'What would you buy if you won the lottery?' A question often asked by people dreaming of hitting the jackpot.

For some, designer items or a flash new car could be the answer, but for most a luxurious home would be the top of the list.

And the most pricey properties for sale in the area could be someone's home of dreams.

From a 17th Century country house, to a barn conversion - there is an incredible range of properties on offer.

At the upper end of the market are homes with their own cinema, games room and swimming pool. In one town though, the most pricey property, a four bedroom bungalow, is more attainable.

Nick Rickett, director of Norton Rickett, explained why the area is proving such a popular place to live.

He said: "Because of covid it's changed people's work patterns. Now, working from home more there's an acceptance of that and people have realised the importance of working to live rather than living to work.

"People are enjoying the lifestyle and the importance of space.

"We live in a beautiful area with certain buildings resonant of Oxford or the Cotswolds but not at the premium prices.

"It's really accessible to London if you still need to go for work or entertainment.

"As well as a really good standard of living that's affordable, we've got the benefit of a great range of schools both private and state."

He added: "We normally have a 50-50 split between local people within a 20-mile radius of Stamford and other people from further afield.

"Over the last half a year we've definitely seen more of an uplift of families moving from London to this area."

Here's a list of the most expensive homes on the market in Stamford, Rutland, Bourne, Market Deeping, Oundle and the surrounding villages according to real estate company, Zoopla.

Polebrook Hall, Polebrook: £3,950,000

In the top spot is Polebrook Hall, an impressive Grade II listed, 17th century country house, which is on the market with a guide price of £3,950,000.

Secluded within its own extensive gardens and grounds, the property boasts nine bedrooms as well as a two bedroom staff flat and detached one-bedroom coach house.

Within the 13.9 acres is an indoor swimming pool pavilion, tennis court, stables, ponds and paddocks.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Savills on 01780 484 696.

Long Barn, Whitwell: £2,500,000

With stunning views and Rutland Water reservoir being a stone's throw away, it's no surprise this property's guide price is higher than your average five-bed.

The stunning Grade II listed stone barn conversion, has been reconstructed and restored by the current owners, whilst working closely with an award-winning architect.

Estate agents say a particular highlight is the exceptional kitchen / diner / family room with bi-fold doors which open out onto the south facing terrace.

A self-contained two-bedroom annex is another notable feature.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Fine and Country on 01780 750200.

Langley House, Upton: £1,750,000

This unique, Dutch gabled five-bedroom home is located in the grounds of a private estate.

It features wild flower meadows, flag stone terraces and accommodation which blends Flemish and New England architectural styles.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Fine and Country on 01780 750200.

Welland House, Tixover: £1,850,000

In an idyllic rural setting, this extensive Stamford limestone house from the 18th century, benefits a unique position with one of Rutland's most inspiring views.

In recent years the house - which was originally three adjoining cottages - has undergone a restoration project to blend traditional style with modern living.

Its features include 250 feet of river frontage and an old outbuilding which is currently being converted to become a generous three-floored annexe.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Fine and Country on 01780 750200.

St Martins Lodge, First Drift, Wothorpe: £1,950,000

If you like town life without being at the centre of it all, this could be the house for you.

St Martin's Lodge, just a short walk from Stamford town centre, was designed by a local architect and completed in 2010.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and provides a mixture of formal reception rooms and open-plan family living with five luxurious bedroom suites spread over the upper and lower ground floors.

It features a stylish sitting room with a feature log burner, a bespoke kitchen from Bakehouse and a studio in the elevated main garden, which could be ideal as a home office.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Norton Rickett on 01780 673558

The Old Rectory, Russell Hill, Thornhaugh: £1,500,000

The Old Rectory is a 10-bedroom country house of character, dating back from the 1620s with later 18th Century additions and was used in the 1940s by the ladies of the land army.

Principally constructed in a Georgian style of stone under a steep pitched Collyweston slate roof, the house exhibits many period features typical of its age, including impressive ornate fireplaces, decorative plaster work, wood panelling and large mullion windows.

There are two staircases to help circulate through the accommodation and give access to all floors with a separate door and stone steps down into the cellar rooms.

It is approached through a pillared and gated entrance way with a carriage driveway leading to the front of the property and the grounds and gardens include a variety of useful outbuildings, mature trees, a picturesque stream and an unused swimming pool.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Newton Fallowell on 01780 673990.

Shacklewell Barn, Stamford Road, Empingham: £1,500,000

This five-bedroom, five-bathroom barn conversion boasts over 5,000 square feet of high-end living space,.

The features of this development include views of Rutland's countryside, space for 10 vehicles and a luxurious open plan kitchen.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Nest Seekers International on 020 8033 5785.

The Limes Farmhouse, Middle Street, Elton: £1,400,000

This five-bed country house has been described as having 'retained its period charm and character'.

The elegant accommodation is arranged over three floors and boasts a wealth of period features including open fireplaces, window shutters, panelled doors and exposed timbers.

There is a large barn which has great potential for a variety of uses.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Norton Rickett on 01780 673558.

In the towns, the price of the most expensive property varies more.

North Street, Stamford: £1,500,000

Located in an enviable town centre location, this five-bedroom home boasts character.

It features a patio area benefitting from the privacy of the walled garden.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Nest on 01780 673928.

Barmstedt Drive, Oakham: £750,000

For those who regularly commute, the priciest property in Oakham could be for you with a train station just a short walk away.

The prestigious house features five bedrooms, a double garage and professionally landscaped gardens.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Purplebricks on 024 7511 8874.

The Beeches, Uppingham: £585,000

In joint top spot in Uppingham is this four-bedroom detached family home, set in the popular development of The Beeches.

The property is located just a short walk from the town centre.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Hurfords on 01572 501945.

Firs Avenue, Uppingham: £585,000

With five-bedrooms, tastefully appointed reception rooms and an enclosed rear garden, this property is located within the highly popular Firs development by David Wilson Homes.

Situated on the edge the historic market town of Uppingham, it offers spacious family accommodation with a light and airy interior as well as a south facing garden with lawn, paved patio area and two areas of timber decking.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call Murray Estate Agents on 01572 729266.

Peartree Farm, 4 Barnes Drove, Bourne: £700,000

This five-bedroom property offers annexe conversion possibilities and boasts two driveways, offering ample parking spaces.

The family home features a snooker room together with a workshop, a patio suitable for barbecues, stunning countryside views and is fitted with CCTV and burglar alarm.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Homefind Solutions on 01733 850633.

Beaumont House, Herne Road, Oundle: £1,400,000

If you are looking for a spacious home, with enough bedrooms to sleep all the family when they come to stay, then this property could be for you.

Beaumont House was constructed in 1993 to the current owner’s design and specification.

Designed to accommodate a large family, and for entertaining, the property offers plenty of rooms with versatility, with four reception rooms, plus a cinema, and up to seven bedrooms, as well as a guest or staff flat within the grounds.

The property is set behind a high wall with triple garage, with a covered deck housing the hot tub, the sauna and the shower.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Woodford & Co on 01832 586403.

Eastfield, Market Deeping: £365,000

Slightly more affordable than the other properties, the most pricey property in Market Deeping is this four-bedroom bungalow.

Situated in a cul-de-sac on a corner plot, features include a master bedroom with a dressing room and a good sized rear garden.

See more of the property on Zoopla or call estate agents Sharman Quinney on 01778 428003.

Rutland & Stamford Mercury publishes our Homes guide every week. To advertise in the Homes guide, call property account manager Leila Wigger on 07803505669

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