Extravagant homes tend to share a few common characteristics. Some use the same color scheme or identical build materials, while others stick to classic style conventions. But there are some mansions that are one-of-a-kind, and we’ve found several that fit the bill perfectly.
After a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of unique mansions, we’ve returned with ten of the strangest, most captivating examples of architecture we could find. Some may be luxury poker player homes, while others may be the dreamchild of an avant-garde architect. Read on to find 10 of the most unique solo works of art.
1. Palais Bulles: Théoule-sur-Mer, France
Palais Bulles, otherwise known as “Bubble Palace”, is a 13,000-square-foot abode designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag. Lovag is famous for his use of flowing lines and curved edges, and one look at this mansion confirms the root of his fame. There are no straight lines in the architecture, which is incredibly impressive when you consider how large Palais Bulles is. It has a reception hall, 10 bedrooms, an open-air amphitheater, and several pools and waterfalls, with not a single straight line in sight.
2. Dar Al Hajar: Wadi Dhar, Yemen
Few mansions hold as much rustic charm and feats of engineering as Dar Al Hajar. It’s a five-storey structure built into a gigantic rock, in the middle of the desert, with a unique air-cooling system and multiple secret passages to boot.
Once a royal palace and summer retreat for the ruler of Yemen, Dar Al Hajar is a tourist attraction nowadays. It’s highly unlikely that anyone will use it as a private residence in the future, but it still stands as one of the most unique mansions in the world.
3. The Steel House, Texas, USA
Unlike the other selections on our list, the Steel House didn’t have legions of construction workers and world-famous architects. Instead, it was built by one man, Robert Bruno, over a period of around 35 years, and the result is unlike any other structure you’ve seen before.
Built primarily out of blackened steel, Bruno’s masterpiece is a major drawcard for its hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Sadly, Bruno passed away before the construction was fully completed, and the property was left to his daughter in his will.
4. The Winchester Mystery House: California, USA
The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling collection of rooms and passageways, but that’s not the reason why it’s so famous. It’s got several unique architectural features, but the icing on the cake is that no master plan for the building has ever been found.
The mansion has custom plumbing, air-forced heating, and no less than three elevators. Combine these design choices with mysterious trap doors and hidden rooms, and it’s easy to see why the Winchester Mystery House is a major tourist attraction.
5. Capital Hill Residence: Moscow, Russia
Capital Hill Residence is straight out of a science fiction movie, and we mean that in the best way possible. Designed by Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, it’s everything you would want from a spaceship design, except for the fact that you can’t get it off the ground.
Located deep within the Barkhiva Forest, the structure is separated into two distinct sections; a lower section that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and a towering ‘navigation’ section that allows residents to witness majestic views of the entire area.
6. Antilia: Mumbai, India
6. Antilia: Mumbai, IndiaNamed after the mystical island of Antilia, this mansion is the most expensive private residence in the world. It boasts three helipads, a garage for over 150 cars, a health center, and several other elaborate amenities, like a snow room that can produce snowflakes!
Over 600 staff are required to maintain the insane abode, and it’s currently owned by one of the world’s wealthiest billionaires. It’s the epitome of wealth and status and the only building of its kind in existence.
7. The Desert House: Mojave Desert, California
If you’ve ever wanted a supervillain lair, this is the perfect home for you. The Desert House features some of the oddest design choices ever seen, and its bold features ring all the right bells.
It was designed by Kendrick Kellogg, and the entire structure took less than five years to finish. The interior design is just as alluring as the exterior structure, and every element of this mansion is simply exquisite.
8. Dr. Seuss House, Talkeetna, Alaska
The Dr. Seuss House isn’t related to the famed author of rhymes and riddles, but it’s understandable why locals would give it that nickname. Its lopsided design screams whacky ideas and wild ambition, but the creators managed to pull it off.
There are between 14 and 17 floors, depending on which angle you’re looking at it. Officially, the house is known as Goose Creek Tower, and it’s a private residence that took over 20 years to finish.
9. Bat Casa: San Miguel, Mexico
Bat Casa may not be the biggest residence in the world, but it more than makes up for that with oodles of charm and complete dedication to a singular theme. What it lacks in size is more than made up for with all the modern amenities you could ever need.
The property is situated in an ideal location, with terrific mountain views from an outdoor dining area. There’s a built-in gym too, and the house is even featured on San Miguel’s House & Garden Tour.
10. Falcon’s Nest, Arizona
Want to know what it feels like to see the world from the eyes of a bird of prey? The Falcon’s Nest will provide that experience. It’s the tallest private residence in North America, with a central tower that stretches more than 120 feet into the sky.
Phoenix resident and renowned architect Sukumar Pal, designed and built the Falcon’s Nest for himself. It’s a 6,2000-square-foot abode with 10 stories comprising various rooms, such as three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an entire level serving as a solarium.
