I grew up surrounded by architecture and construction, so that may explain why my family has a predilection for strange houses. In a profession centered around creating the same thing over and over again, desiring something different is to be expected. For example, for as long as I can remember, my dad has had a fantasy about owning a home that is, at least exterior-wise, a nice replica of the Millennium Falcon. My mom, in the meantime, has always talked about having a Gaudi-esque earthship house–and my sister wants to eventually retire in a Hobbit house masked in the side of a hill. As for me? I know I would want something unique to me, but I’m too indecisive to make a final decision.
If you also want a house that sings you but aren’t quite sure where to start, here are a few very unique homes located across Arizona that may inspire you. Check them out!
1. Let’s start this list with a look at a unique cave house in Bisbee.
- Cosanti, Paradise Valley
Jacqueline Poggi/Flickr
Rusty Blazenhoff/Flickr
leesean/Flickr Built by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, it served as his studio, gallery, and home until his 2013 death. It is known for his signature arcology style and for working directly with the earth to cool and heat the house during different seasons.
- David & Gladys Wright House, Phoenix
Photo via davidwrighthouse.org Built towards the end of his career, this house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and sits in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. The home has a design that is reminiscent of both the Guggenheim and Gammage Auditorium. The original owners’ grandchildren inherited the house, who in turn sold it to a developer who planned to demolish the home. It was later purchased by another company that is restoring the home and turning it into an attraction similar to Taliesin West. You can scheduled a tour at the foundation’s website.
4. This golfball house in Yucca once started as a development landmark project that never came to fruition.
Jacqueline Poggi/Flickr
Rusty Blazenhoff/Flickr
leesean/Flickr
Built by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, it served as his studio, gallery, and home until his 2013 death. It is known for his signature arcology style and for working directly with the earth to cool and heat the house during different seasons.
Photo via davidwrighthouse.org
Built towards the end of his career, this house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and sits in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. The home has a design that is reminiscent of both the Guggenheim and Gammage Auditorium. The original owners’ grandchildren inherited the house, who in turn sold it to a developer who planned to demolish the home. It was later purchased by another company that is restoring the home and turning it into an attraction similar to Taliesin West. You can scheduled a tour at the foundation’s website.
- Mystery Castle, Phoenix
Michael Martin/Flickr
Michael Martin/Flickr Strange and definitely not up to city code, the Mystery Castle was built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley, inspired by the sandcastles he used to build with his daughter. Gulley initially thought he was going to die from tuberculosis and left his Seattle family in 1927 but did not die until nearly two decades later. The castle was left to his wife and daughter after his death and they later moved into the home.
- Tovrea Castle, Phoenix
Aaron Fellmeth Photography/Flickr
- Taliesin West, Scottsdale
Jan Messersmith/Flickr
Daniel Hooker/Flickr
Melissa Mahoney/Flickr Arguably one of FLW’s most famous residences, Taliesin West served as his winter home, studio, and school. You could see it as his love letter to the desert based on how the building is situated to work with the landscape and even, to a degree, mimics elements of the land. Since he used the home in the winter months, the build was designed to make the best use of sunlight for his studio.
What would your ideal fantasy home look like? I’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Michael Martin/Flickr
Strange and definitely not up to city code, the Mystery Castle was built in the 1930s by Boyce Luther Gulley, inspired by the sandcastles he used to build with his daughter. Gulley initially thought he was going to die from tuberculosis and left his Seattle family in 1927 but did not die until nearly two decades later. The castle was left to his wife and daughter after his death and they later moved into the home.
Aaron Fellmeth Photography/Flickr
Jan Messersmith/Flickr
Daniel Hooker/Flickr
Melissa Mahoney/Flickr
Arguably one of FLW’s most famous residences, Taliesin West served as his winter home, studio, and school. You could see it as his love letter to the desert based on how the building is situated to work with the landscape and even, to a degree, mimics elements of the land. Since he used the home in the winter months, the build was designed to make the best use of sunlight for his studio.
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