Who would buy a domed house? This one in Ontario’s cottage country is $889,000

Does the shape of a house matter?

This 2,700 square foot home in the shape of a geodesic dome, priced at $889,000, is located in Oro-Mendote, Ont.., a region cut between Barrie and Orillia.

Rated four times this year, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom “bungaloft” is set in a quiet and private community and located in Simcoe Cottage County.

The unique property, built in 1971, went on sale for around $1 million on Jan. 6, records show. A few weeks later, the listing was terminated and re-listed at $899,999 at the end of January. After this listing was terminated, it was listed for $10,000 less, at $889,999.

Still no buyers.

According to David Sussman, real estate agent and member of the Toronto Real Estate Board, this property is aimed at a very specific buyer, due to its shape and location.

“You have to like this look and want to be in this neighborhood,” he said.

While someone may be thinking of living here, a better fit, Sussman says, would be someone who bought the property to rent out on a short-term basis, on Airbnb, for example.

“I think someone would look at this house and say, ‘What a cool place to stay for a week. “”

Also, with properties up north, in cottage areas, it’s important to test septic systems, says Sussman.

“You have to make sure (these systems) have enough space for the number of bathrooms and bedrooms. These are not easy sells,” Sussman analyzed, referring to the cost associated with cottage properties in the North.

While this might be a property for a niche audience, its unique shape has its advantages.

Geodesic domes use 30% less material to build homes, a better solution for the environment, and are able to hold back wind, rain, snowstorms and northern weather, Sussman says.

“Architecturally, people love these because of the solidity of the building,” Sussman added.

Since the start of the pandemic, many have expressed a desire for more space, as evidenced by higher prices and dwindling supply of cottage properties.

On the listing, the domed home boasts of being an “architectural splendour,” outfitted with renovations and brand new appliances. It also has a large lot and is “walking distance to Lake Simcoe… boat launches, ski runs, hiking and freeway access,” the listing continues.

“Ceilings soar to a height of 16.5 feet in the stunning open concept space,” it read.