Prettiest House in the world
Set on 189 feet of ocean frontage on the Kona Kohala Coast, this home's cool, covered patios alone offer as much living space as a modest house – more than 1, 000 square feet. But nothing wowed us more than the infinity pool, designed so seamlessly that it almost looks like an extension of the surrounding ocean waters.
Modern Houseboat: Seattle
This sleek, contemporary houseboat by architect Jim Olsen offers only 1, 000 square feet of living space. But with wraparound windows, epic skyline views, luxury amenities and of course waterfront access, this tiny gem packs a serious design punch. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Sandcastle Estate: Bridgehampton, N.Y.
Behind its timeless façade, this 31, 000-square foot residence is an over-the-top playground equipped with every amenity imaginable. Just a sampling of what you'll find inside: a two-lane bowling alley, a virtual golf simulator, a skateboard half pipe, a rock climbing wall, a gym and a complete spa facility. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
American Horror Story Home: Los Angeles
This historic mansion is more than just a home – it's a celebrity. Built in 1908 by architect Alfred F. Rosenheim as his own personal residence, the 14, 000-square-foot estate has served as a filming location for dozens of movies and television shows, including The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Twilight Zone and, most recently, American Horror Story. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Balinese-Inspired Villa: Tortola, British Virgin Islands
This island paradise pairs classic design elements with tropical-inspired features. At night, the pool and patio areas create a soothing and comfortable ambiance. Paired with the picturesque view, it's reason enough to have evening cocktails outdoors. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Grand Home Theater: Slinger, Wis.
This French Provincial estate boasts the best of luxuries, including a theater, wine cellar and library. The theater boasts a classic purple and gold color palette paired with cherrywood panels and columns. Designed to seat 20, the space mirrors the style of the 1920s.
Trocadéro Duplex: Paris, France
Located on the fourth and fifth floors of a prestigious freestone building, this outstanding duplex apartment boasts large reception areas on both levels. French doors open off the living area onto the balcony, which offers expansive vistas of the city and Eiffel Tower. The 11, 345-square-foot apartment was originally built in 1900 and contains 20 rooms.
Moroccan-Inspired Condo: Miami
Saudi Shiek Saoud Al-Shaalan hired 27 Moroccan artisans and craftsmen to transform this Miami penthouse into an over-the-top, Arabian-style palace with architectural elements similar to the Taj Majal in India. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Indonesian-Inspired Retreat: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Take a dip in the infinity pool or kick back poolside while taking in the picturesque ocean views at this secluded home in Costa Rica. A 150-meter walk from the home takes you to the private access on the beach of Espadilla. The property is surrounded by 50 acres of reserve and sprawling oceanfront views.
John Lautner's Stevens House: Malibu, Calif.
Built in 1967, this striking home was noted architect John Lautner's first design in Malibu. Situated on 37 feet of sandy beach, the house was created to resemble the nearby ocean waves. It's now a California State Cultural Landmark.
Mediterranean-Style Villa: Costa Smeralda, Italy
This eclectic Mediterranean villa, designed by architect Jean Claude Lesuisse, draws inspiration from its surrounding environment. Local materials were used throughout the construction, and landscaping relies on vegetation native to the region.
Stonebrook Court Manor: Los Altos Hills, Calif.
Originally built in 1914 by Percy Morgan, an Englishman who moved to San Francisco, this lavish estate was based on a true Tudor mansion called Speke Hall near Liverpool. The home boasts magnificent details throughout, including this ballroom ceiling that was bought from a Venice palazzo. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Exotic Retreat: Chiang Mai, Thailand
This unique property consists of seven pavilions which can be used as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, guest rooms or simply relaxation. The buildings are surrounded by 3.95 acres of beautiful, professionally landscaped grounds, as well as several pools and ponds.
Farley Garrison House: Gilmanton, N.H.
Originally built in 1665 in Massachusetts, this Pilgrim-era saltbox garrison-style home was carefully dismantled and reconstructed on a breathtaking 12-acre property in New Hampshire. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Hillside Villa: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Known as Villa Venado, this stunning home is located within the manicured hillside of the gated upper Garza Blanca residential community. With more than 10, 000 square feet, the villa provides generous entertainment areas, as well as wraparound balconies, an abundance of bedrooms and a gorgeous pool area.
Lavish Mansion: Marrakech, Morocco
Riad “The Secret” is situated in the neighborhood of Dar el Bacha, which is considered best part of the old town of Marrakech. The 23, 681-square-foot property is located in the heart of the ancient city, yet its accessible by car through a private three-car garage for maximum privacy. Lounge outdoors Moroccan style in this private patio area.
15-Passenger Train: Phoenix, Ariz.
This elegant pueblo revival-style home boasts a resort-like backyard complete with 15+-passenger train that encircles the property. Train tracks weave their way past expansive green lawns and lush landscaping filled with cypress trees and citrus groves.
Rotunda Penthouse: new York
This pre-war penthouse in Tribeca's historic American Thread Building features a stunning rotunda that's 28 feet in diameter and has 25-foot ceilings. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Fully Equipped Fitness Facility: Aspen, Colo.
No, this isn't a private gym – it's an impressive home in Aspen with a 13, 000-square-foot stand-alone fitness facility. The stunning estate also sports an 8-stall stable and a main house complete with steam room and children’s wing.
Legendary Beverly House: Beverly Hills, Calif.
At $600, 000 per month, this estate was rumored to be the highest priced residential rental in L.A. history. For the hefty fee, you get full use of the 3.7-acre estate that includes 17 bedrooms, 29 bathrooms, two lavish screening rooms, an art deco nightclub and a two-story library with hand-carved bookshelves and a wraparound balcony. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
Subterranean Garage: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Underneath this waterfront home, a James Bond-style subterranean garage hosts multiple vehicles. The cement floor, bold color and industrial details showcase the home’s contemporary design.
Private Observatory: Coral Gables, Fla.
This lavish property features a long list unusual amenities, including a private observatory with a telescope that overlooks approximately 900 linear feet of prime waterfront. The home also includes a theater, game room, watchmaking room, dark room, two-story sewing room and shooting range.
Indoor Hockey Rink: Orono, Minn.
This two-acre property is stocked with features for the sports lover, from a putting green and pool with diving board outside, to a golf simulator and incredible hockey arena inside. Take a Photo Tour of This Home >
One With Nature: Los Angeles
Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, this home takes advantage of its warm and sunny locale with an indoor/outdoor bathroom with retractable glass walls. A plant-lined path leads to the serene space, which features a jetted tub and a shower. This cutting-edge home also comes with a state-of-the-art kitchen, a movie theater, a gym and a massage room.