Mid-Century, Victorian, Mediterranean, A-Frame, Architectural – comfort and allure come in many forms. Architects are the creators of these emotions, with their combinations of materials, angles, light and interaction that are reflected in our homes. But a truly exceptional property requires more than a large house, as noted Allied buildings. Views, geography and customization of materials are just a few of the many criteria needed to create a true masterpiece.
Additionally, the architects responsible for these projects all sought to push the boundaries of the envelope and design of what could be achieved in these spaces. The homes we are going to review are scattered all over the world and encompass a variety of styles. They all feature character, history, otherworldly design elements, and incredible terrain – and you can even enjoy a few of them, some more affordable than others. Here are 20 incredible homes you’ll be dying to stay in that showcase the skills and sensibilities of the iconic architect.
1. The industrial with the natural
The Rio House is a one-bedroom minimalist home on the edge of Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, designed by Olson Kundig. Its harsh, elevated geometric lines contrasting with the striking nature of the park make it a home that immediately connects the occupant to the beauty of the surrounding forest.
2. The Mansion on a Hill
Architect Edward T. Foulkes designed The Pittock Mansion, a French Renaissance estate for Henry Pittock, who was the former editor of The Oregonian. Known as Pittock’s “Mansion on a Hill”, the Portland Estate was completed in 1914 and boasts over 15,000 square feet and 22 rooms of late Victorian excellence.
3. The theater
The Avery Coonley Theater is a warm and inviting two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence in Riverside, Illinois, originally built in 1912. It is one of the Frank Lloyd Wrightand features some of his “kinder-symphony” stained glass – a modernist detail of colorful geometric patterns that are among Wright’s greatest contributions to architecture.
4. A retro-futuristic palace
Originally built by Antti Lovag, Bubbles Palace, also known as Bubble Palace, is a 13,000 square foot psychedelic trip to the French Riviera. Full of curves and circular design, this retro-futuristic home is absolutely mesmerizing. Spread over six levels, with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, this property took 14 years to complete.
5. Blink and you’ll miss it
The Malator House is an example of an earthen house, discreetly assimilated to a Welsh grassy hill. Created by Jan Kaplicky and Amanda Levete of Future Systems in 1998, it was originally built for a former member of parliament to provide privacy. On one side, the owner can enjoy magnificent greenery. On the other, a view of the ocean awaits you.
6. Geometric views of the vineyard
The View Hill House by Denton Corker Marshall is a modern home overlooking the Yarra Valley wine vineyards in Victoria, Australia. Its industrial materials like concrete and pre-rusted red steel pay homage to the beauty of wine country, while providing an almost alien aesthetic. Who wouldn’t want to drink wine here for a weekend?
7. Ancient Wonders
Casa Organica was built in Naucalpan, Mexico by architect Javier Senosiain to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. With soft earth tones, gravity-defying structures, and a focus on organic modern forms, this home simultaneously looks like 10,000 BCE or 10,000 years in the future.
8. Mid-Century Eclectic
Just outside of Lambertville, New Jersey is The Lambertville Wave. Originally designed by Jules Gregory in 1960, this incredible mid-century home exudes warmth and thoughtful palettes of blues, oranges and stones with an irresistible intimacy. Topped with a wave-like rolling wood, this home is not to be missed.
9. Mykonos meets Mexico
Originally created by Eduardo Ocampo, this Mexican Airbnb known as The shell house is not far from the Cancun airport and looks like building plans shared by Atlantis and Beverly Hills. Draped in natural stone materials, radiant light and soft architectural forms, this is the conch mansion of your dreams.
10. A Gingerbread Masterpiece
The Villa Sommerfeld is a stunning alpine home designed by Richard Ermisch. It sounds like something out of a storybook, and it’s not hard to see why this property is under historic preservation. Comfortable, yet generously proportioned, it’s a European getaway waiting to happen.
11. Modern cabin in the sky
Casa Asolo is nothing short of breathtaking. Designer Saymon Dall Alba Arquiteto uses warm woods and crisp modern finishes, with tons of glass to bring southern Brazil’s Cerro da Glória right into your kitchen. Moody, earthy and smooth, this is an incredible retreat.
12. Most Wanted Malibu
Designed by the iconic Harry Gesner, eagle watch offers one of the most breathtaking views in Malibu. With its Japanese-inspired roof, incredible landscaping and striking architecture, this residence has it all.
13. Telluric Paradise
Designed by Michale Fuller, this ski retreat is not to be missed. Known as The domain, this open concept masterpiece features exquisite glass architecture, stunning natural light and warm wood finishes for days on end. Featuring a hot tub and stunning mountain views, it will only cost $10,000 a night to rent!
14. Colorful Desert Bricks
Any mid-century enthusiast would kill for a night at this wonderfully unique venue Ball Paylore House, created by architect Arthur T. Brown. Built in 1952, the combination of unique painted bricks, soft warm woods and neutral concrete floors creates an unforgettable aesthetic that was way ahead of its time.
15. Contemporary Ocean Perfection
A Portuguese contemporary jewelry is minutes from the ocean in Faro and features a custom Gagenau kitchen, spice garden and fruit trees. With six bedrooms and a large swimming pool, this Marc Gispert-designed retreat is European luxury at its finest.
16. Naturalistic Perfection
Quite simply, Waterfall by Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the greatest American houses ever created. An otherworldly marriage of the natural world and the organic architecture that was so ahead of its time, this property sits in southwestern Pennsylvania and is now part of the United States World Heritage List. UNESCO.
17. Earthly Greetings
Finnish architect Matti Suuronen has combined Kubrick’s science fiction and utilitarian design with Futuro House. Built in 1968, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom structure can be assembled by just a few people in a few hours.
18. A safari like no other
Created by Demo Salerno, the N’Wambu Lodge in South Africa offers an intimate look at nature safari from the comfort of a luxury villa. With exquisite African architectural influence and immaculate indoor and outdoor living, this is an unforgettable vacation in the making.
19. A Santa Monica Wonder
Frank Gehry is an iconic architect known for the incredible building he created, such as the Dancing House in Prague and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His residence in Santa Monica, California – a modified Dutch colony – is also an architectural marvel, where he raised his family with his wife.
20. Glass and Green
The glass house by Philip Johnson in New Canaan, Connecticut is a stellar work from 1948. With serene countryside landscapes and stunning mid-century design, it’s a wonder this was built so long ago.
Comments are closed.