The Quirky Edition!
Whether you’re enjoying hot summer nights in cottage country or are on an epic cross-country road trip, it’s time for a little less serious and a lot more silly! So, let’s forget the market reports for now and get ready to peek at some of the world’s most unusual houses – including a few local gems that’ll make you look twice.
| Perched on a rock in the Drina River, near the western Serbian town of Bajina Basta (about 160 km from Belgrade), is one of the world’s most unique homes. This unlikely house was built in 1968 by a group of young men who simply decided the rock was the perfect spot for a tiny shelter. I like it! |
In the village of Miziara, Lebanon, you’ll find homes that truly stand out – from ancient Greek temples and Egyptian ruins to this one, built in the shape of an Airbus A380. The average cost for such an airplane house, including the plane itself, land, and all utilities like plumbing and electrical, ranges from about $35,000 to $55,000 USD, including the cost to transport the aircraft from the scrapyard. Seems cheap to me!
| In Abidjan, Ivory Coast, architect Thierry Atta lives in a truly unique home: a massive, hollowed-out crocodile statue. Completed in 2008 by artist Moussa Kalo (who sadly passed before its finish), Atta, his apprentice, now calls this fully livable concrete reptile his home. The weirdest house? Maybe… |
| Near Salzburg, Austria, stands an incredible 900 SF, 3-story home. Designed by Markus Voglreiter in 2003, it’s famously inspired by Porsche’s 1935 Beetle and was built primarily from pine wood on a cement foundation. Its best feature? At night, the bedroom windows light up like headlights! Zoom zoom.. |
| This incredible giant seashell house in Mexico City, built in 2006, is a true joy. Its dozens of colored mosaics flood the indoors with light, while its thoughtful design—full of plants and natural light—immerses occupants in a wilderness feel yet offering all the features of a modern home. Pretty sweet! |
| The iconic Bubble Palace (Palais Bulles), near Cannes, was designed by Antti Lovag in the 1970s and was later acquired by fashion designer Pierre Cardin. It’s unique, interconnected bubble-shaped design offers organic architecture and stunning sea views. This creative venue is highly sought for fashion shows and other events. I want an invite! |
In China’s Huainan City, a glazed building shaped like a giant violin leaning against a piano stands as a striking landmark. Built in 2007 by architectural students from Hefei University of Technology, the transparent violin features escalators leading to the main piano structure. The piano, built from hundreds of black and white glass panels to mimic keys, has two concert halls. This iconic structure has become a major tourist attraction, famously dubbed ‘the most romantic building in China’, where newlyweds often pose for photos. Congratulations!
In Pennsylvania stands one of the world’s most unique homes: The Shoe House. Built in 1949 by Mahlon N. Haines, the “Shoe Wizard,” this three-story house is cleverly designed to look like a giant boot, complete with laces and a heel, earning it global attention. Hmm, not sure about this one, although I do love shoes!
Up until 1993, the 2-story building on Clinton St. in Toronto was just another unassuming house. As the owner suffered a debilitating injury, he opted to use his extra time to decorate his home with a vast hodgepodge of knick-knacks, glass marbles and perhaps most notably, circular pieces of wood, hence its apt name – the Wood-Cake House. I wouldn’t want to live next door though…
Inspired by Rotterdam’s design, two Toronto architects built a cluster of three cube houses on Eastern Avenue in Toronto in 1996. Not expanded beyond their original number, the land was sold in 2018 for redevelopment. While there were hopes to save and relocate them, unfortunately, they’ve since been demolished. So sad…
