stonebottom Mill, the warehouse was subsequently renovated by the Saddleworth Historical Society and used as an office space. When the property went under the hammer with Auction House Manchester, it sold for a fantastic figure of £168,000 (plus fees).
Take a look at this historic property here.
6. Development opportunity
In spring, a former farm and smallholding caused a stir in the lead-up to Auction House Cumbria’s in-room event. Situated on the south side of Carlisle, The Golden Fleece was an attractive proposition for skilled developers, boasting a site area of approximately eight acres. Included on the land was the main farmhouse, a cottage and a flat, all of which are beautifully arranged around a central courtyard. Various outhouses, including a piggery and a Dutch barn, completed the offering. After attracting a huge number of views on Auction House Cumbria’s webpage, the property sold for an impressive total of £655,000 (plus fees).
7. Planned success
This extensive commercial building from Auction House South West proved to be a hot favourite for those scouring the market for investments. This was because it already had lucrative planning permission for conversion into nine flats and a house – an opportunity just too good to miss. Despite obvious interest, developers played their cards close to their chest during the auction, with the property later selling post-event for an undisclosed amount.
Have a closer look at the property here.
8. Property with potential
While some buyers see a home with its best days behind it, others see its potential for a new life. This was certainly the case for this scenic house, auctioned by Auction House Scotland. Boasting gorgeous sea views and large grounds, this property was just waiting for transformation into an impressive family home or holiday let. As the views mounted up, one bidder decided that they just couldn’t wait. They submitted their offer and were accepted before the auction even began.
See the appeal of this property here.
9. Tolkien’s Dark Tower
The final property that caused a stir among potential bidders was Black Mill House. Based in Waxholme, fans of the fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien have theorised that the site’s once 60-foot black mill tower inspired the author while he was stationed nearby during the First World War. Accompanied by a cottage, the auction lot offered literary fans a unique home with plenty of character to fuel their own imagination. As a result, Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire’s online auction ended with the property being sold for a total of £210,000 (plus fees).
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