10 Drool Worthy Dwellings of 2022
1. Boise, ID
Designed mid-century architect Art Troutner, "The Klein House" will take you back in time with natural materials like honey-tinted woods, Oakley Stone and an abundance of natural light to create a timeless palette that blends cool and warm elements. The center-point of the home is an indoor geo-thermal/mineral swimming pool surrounded by spacious living spaces with 54 French doors bringing in natural light from every angle.
2. Rifton, NY
The Rifton, a fully restored and masterfully renovated 1876 stone residence. Over the years The Rifton has served as a church, a town hall, and the batiment canards for a local duck farm. The front door opens into a vestibule created from bedrock and imported terrazzo tile with a storage cave tucked behind an oversized barn door. The 2nd level of The Rifton is comprised of a massive entertaining space with soaring 30ft ceilings and custom stone and steel firepit. Views of nature abound through the 32 original windows set in natural stone walls and 16ft glass sliding doors that lead to a deck perched 3 stories above the Walkill river. Lofted above the great room is the vaulted atelier space dubbed 'The Tower' as it spans five stories. The Tower is a mix of stone & steel with open common areas connected by a spiral staircase. The former church steeple offers a meditative space with long range views of the river, the surrounding countryside, and the property below.
This extraordinary contemporary house was conceived and designed by the current owner, Steve Smith, who worked alongside BPN Architects to explore reflection as an organising principle. With over 3,000 sq ft of accommodation, each room is set within an individual mirrored pavilion, raised slightly above ground, creating the illusion of a floating series of interconnected rooms. The four-bedroom house is set on a secluded plot among mature trees, newly planted single stem silver birch and densely planted ferns creating a leafy backdrop from every perspective in a carefully curated landscape scheme conceived by Rosebank. All of the traditional elements of accommodation are present, but unusually, each is set in an individual pavilion, all interlinked by skeletal glazed walkways. External façades on each elevation comprise smoked mirrored panels of glass with a delicate three-millimetre gap between each pane.
4. Lamy, NM
Sited on limestone rock formations overlooking the Galesteo Basin Preserve outside Lamy and built to meld with its surroundings, this sleek, floor to ceiling glass gem was built by local jeweler and original owner of The Golden Eye in nearby Santa Fe, Norah Pierson. The home is a concrete and wood structure which was then cleverly disguised to blend into the cliff it calls home.
This exquisite English Tudor was transformed over a 2-year gut rehab to seamlessly blend original architectural details and modern light filled spaces. The showstopper of the house is the Prohibition Room which is accessed through a hidden stairway between the wine cabinets and arched entry between the kitchen and family room. The 1913 secret room was restored to enhance entertaining and preserve original wall writings.
As you enter the open floor plan you will notice the wood planked ceilings and enormous windows that look out to the backyard. The open floor plan connects the main living spaces which is perfect for entertaining indoors or out. This single-story home was tastefully remodeled and modernized to the vintage style it boasts. New tile flooring and windows were added to the open concept layout which brings the bright light and open air feeling to the home. The globe pendant lights enhance the homes vintage flair, and a concrete block fireplace adds warmth and coziness to the living room on those cool winter nights. To emulate the homes midcentury past restored vintage appliances were installed in the kitchen along with walnut cabinetry and Terrazzo stone counter tops.
7. Tulsa, OK
Like nothing you've ever seen before! Originally a General Store built in 1926. From the captivatingly beautiful store front, to the vibrant pastel accents in the multiple living areas, this will leave you feeling inspired.
One of a kind hand built eco friendly cabin and castle. Nicknamed the "Owl Studio", this unique property will take your breath away as it is truly a work of art. Upon entering the studio, you will immediately notice the incredible details throughout, from the hand picked rock, to the hand built fireplace, every detail was carefully thought out. With a gothic architectural theme, the two structures are considered structural art due to meeting 3 criteria, elegance, efficiency, and economy. Inside the castle structure, you will find an operational half bath as well as rough-ins for a shower and kitchen. The property itself consist of 6.5 acres bordering national forest.
9. Salina, KS
This is truly a one of a kind home. The only owner was also the architect and designer. Slate floors, expansive windows, a round kitchen, fireplace and bathroom, sunken areas, and a rooftop studio overlooking the tree lined 2+ acre lot are just a few of the special features that make this home so very special. Immaculately cared for and in its original state, this home also features some custom furniture made specifically for the home as well as other Eames, Herman Miller, and Knoll furnishings that the lucky buyer will have the opportunity to purchase.
Built some time in the late 17th century, the house includes many original features such as an inglenook fireplace and wonderful big beams. The house has also been extended to create a contemporary, light-filled kitchen and has a courtyard garden and off-street parking. The house was thought to have originally been two cottages; evidenced by the two ground floor fireplaces to each end. The house – which is part of an enclave of houses built at a similar time – have had a variety of uses over the years, including an engine house, drying shed, carpenters workshop, counting house, brew-house, wash house and stable, before being converted back into residential by the current owners.
