To the sound of millions of gasps, choruses of ‘follow your gut instinct' and Simon's cutting one-liners, this year's X factor finalists have been announced!
With a shock new format, judges were encouraged to announce their three finalists live in front of an audience and the unsuccessful candidates. Brutal.
However, just prior to this harrowing experience, contestants were invited on all-expenses-paid trips around the world to the notorious ‘Judges Houses'. Simon got spooky in France, Cheryl sunned herself in Rome, Rita ran riot in Hollywood whilst Nick looked cool in the Cotswolds.
We invite you on a private tour of the formidable homes and tell you how you can snap up some of the celeb lifestyle for yourself.
Jealous, us?
Get lazy by the lake in the Cotswolds
With fellow judge Mark Ronson, Nick Grimshaw and his boys took a chopper to The Lake by yoo's Barnhouse in the Cotswolds. The property has had a lot of press recently as Kate Moss made her interior design debut here and has crafted a space where contemporary, jewel-tone velour and Damien Hirst artwork effortlessly work with sweeping views of the lake and the outside decking.
Inspired by traditional architecture and built using only green oak and naturally resourced Cotswold stone, the Barnhouse is a serene location away from prying eyes and can be yours by contacting The Lakes by yoo.
Romp around Rome
This is one bella casa! Situated on the Monterosi lake with just the imposing Lazio hills as neighbours, this is the perfect retreat for someone looking to hideaway. It is no wonder then that A-list celebrity Cheryl Fernandez-Versini should pick this luxurious villa to hold her auditions.
This 800 sq ft. house is available to rent, with prices starting at €15,000 per week, and boasts an indoor and outdoor pool, concierge service and an Audi Q7 to ensure the guest's stay is unforgettable and completely catered for.
The interior cunningly moulds old and new designs to create spacious environments of both luxury and comfort by integrating Italian renaissance design with stylish amenities.
Get fancy in France
Simon chose Château de Moh in the Loire Valley to host the
‘overs' category. This luxury 16-bed property holds a few famous autographs in its guest book, including Mick Jagger's, and if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for Cowell... just.
The 15th century château overlooks the River Loire, but after years of abandonment it's been refurbished into a breathtaking abode. Beyond the underground chambers, endless orchards and blissful spa is a property that celebrates its 500-year old heritage by combining stylish furniture with thematic period features.
Our favourite rooms are the grotto-style dining room and the private tower house, which is supposedly haunted...
Get some L.A. loving
How fitting that ‘the land where dreams are made of' should be where Rita took her female contestants. In the glitzy Hollywood hills, Rita rented a private property to house her girls during their whirlwind audition process.
The house, which unfortunately we didn't see much of in the show, is believed to be owned by a close and famous friend of Rita's and boasts a modern design with contemporary, bright art work in its all-glass foyer.
Beyond, the pool steals the show at this pad. With panoramic views of the L.A. valley, the infinity pool is adorned with tiers of red loungers to bask in that Cali heat.
So, which one floats your boat?
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