CHRIS TUBBS
Extraordinary Home: Roman Quarry in Bonnieux, © Chris Tubbs, 2010

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of style, interior design, and architecture, you haven’t truly explored the limits of extraordinary living until you’ve visited these stunning and sometimes outlandish homes. Each one is an example of bold and creative design, offering a glimpse into a world where imagination knows no boundaries.

Ready to expand your bucket list?

Here are ten incredible homes from across the globe that redefine extravagance:

01. Van Gogh’s Room

Location: Arles, France

Vincent Van Gogh's Room
Vincent Van Gogh’s Extraordinary Home | © Deanspic, Flickr User

The townspeople have successfully brought Van Gogh’s famous painting “La Chambre à Arles” (Bedroom in Arles) into reality. Currently, tourists who go to the city to see bullfights can stay in the artist’s room. Everything is just like in the picture: the same furniture, dishes, the same paintings on the walls, and even the hat at the head of the bed.

If I am worth anything later, I am worth something also now, for wheat is wheat even if people think it is grass in the beginning.

– Vincent Van Gogh

02. Bubbles by the Vineyards

Location: Los Alamitos, Mexico

Bubbles by the Vineyards
Bubbles by the Vineyards Via Instagram

In the heart of Mexico’s premier wine country, an extraordinary concept comes to life: bubble rooms nestled among sprawling vineyards. These 12 transparent, self-contained pods are designed to let you experience the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort. By day, panoramic views of lush vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and by night, the bubble’s transparency offers a clear view of the star-filled sky right from your bed.

Each bubble includes a bedroom and bathroom, giving guests an isolated yet luxurious experience. It’s the perfect getaway for those who seek both tranquility and a close connection with nature. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of local wine or basking in the serenity of the vineyard, this experience combines modern comfort with the breathtaking beauty of Mexico’s renowned wine region.

03. Sheep Cart

Location: Shirley Pool, USA

Sheep cart
Sheep Cart Via Instagram

Once a simple cart used to transport sheep across rugged terrain, this quaint vehicle has been thoughtfully transformed into a cozy retreat. Located in Shirley Pool, the cart’s history stretches back decades, from its days of transporting livestock to its present function as a charming hideaway for adventurous travelers. Modern comforts complement the cart’s rustic charm like a double bed, wood-burning stove, and essential amenities.

Staying in this cart offers a unique blend of history and homeliness. Surrounded by nature, it provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience. The cart’s story, stretching back to the early 20th century, adds a layer of authenticity to the stay, making it a conversation starter for anyone curious about the past.

04. Windmill

Location: Abcoude, Netherlands

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Windmill in the Netherlands | © Pete Martin, Flickr User

Such windmills were built in the Netherlands in the 18th century to protect the country from floods. Now some of them are no longer working. Like this one – a few kilometers from Amsterdam.

But now it is available for tourists. You can stay there if you book a night on Airbnb. You will have the entire mill at your disposal with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. As a bonus, they offer bicycles and kayaks – you can’t always sit at home. And if you do, you can try your hand at Forex trading with JustMarkets and an impressive 50% JM bonus to help multiply your profit and travel even more! 

05. Cabana Floripa

Location: Florianopolis, Brazil

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Cabana Floripa, Image Via Airbnb.com

Cabana Floripa in Florianopolis is an eco-friendly project built almost entirely from reclaimed materials. Old wood, glass bottles, ceramic tiles, and mirror shards come together to form an intriguing and beautiful structure. The creative use of recycled items has resulted in a unique appearance and created a bright, airy space inside, where sunlight reflects off the mirrored surfaces and fills the rooms with natural light.

This house is an example of sustainable architecture and reusing everyday materials in unexpected ways. It’s a great option for those interested in eco-conscious travel and a reminder of the possibilities that lie in upcycling. Cabana Floripa showcases how innovation in design can lead to stunning results, offering an inspiring and environmentally friendly stay. 

06. Airplane House

Location: Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, France

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Airplane House at Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, Image Via Airbnb.com

For aviation enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, this grounded airplane in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef offers a truly one-of-a-kind stay. Once used to transport passengers across the skies, the airplane has been repurposed into a cozy living space. Inside, the seats have been replaced with a comfortable bedroom, while the cockpit now serves as a quirky bathroom complete with a shower and toilet.

This unusual transformation invites guests to live out their travel fantasies by staying in a retrofitted airplane. With a kitchen and living space installed, the airplane manages to retain its original character while offering a full range of amenities. Whether you’re pretending to pilot the aircraft or relaxing in its uniquely designed interior, this grounded jet is bound to make your stay unforgettable.

07. Shell House

Location: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Isla Mujeres
Shell House in Isla Mujeres | © Daniel Krieger, Flickr User

The Shell House on Isla Mujeres is one of Mexico’s most iconic architectural creations, designed by architect Eduardo Ocampo. Originally conceived as a private residence, it is now an extravagant vacation rental. The organic, seashell-inspired design blends effortlessly into its coastal surroundings, and the whimsical structure offers a dreamlike experience for visitors.

From its shell-like façade to its artistic interiors, every detail of the house speaks to creativity and the beauty of natural forms. Guests staying here are treated to an immersive seaside experience, where the architecture is as much a part of the adventure as the ocean views. The Shell House allows you to live inside a sculpture while enjoying a luxury stay’s comforts.

08. Desert RV

Location: Joshua Tree, USA

Desert RV in Joshua Tree, Image Via Booking.com

Tucked away in Joshua Tree’s vast and rugged landscape, this restored RV provides a cozy retreat with a minimalist yet practical design. Surrounded by the desert’s natural beauty, the RV has found its permanent home alongside a wooden deck, a nearby pool, and a jacuzzi. Over the years, it has evolved from a mobile home into a complete desert oasis.

Despite its compact size, the RV offers everything you need for a peaceful getaway. Its simplicity is part of the charm, allowing guests to focus on the stunning desert scenery. Whether you’re lounging on the deck, cooling off in the pool, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the desert, this RV promises a unique and memorable experience.

09. Hobbit House

Location: Orondo, USA

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© Andres Iga, Via Unsplash

Straight out of Middle-earth, this Hobbit-inspired home is a hidden gem in the hills of Washington state. Built into the earth and covered in greenery, the Hobbit House is a haven for J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world fans. From its charming round doors to its intricately crafted interiors, the house is designed to transport you into the world of hobbits.

Beyond its storybook appeal, the house offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape modern distractions. With its secluded location and lack of internet, it’s an ideal spot for reconnecting with nature and embracing a simpler, slower pace of life. Every corner of the house is filled with delightful design touches, making it a magical getaway.

10. Roman Quarry

Location: Bonnieux, France

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Roman Quarry in Bonnieux, © Chris Tubbs, 2010

Originally carved by Roman hands, this quarry in Bonnieux has been transformed into an awe-inspiring living space. After centuries of disuse, the stone cave was restored into a home that combines its ancient history with modern amenities. The space now features a kitchen, living room, and a bedroom, all while maintaining the raw, natural beauty of the original stonework.

What sets this home apart is its incredible location. Just outside the entrance, a swimming pool with panoramic views of the Luberon Valley sits, making it a perfect spot to unwind while taking in the historic surroundings. The Roman Quarry offers a rare chance to stay in a place that blends the timelessness of nature with the comfort of contemporary living.