The world is full of some quirky, crazy and bold homes that are anything but ordinary. From homes built into caves and cliffs to homes that test the limits of architecture, we’ve rounded up some of the most quirky and fascinating homes out there, with some even available to book for your next holiday escape!
Step into the Bioscleave House in The Hamptons, and you're walking into a world where every colour pops and every floor challenges your balance. With its 52-colour palette, this home is a living, breathing art piece that dares you to live more vividly. From the tangerine door to the cherry-red window frame, this place is a kaleidoscope that will keep you guessing as you wander through.
In the heart of a Polish pine forest, Circle Wood stands as a tribute to the beauty of nature. Wrapped in smooth Okume wood, this round home blends right in, changing its look with the seasons just like the forest itself - wow! Inside, with its airy atrium and big windows, it feels like you’ve stepped into your own private art gallery. It’s a unique twist on living that really gets to the heart of what it means to be in tune with nature.
Tucked away in the quaint village of Kvivik, you’ll find the Kvivik Igloos - charming little structures with a shape that will remind you of traditional igloos. These domes offer panoramic views of the Faroe Islands and have been designed with a mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering principles. The igloos not only integrate with the surrounding landscape but tick the boxes when it comes to sustainability. Looking at these igloos, we can’t help but feel like we’ve stepped into a storybook, ready to be whisked away into a fairytale.
Hovering above a glass factory in Pittsburgh, the Emerald Art Glass House is a sleek slice of modernism. With its steel frame and glass walls, this cantilevered beauty gives you uninterrupted views over Pittsburgh's south side. Owned and occupied by the owners of the below factory, the home allows for work and home life to blend, blurring the lines between the buzz of production and the calm of your personal space.
Burrowed into the Swiss landscape, Villa Vals is a secret retreat next to the famed Therme Vals. Only accessible through an underground tunnel, this home is a sanctuary of peace, offering breathtaking views without disturbing the pristine surroundings. It's a subterranean escape that connects you to the heart of nature without ever having to step outside.
Based in Tokyo, Transparent House breaks all the rules about privacy and walls, offering a living experience that's as open as it gets. Designed to symbolise modern high-density living in busy cities like Tokyo, this three-storey structure mimics the experience of being perched in a tree and brings a new twist to open-plan living…though you might find yourself pondering the value of curtains.
Tucked away in urban Miami is a treehouse that could very well be a scene from a Disney movie. Here, amidst the city's chaos, goats, pigs, and various farm animals roam freely around the property, adding to the enchantment and making you feel like you’re in the middle of a forest, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Claimed to be the world's narrowest house, Keret House is more of an architectural statement than a living space. Sandwiched between two buildings in Warsaw, this house measures a mere 133cm at its widest point. Its semi-transparent, windowless structure and multi-level interior, complete with basic living necessities, redefine the concept of compact living. More than just a place to live, Keret House was designed to be a statement on the adaptability and creativity of urban architecture.
For those dreaming of a tropical getaway, the Seashell House in Mexico is a shell-shaped spectacle. Built by artist Eduardo Ocampo, this home is a homage to the sea, with headboards, showers, and sinks all echoing the shape of shells. It’s a whimsical retreat that promises serenity, privacy, and direct access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
These homes, each quirky in their own way, let our imagination run wild. While they may be more extreme than what we're typically used to, they inspire us to think creatively about our own living spaces. So, while a seashell-shaped abode might not be in everyone's future, adding a personal touch to your space certainly should be.