X Factor Judges' Houses: inside the chosen French château, Cotswolds barnhouse, Rome villa and Los Angeles pad

X Factor judges took their groups off for the filming of Judges' Houses earlier this month and beautiful houses in breathtaking surroundings in different parts of the globe were chosen for the high-pressured weekend as the final pick for the live shows was chosen. Simon Cowell and his group of Overs headed to a 15th-century château in the south of France, while Cheryl Fernandez-Versini went for a stunning property in Rome. Rita Ora flew her Girls to Los Angeles, and Nick Grimshaw chose a staycation in the Cotswolds house designed by Kate Moss.

Simon personally hand-picked the traditional French château in the heart of the Loire Valley where he stayed for two nights with the group of Overs and his guest judge, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.

But it seems there was one additional visitor at the 16-bedroom property – which features a pool house, spa, vast gardens, underground chambers, orchards and a moat – a ghost.

The 56-year-old confirmed to Xtra Factor host Rochelle Humes that he saw a supernatural presence while they were recording at the enchanting house, whose previous music icon guests include Mick Jagger and ACDC’s Brian Johnson and which is available to rent on HomeAway.There were no reports of additional hopefuls at the charming waterfront house where Cheryl and her guest judge Jess Glynne – who this year became the second British female solo artist after Cheryl to become the British Solo Female with most number one singles – enjoyed the Italian sun.

When she wasn't working with her Groups, Cheryl was lapping up the luxuries of the plush Villa Elda in the foothills of Rome. She shared a glimpse of the spectacular view from her room with fans on Instagram, with the caption: "Rome. Room with a view #xfactor #judgeshomes #luckygirl. "Rita Ora flew further afield with the Girls, taking them Stateside to stunning LA with US sensation Meghan Trainor. As well as fighting for a place in the live shows at the mansion’s pool side, the girls managed to do some sightseeing and were pictured posing in front of the iconic Hollywood sign and enjoying the beautiful Venice Beach.

The five-bedroom "barnhouse" boasts a spacious outdoor entertaining deck, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool and luxurious finishings personally chosen by the model.

Nick Grimshaw, meanwhile, joined forces with DJ and producer Mark Ronson to whittle down the boys in a property situated between the hills and valleys of rural Cotswolds. Images of the boys performing show the charming interior and exterior of the property, which appears to be the house designed by supermodel Kate Moss.

The X Factor judges' houses stage airs on 24 and 25 October.