6 Unique Homes You Can Own

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Erik Weinbrecht

Among today’s burgeoning suburbs and made-to-order homes, a one-of-a-kind property catches the eye. Whether through a bespoke bamboo terrace or impeccably-preserved French Revolution-era décor, a truly unique home announces itself in the details, in unexpected flourishes and hidden charms that astonish and delight. When an original design comes along, prospective buyers stand up and take note. Never one to blend, these uncommon homes are full of the finishing touches you won’t find anyplace else, no builder catalog required.

The Upgraded Mountain Lodge, Beaver Creek, Colorado

Mick Kelly, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

This modern Beaver Creek build reinterprets and transcends all the rustic, live-off-the-land grit of the traditional mountain home. Awash in American-country design, every room is warm, charming, and perfectly homey, even on the snowiest days. Of particular note: the three-level submersible pool with dramatic oceanic murals, crafted by Cirque du Soleil
engineers, and the 1,674-square-foot terrace offering sweeping mountain views.

The Incredible Equestrian Villa, Seville, Spain

Angeles Guerrero, Kristina Szekely Sotheby’s International Realty

Just 15 minutes from Seville stands this incomparable 3,000-square-meter cortijo, a window into the past. Across 152 hectares, the estate encompasses a bull ring with hand-carved Mexican woodwork, a beautifully-decorated hermitage for religious celebrations, and a pavilion complete with cinema, flamenco tablao, billiard area, decorated bar, sprawling swimming pool, and two dressage rings. Livestock, bullfighter costumes, and horse-drawn carriages come with the home, so you can revisit 1929 at your leisure.

The Revolution-Era Dream House, Chantilly, France

Alexandre Abitbol, Paris Ouest Sotheby’s International Realty

Romance is alive and well on the grounds of La Faisanderie du Grand Conde. Dating back to 1774, the property was inaugurated by the Duchess of Bourbon prior to the French Revolution in 1789. Today, the 17th-century details remain amongst modern upgrades, chandeliers and statues commingling with refurbished antiques, a magnificent French garden with ponds, multiple terraces, and a swimming pool.

The Modern and Tranquil Glass House, Hokkaido, Japan

List Sotheby’s International Realty

Whether  enjoying views of lush trees from the comfort of an indoor hinoki wood tub in spring or reading a book by the fire while the snow falls in the winter, you’ll be at one with nature in this custom-built home in Hirafu Village. A gorgeous blend of glass, concrete, and steel, this is a property that marries comfort and design (and was voted one of Japan’s top 200 homes for just that reason). Floor-to-ceiling windows let in much more than light—namely, panoramic views of Niseko and Mount Yōtei in the distance.

The Ultimate Beach Villa, Queensland, Australia

Joseph Lordi and Douglas Tonkin, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

Australia’s Sunshine Coast is unlike anywhere else in the world, and there’s no better way to experience it than inviting its rays and ocean breeze right in. Bright blue Pacific waters are just beyond the infinity pool perched at the edge of this hilltop house. Across four levels, indoor-outdoor entertaining is at its peak with a sprawling terrace overlooking the township below. Elsewhere, a retro breakfast booth, master suite spa, and 12-car garage make a masterful impression, as does the short-and-sweet walk to the beach below.

The Laid Back Coastal Gem, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Sabrina Majello, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

Steps up the coastal rock of the famous Amalfi Coast, bathed in the light from the shining blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, waits Villa Pieds dans l’eau (feet in the water). This incredible home was once a rope factory, until the Chandon family turned it into a private residence under the careful watch of Spanish architect Julio Lafuente, who merged the factory building with a stone house in the back, once owned by Coco Chanel herself. A love of outdoor living was top priority for the Chandons, and the beautiful bamboo-roofed terrace remains the crown jewel of a beautiful home composed of natural rock walls, bright white and sea blue decor, and a spiral stone staircase leading to eight bedrooms, each with their own sea view.

These six unique homes blend history, design, and setting in unforeseen ways, making them some of the most sought-after properties in the world.

Find your own unique abode from among the best the world has to offer, and get the inside track on the latest show-stopping homes on the market today.