Hobbit House: Brighton’s ideal modern home revealed, and it’s not what you would expect

With the likes of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Kevin McCloud on Grand Designs showing the UK the possibilities of progressive and alternative housing solutions, Brits are feeling inspired.

New research from online interiors retailer Curtains.com, has found that people in Brighton find the eclectic and traditional home most appealing, as opposed to modern minimalist living. In fact, the most coveted feature of a modern dream home is a swimming pool and spa facilities (45%), closely followed by a country kitchen (40%).

The most desirable unconventional property, according to respondents, is a sustainable property (47% would live there) followed by a traditional thatched cottage (37%) and a converted chapel or church (32%). Almost one quarter (24%) of respondents found the idea of a fantasy-inspired ‘Hobbit House’ exciting.

People are in favour of cosy homes with traditional features

Over 60% of moving decisions in Brighton are swayed by location, with respondents fantasising about a quiet rural setting. This came hand-in-hand with the second most important factor – a decent sized garden plot. Surprisingly, school catchment area, commuter transport links and local crime rates were only important to less than one quarter of the city’s respondents.

Matteo Fabbi at Curtains.com, said: “Interiors magazines are adorned with minimalist, modern interiors full of clean lines, shiny surfaces and open spaces, but actually our research has found that people are more in favour of cosy homes with traditional features and period character.”

The UK’s most desired unconventional homes include:
1. Traditional thatched cottage
2. Sustainable home
3. Converted period chapel
4. Eco-log cabin
5. Hobbit house
6. Glass house
7. Converted boat or canal barge
8. Urban micro-apartment
9. Floating house
10. Lighthouse