Home and away: top five most-viewed overseas properties of 2020

International travel has been pretty much non-existent in 2020, but that’s not stopped us from dreaming of life overseas.

Searching for homes abroad has been a popular trend this year and there were five overseas properties which received more attention than most, according to property website Rightmove.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property, said: “As many people will appreciate, it’s been an unusual 12 months for the overseas market as people have been restricted from flying abroad for much of the year. However, we’ve still seen enormous interest in overseas property this year, and in fact there’s been an 18% annual increase in the number of users on our overseas site in 2020. So there definitely remains a huge appetite among the British public to view homes overseas. From a magnificent New York apartment to a palatial Greek mansion, these five properties are pretty special.”

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Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County, California, USA

This stunning Californian equestrian ranch, which is on the market for almost $40m (£29.8m), beautifully encapsulates all that is great about the Golden State. Rancho Latigo is nestled deep in 4,600 acres of gorgeous rolling hills, boasting unparalleled vistas of the natural landscape surrounding it. To this day, this huge parcel of land remains largely untouched. A helipad offers a conveniently modern bonus, with access to Los Angeles and beyond, and in between games of tennis or horse riding trails, you can take a dip in the pool and enjoy breath-taking sunset views. Asking price: $39.9m (£29.8m); rightmove.co.uk

Ialysos, Rhodes, Dodecanese islands, Greece

Tucked away on the outskirts of Rhodes, this palatial hilltop Greek mansion comes with phenomenal panoramic sea views. The five-bedroom property, decked out in marble flooring, is surrounded by impeccably landscaped grounds and it’s the outdoor spaces that really make this home stand out as a tranquil oasis. Outside you’ll find a beautiful infinity pool, and a sprawling decking area complete with palm trees, hammocks and a hot tub. There’s even room for your very own helipad. Asking price: €2.5m (£2.28m); rightmove.co.uk

Columbus Circle, New York City, USA

Perched on the 74th floor above The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, this six-bedroom apartment boasts magical views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the Big Apple below. The intricately designed property is the epitome of luxury, as it comes with two separate bedroom wings, each one boasting a main suite, as well as a white marble bathroom complete with a soaking tub and large shower. The stylish, open-plan living spaces are bordered by huge floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with light. Residents also have access to all of the five-star amenities at the Mandarin, including a 24-hour concierge, 75ft swimming pool, and the exclusive spa. Guide price: $25m (£18.6m); rightmove.co.uk

Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Port d’Andratx, Spain

This beautifully picturesque estate, found on the southwest coast of Mallorca, offers utterly sublime sea views from its ideal location high in the hills of Camp de Mar. The estate, which was previously owned by German model Claudia Schiffer, is on the market for a whopping €35m (£31.9m) and comprises three individual villas, with a total of 12 bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Some of the dream features at this residence include vast terraces to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views, an enormous infinity pool, fitness and spa areas, and lush gardens boasting olive and fruit trees. Asking price: €35m (£31.8m); rightmove.co.uk

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

This impressively contemporary waterfront retreat was once a Second World War observation tower strategically positioned to guard Halifax Harbour in Canada. The spectacular and unique home, now a modern masterpiece of concrete, steel, stone and glass, is nestled in a picture-perfect location where coastal barrens give way to rugged granite cliffs, pounded by the Atlantic surf. Among its standout features are an enchanting ocean view infinity pool, a private roof deck with a hot tub, a wood burning fireplace and stylish marble walls. Guide price US$2.85m (£2.1m); rightmove.co.uk