What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words "the best house in the world"? I'd venture to guess the place where your parents live. However, "best" doesn't always mean "most beautiful.".
Whether you're a traditionalist who loves epic castles or a modernist who appreciates the clean lines of minimalism, our selection of the world's most beautiful homes has an option to suit your taste.
10. Updown Court, England
This private residence, located near London, is actually larger than Buckingham Palace. Yes, in good old England, there is someone who owns a house larger than the Queen.
The 103-room mansion is surrounded by 58 acres (234,718 sq m) of landscaped gardens and woodlands. Guests can enjoy five swimming pools, a fully automated two-lane bowling alley, and a 50-seat movie theater with its own bar.
In 2005, Updown Court was the most expensive private home in the world, priced at $138 million. Its current estimated value is over $150 million.
9. Acqua Liana, USA
It seems odd to call a 1,400-square-meter mansion "green." However, if you consider the numerous solar panels installed on the basketball court-sized property, you'll probably agree that this Florida home deserves its title. The installation cost $120,000, but what wouldn't you do for the environment?
Additionally, Acqua Liana includes a water supply system that uses only wastewater and energy-efficient lighting that reduces energy consumption by 70 percent compared to similar-sized homes.
There is even an automated "biofeedback" system that allows the owner to monitor resource consumption in real time.
And lest any eco-maniacs get into trouble, we'll add that the house was built using reclaimed wood to save 10 acres of Brazilian rainforest.
The most beautiful home in the world (green, of course) includes every amenity imaginable. These include seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, a wine cellar, a relaxing spa, and a pool bar.
8. Fleur De Lys, USA
The house, whose name translates as "Lily Flower," is so beautiful that singer Mariah Carey once considered buying it (she ultimately backed out of the deal).
This massive Los Angeles mansion, measuring 3,716 square meters and sitting on 20,000 square meters of land, was commissioned by billionaire David Seperstein. Its architects were inspired by the exterior and interiors of Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles.
It has 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms for plenty of guests, as well as a wine cellar for 3,000 bottles.
7. Villa Leopolda, France
La Leopolda, or Villa Leopolda, is often featured in photos of the world's most beautiful homes. This majestic structure was built in 1902 for Caroline Lacroix, the mistress (and future wife) of King Leopold II.
The luxurious villa was featured in the 1948 films "The Red Shoes" and "To Catch a Thief" (1955). It is considered a historical monument of France. Every day, 50 full-time gardeners tend the extensive gardens, which include olive, orange, lemon, and cypress trees.
Interestingly, La Leopolda wasn't always home exclusively to the rich and famous. During World War II, the villa was used as a military hospital for wounded soldiers.
6. New Colonial, USA
This is one of those cozy homes you fall in love with at first sight. Situated in Seattle, Washington, it sits atop a hill with breathtaking views of the lake and Seattle's iconic landmark, the Space Needle.
Compared to previous entries in the ranking, New Colonial looks modest: it has only 4 bedrooms and the same number of bathrooms.
5. Villa del Balbianello, Italy
Usually, photos of the most beautiful houses are all we can admire, as we're unlikely to be allowed inside. But that's not the case with this Italian beauty, Villa del Balbianello. Privately owned in the 19th and 20th centuries, this villa was eventually donated to the Italian Environmental Foundation.
Today, the building is primarily used for weddings, as well as film and photo shoots for various fashion magazines. You might also recognize the Villa del Balbianello from the James Bond film "Casino Royale" (2006).
4. Jardin Majorelle, Morocco
The house once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, is located in Parc Majorelle. It's as unusual as it is beautiful. This Moorish-style villa is painted in the colors used by its first owner, the artist Jacques Majorelle.
The blue villa, surrounded by a vast botanical garden with over 300 plant species, was a safe haven from the outside world for the famous fashion designer. Here he sought inspiration for new designs. In 2008, Saint Laurent's ashes were scattered in the rose garden, in the presence of the staff of the Parc Majorelle.
3. Garibaldi Castle, Russia
This original construction project, completed in Khryashchevka (Samara Oblast), includes not only a neo-Gothic castle but also a recreational park. People come here for photo shoots, contests, and weddings.
The castle's owner strives to ensure the structure fully complies with medieval "nomes." Therefore, every detail of Garibaldi Castle is the result of meticulous work not only by designers and builders, but also by a team working with historical documents.
2. Hobbit Treehouse, USA
If hobbits, arriving in our world, abandoned their underground dwellings and migrated to the trees, the end result would likely look very similar to the "Hobbit Tree House." One of the most unusual houses in the world was created on Orcas Island in Washington State by Suzanne Dege.
All three circular rooms are connected by corridors and suspended bridges, which looks very unusual and is reminiscent of the Ewok village in Return of the Jedi. Dege acquired the structure in 2002 and spent eight years bringing it to her desired appearance.
Reviews from those who have visited the Hobbit Treehouse range from "charming and cozy" to "breathtaking and secluded." In other words, it's a place Bilbo Baggins would certainly call home.
1. Fallingwater, USA
The House Over the Waterfall, or "Falling Water," is the most beautiful house in the world. At least for fans of organic architecture who strive to live in harmony with nature without sacrificing home comfort.
It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most renowned American architects of the early 20th century, for the Kaufman family. Wright incorporated the Bear Creek waterfall, located on the property, into the house's structure, convincing the clients that such a dwelling would be completely safe for habitation.
For a long time, the House Over the Waterfall served as the Kaufmans' country residence. Since 1964, it has been a museum and open to the public. Up to 150,000 visitors pass through its rooms annually.