Eccentric Homes Across The U.s.

Move Trends has featured all kinds of homes: celebrity homes, homes in the best places to live, green homes, the most expensive homes and more. In our search to bring you the latest real estate news, weve uncovered some rather odd homes we thought youd find interesting.

Geodesic Dome House - Ellicott City, MD. Would you like to be a dome owner? Well, there is one for sale on REALTOR.com for $340,000. According to The Buckminster Fuller Institute, the spherical structure of a dome is one of the most efficient interior atmospheres for human dwellings because air and energy are allowed to circulate without obstruction. Buckminster Fuller, an engineer, coined the term geodesic dome and designed them for the military and colleges. Now, companies sell dome home kits ready to be assembled. This listing is drawing a lot of attention on a street full of colonials and split-levels. According to the listing agent, the publics response has been mixed. One couple viewed the dome and he loved it, but she hated it. The sellers response - I guess were halfway there.

The Shoe House - Hellam, PA. There was an old man who constructed a shoehe had so much money, he didnt know what to do! Okay, perhaps he did know what to do; after all, shoes were his business, and business was good. Mahlon Haines, known both as the Shoe Wizard as well as an eccentric philanthropist, constructed the 25-ft tall, 47-ft long Shoe House in 1947 as a way to promote his business. The building was actually livable, and he was known to lend it free of charge to honeymooners. Legend also has it that he hired an architect, handed him a shoe, and said, build this. Since Haines death in 1962, the subsequent owners of the Shoe House have had big shoes to fill in keeping the house maintained. With a new paint job and light renovations, the landmark still stands today, along Route 30, delighting passerbys.

Bed and Breakfast Tree Houses AL, AR, HI, MS, OR, and WA. Putting aside the Swiss Family Robinson, would an adult stay in a tree house? It turns out that tree house accommodations, suitable for couples or groups, are quite popular across the U.S. Living 37-50 feet high in nature makes you feel small in comparison to the wonder and greatness of it all. You can also have a bit of luxury during your rugged stay as well many of these tree houses include a fireplace, jacuzzi, refrigerator, microwave, and cable TV.



Pyramid House, Wadsorth, IL. The six-story-tall, 17,000-square-foot Gold Pyramid House has to be one of the most bizarre homes ever constructed. It is a private residence, though it has been opened for tours and even operated a gift shop. Its builders, who describe their home as power, gold, mystery, exotic, and impressive, are subscribers to the 70s cult theory of pyramid power. Located on an island surrounded by a moat, the home features a 50-foot statue of King Tut, a metal palm tree and, a three-car garage topped by three smaller pyramids. It is believed to be the largest 24-karat gold-plated object in North America.

Cave House Festus, MO. Batman isnt the only one residing in a cave. The starting bid was $300,000 on this eBay listing for a 17,000 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, built in a cave. The location is formerly a concert venue where Bob Segar, Ike and Tina Turner, Ted Nugent, and other bands performed. As a matter of fact, the stage is still located in the back chamber of the home. It has three freshwater springs and 14 waterfalls on the 2.8 wooded property. Geothermal and passive solar keep the cave home comfortable year-round without a furnace or air conditioning.

Could you see yourself living in these eccentric homes? If not, what type of odd home would you prefer?

(Sources: Roadside America, About.com, Atlas Obscura, Boing, Boing)


- Marsha Webster, Move Staff Writer
Email: Marsha Webster@Move.com