Getting a house is one of the biggest decisions a person has to make in life. Whether you plan to build one from the ground up or purchase a home that is ready for residents, you know you have to make strings of intelligent decisions to get this one right. It is quite understandable for people to be really thorough with the details of a home purchase, from architecture, interior designs, landscaping, as well as the kind of neighbors they will have if they choose to move in.
However, not all houses are designed to fit conventional standards. Some are constructed to satisfy peculiar interests and wants rather than to fit in. In extreme cases, these houses stand out so much that they managed to gain a certain degree of popularity with their unusual architecture and unconventional designs.
But a home is a home no matter how you build it and home is where the heart is, or so the adage goes. Here are the 10 peculiarly designed houses that carry very heavy price tags.
#10 Space Ship House, Tennessee: $119,000
If you believe in aliens and worship anything labeled “Sci-Fi”, then the Space Ship House in Chattanooga, Tennessee should spark your interest. Designed to actually look like a flying saucer from the 60s and 70s, the Spaceship House has a total of 2,000 square feet of living space, three bedrooms and two full baths. Its staircase is strategically placed to resemble a UFO’s underbelly ramp. Constructed right beside the scenic Tennessee River, the house treats its occupants and guests to exhilarating views and perhaps a chance to see an actual UFO make a landing.
#9 The Shoe House, Pennsylvania: $127,000
Just when you thought that shoe houses are only found in nursery rhymes, such a weird home does exist. Found in Hallam, Pennsylvania, the Shoe House was built in 1948 by shoe salesman Mahlon Haines as an advertising ploy. It is said that Haines approached an architect with a boot in hand and asked him to design a house in the shape of the boot. Once rented to an odd couple, the 5-storey Shoe House is now open to public tours. Current owners Carleen and Ronald Farabaugh bought the home in 2004 and are reported to be very happy with the attention the house is getting.
#8 The Nautilus House, Mexico City: $218,000
Designed and built to resemble a nautilus seashell, the Nautilus House is a tribute of Mexican architect Javier Senosiain to a concept that he calls “Bio-Architecture”. A strong advocate of the concept, Javier intends the unusual shape and design to inspire local people about history, tradition and cultural roots and how we are all one with nature. Certainly not your ordinary, conventional home, the Nautilus House is highlighted by its attractive wall speckled with stained glass. Inside, layered gardens of green shrubberies welcome those who enter this marvelous and imaginative home.
#7 The Mushroom House, Ohio: $349,000
Throughout the centuries, mushrooms have been said to be the shelter of choice for elves. But for architect Terry Brown, a professor of Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati, living in mushrooms is not limited to fairytale creatures. He built the Mushroom House in 1992 and it has served as Brown’s second home until 2006. Constructed using a myriad of materials in irregular shapes and sizes, such as wood, colored glass, shell, ceramics, and various metals, Brown built something many people find appealing and attractive despite its unusual approach. The Mushroom House is currently up for sale.
#6 Dog Bark Inn, Idaho: $1 Million
A house that is shaped like a beagle, the Dog Bark Inn is a two-bedroom suite erected in 2003 by chainsaw artists, Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin. The house is a product of the couple’s hardwork, who made a living carving folk-style dogs from wood and putting them up for sale.
#5 The Toilet-shaped House, South Korea: $1.1 Million
It is quite hard to imagine someone who wants to call a toilet their home. But for the late Sim Jae-Duck, former mayor of Suwon, South Korea, living in a toilet is not a problem at all. Sim was said to be born in a restroom, which may explain his inclination to that certain part of the house. And to make such inclination more visible, Sim erected a toilet-shaped two-story home back in 2007 to commemorate the inaugural meeting of the World Toilet Association. To fully appreciate its toilet shape, it is best that this 4,520 sq ft house is viewed from above.
#4 VW Beetle House, Austria: $1.4 Million
Master Builder Markus Voglreiter of Gigi, Austria may have a strong attachment to the Volkswagen Beetle model, which probably led him to building a house that resembled the said 4-wheeler. Completely finished in 2003, the VW Beetle house is not only an unconventional home; it is eco-friendly too. It is rigged with pro-environment features, including an energy efficient system.
#3 The Fallingwater, Pennsylvania: $2,7 Million
Constructed in 1935, this majestic house’s beauty stems from the fact that it is built atop a cascading waterfall. The house, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kauffman family, was intended to be the family’s vacation lodge beside the Bear Stream. While a view from the distance will give anyone a serene and beautiful sight, it’s hard to appreciate that there’s a waterfall underneath the house as its difficult to see it.
#2 The Steel House,Texas: $3 Million
The Steel House in Ransom Canyon, Texas took about 110 tons of steel and 23 years to build. This odd-looking house that juts in the wild landscape of Ransom Canyon was built by famed architect and sculptor Robert Bruno. Prior to Bruno’s death, the Steel House was featured in the Texas Country Reporter with Bob Phillips. Last year, the house appeared in the pages of Vogue magazine.
#1 Palace of Bubbles, France: $9 Million
Located in Southwest France, the Palace of Bubbles was constructed as a form of defiance by Antti Lovag against conventional architecture approaches and methodologies, particularly the concepts of lines and angles. This is clearly evident in the Palace of Bubbles, where contours and curves dominate the shape of the building. It parades 12,916 sq ft of living space and 28 rooms, with each having its own round bed. Despite being relatively new, the Ministry of Culture has declared Palace of Bubbles a historical monument.
How do these houses impact local real estate values?
Unconventional homes like these can influence property values and community appeal in surprising ways. While some might assume strange architecture could deter buyers or drive prices down, these unique homes can actually create value for neighboring properties. Here’s a closer look at the ways in which such unusual properties affect their local real estate market:
- Increased Tourism and Local Economy: Homes with eye-catching designs often become local landmarks, drawing visitors to the area. Increased tourism can positively impact local businesses, making the area more attractive to potential buyers looking for vibrant communities.
- Boosted Marketability: The presence of a famous or unique home can create a buzz that indirectly benefits nearby properties. Realtors may highlight proximity to these notable houses in their listings to attract buyers who are intrigued by the area’s distinctive character.
- Higher Property Value from Increased Interest: For certain neighborhoods, having an architecturally iconic property nearby can elevate the area’s appeal, which can lead to higher property values. Unique homes often attract affluent buyers, thereby increasing the market value of surrounding homes over time.
- Zoning and Building Inspiration: Local real estate trends can be influenced by unique homes, inspiring developers to introduce more innovative designs in the area. Unconventional architecture can pave the way for zoning adjustments or building incentives that attract other creative builds.
- Potential Challenges: While these homes can boost value and interest, they might also come with specific maintenance or HOA concerns for neighbors. Some communities might have mixed responses, especially if the design is polarizing, which can slightly affect market stability.
Key Insights
- Unique Architectural Styles: The article showcases 10 peculiarly designed houses, each with a unique architectural style and concept that defies conventional home designs.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: Many of these homes have historical or cultural significance, such as the Toilet-shaped House in South Korea commemorating the World Toilet Association and the Palace of Bubbles in France being declared a historical monument.
- Architectural Innovation: These homes highlight the creativity and innovation of their designers, incorporating elements like bio-architecture, eco-friendly features, and even designs inspired by everyday objects like shoes and cars.
- High Price Tags: Despite their unconventional designs, these homes carry hefty price tags, reflecting their unique appeal and the craftsmanship involved in their construction.
- Tourist Attractions: Some of these homes have become tourist attractions due to their unusual designs, such as the Shoe House in Pennsylvania and the Mushroom House in Ohio.
- Personal and Artistic Expression: The designs of these homes often reflect the personal interests and artistic expression of their creators, such as the Dog Bark Inn in Idaho created by chainsaw artists and the VW Beetle House in Austria inspired by a classic car model.
FAQ
- What is the most expensive house listed in the article?
The most expensive house listed is the Palace of Bubbles in France, valued at $9 million. It is known for its unique design dominated by curves and contours and has been declared a historical monument by the Ministry of Culture. - Why was the Toilet-shaped House in South Korea built?
The Toilet-shaped House was built by the late Sim Jae-Duck, former mayor of Suwon, to commemorate the inaugural meeting of the World Toilet Association. Sim’s fascination with restrooms stemmed from being born in one. - Who designed the Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania?
Fallingwater was designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kauffman family in 1935. The house is built atop a cascading waterfall and serves as a vacation lodge. - What makes the Mushroom House in Ohio unique?
The Mushroom House, designed by architect Terry Brown, features irregular shapes and a mix of materials like wood, glass, and ceramics. It resembles a mushroom and was used by Brown as his second home until 2006. - How did the Dog Bark Inn in Idaho come to be?
The Dog Bark Inn, shaped like a beagle, was created by chainsaw artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin. They built the house in 2003 as an extension of their work carving folk-style dogs from wood. - What inspired the design of the VW Beetle House in Austria?
The VW Beetle House was inspired by the Volkswagen Beetle car model. Master Builder Markus Voglreiter designed this eco-friendly house, which was completed in 2003 and features energy-efficient systems. - Are any of these homes available for public tours?
Yes, some of these homes, such as the Shoe House in Pennsylvania and the Mushroom House in Ohio, are open to public tours, allowing visitors to explore their unique designs and histories. - What is the purpose behind the Palace of Bubbles’ design?
The Palace of Bubbles was designed by Antti Lovag as a form of defiance against conventional architectural approaches. The design emphasizes contours and curves, rejecting traditional lines and angles. - How much steel was used to build the Steel House in Texas?
The Steel House in Ransom Canyon, Texas, used about 110 tons of steel. It was constructed by architect and sculptor Robert Bruno over a period of 23 years. - What is the significance of the Space Ship House in Tennessee?
The Space Ship House in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is designed to resemble a flying saucer from the 60s and 70s. It features a unique staircase resembling a UFO’s underbelly ramp and offers scenic views of the Tennessee River.
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Thanks For Sharing this Informative Post. The designs are extremely unique and definitely worth checking out.
Many of these houses are the product of their owners' whims, but the Nautilus House is different. It looks like a Gaudi work, more of an artist's inspired soul than a rich man's addled mind. That house is even more awesome at night and inside. Like you're a conus snail living in luxury.
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