Property Match of the Day – Crystal Palace v Manchester City

If you were a professional footballer playing in the Premier League and being paid thousands of pounds a week for doing so, what kind of new home would you buy? The Whathouse.com team has been asking itself that question this week ahead of the next weekend’s fixtures, with particular attention being paid to the clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester City, the top two teams in the league.

Few would have expected Palace to be in this elevated position but with ambitious signings such as Yohan Cabaye this summer, there was certainly the intent to make an impression. The French international transferred from Paris St Germain and is reported to be on £100,000 per week, which means his new homes targets are likely to be right at the top end, be it a luxury city pad or an abode in the Home Counties.

Manchester City's owners once again dug into their seep pockets to capture Belgian international Kevin de Bruyne for a whopping £54.5m and a weekly wage of around £200,000, making him one of the world's highest-paid footballers. As he was only signed right at the end of the transfer window at the end of August, he's probably still considering where to make his home, but such a budget can secure one of the most lavish new homes on the market in the North West.

Here are our suggestions for the best new homes available for the players at these teams right now...

For the Crystal Palace team...

Widmore Place, Bickley Road, Bickley (McCullochs/Acorn New Homes) – From £1.195million

Widmore Place is a small development of just four properties, including the sympathetic conversion of a Grade II listed building, previously the Widmore public house, which has nearly 200 years of history. Three other substantial new detached houses have all designed with architectural finesse by local builder McCulloch Homes. Two of the homes remain for sale.

The conversion property is now called Bewick House and offers spacious accommodation with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and on the lower ground level, a bar, wine cellar and cinema theatre. The ground level features a contemporary extension where the folding full-length doors provide a panoramic vista of the landscaped gardens. Neighbouring Huntsman House is a five-bedroom house using light coloured bricks and white and cream stone façade, encompassing twin garage and a host of architectural and interior design features.

Positioned between Bromley and Chislehurst, this boutique development offers a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by tranquil woodland and parks, and close to several golf courses for those occasional days off.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/z2htl1 ; 020 8466 5725

For the Manchester City team...

'Waterside', Collar House Drive, Prestbury, Cheshire (Bridgfords) – £2.95million

In one of the North West's most desirable villages, this recently constructed residence has been built by Bilton Ward Developments, who are well known for their high-quality, large houses and celebrity clientele. 'Waterside' is situated in a sought-after lane, opposite Prestbury Golf Club.

The whole house benefits from lots of natural light. The kitchen is off the galleried landing on the first floor, with Wolf stainless steel fittings and black mirrored walls and floor units. This leads into the day room, with bespoke black ash wall units and French doors leading to an additional sitting room with oak flooring. On this floor are the study, WC and drawing room, which has French doors leading onto the sun terrace.

The two double bedrooms on the second floor both have individually styled en-suite bathrooms with Envirovision wall televisions. The master suite is designed with a concealed television lift, walk-in his-and-hers wardrobes, en-suite wetroom and an elevated Jacuzzi reached via a staircase. Two more en suite bedrooms are on the third floor.

The luxurious leisure suite on the ground floor boasts a 13m x 4m swimming pool, eight-person Jacuzzi, seating area with a flat screen television point, a changing room and an air-conditioned gym. There's also a cinema room.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/unfN8v ; 01625 881087