Which Oblivion house will give me the fastest time from fast travel to chests?
I always used Rosethorn hall, it is a slightly shorter walk and huge advantage against the waterfront house is that you don't need to go to another area for the shops (the less loading screens the merrier :)). This advantage counts for all houses outside the imperial city. However, it is the most expensive house to buy (25,000 gold).
I think, the houses with the shortest walk distances are the Bruma house and Arborwatch (Chorrol). Easiest to buy is the Bruma house.
Worst choise is probably the Leyawiin house, or Benirus Manor.