Where is it? The mansion sits in the affluent north London suburb of Hadley Wood. The neighbourhood is a haven for celebrities, including former X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

The singer first lived there when she was married to footballing defender Ashley Cole and has returned to the area since, including in 2011 following her dramatic exit from the US version of the show.

Why is the house featured in the X Factor? For the next 10 weeks, the luxury property will be home to the 12 competition finalists while they battle it out in the live shows to win the X Factor crown.

What's it like? First impressions count and with its sweeping driveway and electrically-operated wrought iron gates, this pad doesn't disappoint.

The house has six bedrooms and four bathrooms. The master bedroom comes with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, which is likely to mean the 12 residents drawing lots to see who gets it.

Inside it's modern and spacious, boasting features such as Lutron lighting, underfloor heating, Italian Keller kitchen and solid oak doors throughout.

Outside, there's a clipped lawn, brick-built barbecue and first-floor balcony which offers views across the heart of London.

How much does it cost to rent? The property was last listed for rent in January this year for a cool £13,498 a month, according to Zoopla. Rumour has it the owner is former rugby union star Kyran Bracken.

What about to buy? Its estimated value is an eye-watering £3.6m, according to Zoopla.

What’s the area like? The cost of the average home in Hadley Wood stands at £678,960. While that might seem paltry compared with this year’s X Factor house, it's still more than double the £295,368 UK average.

Property values in the Hadley Wood area have climbed £187,924, or 38.3 per cent in the past five years, according to Zoopla data.

Camlet Way is the most expensive street in the neighbourhood, with property typically fetching £3.1m.

Other top exclusive streets nearby include Beech Hill, where home values have hit £2.9m; Pagitts Grove, where property prices average £2.5m; and Beech Hill Avenue, where mansions go for £2.4m.

Anything else? The 24-hour security, imposing gates and vast properties in this corner of London allude to its celebrity cachet. Little wonder that it has attracted the likes of pop stars Kimberley Walsh and Emma Bunton and footballer Robbie Keane.

But it's in a handy spot too. Regular train services connect Hadley Wood with London's Moorgate in just 30 minutes, while nearby Cockfosters is at the end of the Piccadilly Tube line. The nearby M25 offers a nifty road link to all major motorways and London airports.

The house lets this year's X Factor contestants enjoy a taste of the high life - and they're all sure to be dreaming of nailing it for real.