The 10 Coolest Homes from around the World

Upside Down House, Poland

This home was built by Polish businessman Daniel Czapiewski as a statement about the “backwardness” he perceived in the country under the Soviet regime. The inside is also decorated in typical Soviet fashion–but upside down of course. Nowadays the house is open to visitors, who are able to enter and walk on the ceiling (the floor?).

“Crazy House,” Vietnam

This bizarre architectural feat known popularly as the “crazy house” was built in 1990 as a pet project by a local architect–but the design, which incorporates many natural elements including animals, mushrooms, and a giant tree trunk, proved to be more expensive than anticipated. As such, a section of the home has acted as a guest house for tourists since the late 90s.

Toilet House, South Korea

This home was constructed by one Sim Jae-duck, founder of the–you guessed it–World Toilet Association. As ridiculous as it might sound, the foundation did a lot of good work promoting improved sanitation facilities around the world. The home acted as his private residence until his death in 2009; it was then bequeathed to the government and has since become a toilet museum.

Shoe House, South Africa

Do you remember the nursery rhyme about the little old lady who lived in a shoe? Well it looks like you’re not alone, as local artist Ron Van Zyl decided to construct this home for his wife in 1990. It’s now part of a complex that includes an art museum, campground, bar, and more.\

Bio-Climatic Solar House, France

This home, located in eastern France, brings “environmentally-friendly” to a whole new level. The house’s angle and glass facade work so that the home remains warm in the winter and relatively cool during other parts of the year, avoiding the energy expenditures normally associated with homes in this part of the world.

Crocodile House, Ivory Coast

At first glance, this home actually does look like a crocodile–but trust us, this house is real and people live here. It was initially built by artist Moussa Kalo, and after his passing it was taken over by one of his apprentices who continues its upkeep.

Boeing 727 House, Costa Rica

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home located just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is available to rent–for a price. A night here costs more than a week would at most other local options, but you get what you pay for, right? The inside is incredible as well, totally refurbished and paneled with local wood.

Bubble House, France

This extravagant home located just outside of Cannes was specially designed and built for designer Pierre Cardin, who is not-so-surprisingly renowned for his own avant-garde tastes. It has apparently been the site of some of the region’s most debauched parties, which also somehow seems appropriate.

Clock Tower Penthouse, New York

This penthouse apartment is the result of a major overhaul of an old clock tower in Brooklyn, New York. It seems that the developers are still looking for a tenant–I wonder why? The asking price is only $18 million.

Transparent House, Japan

Do you feel like you just have way too much privacy in your life? Well then maybe you’ve finally found the home for you! This Tokyo home was apparently inspired by the idea of living in a tree–though how exactly the two concepts are connected is still a little bit hazy to us.