Home is where the heart is. Whether you own your own home or rent, the simple expression rings true every time, which is why so many of us aspire to having a place to call our own. The inhabitants of these magnificent structures have certainly built something close to their heart. Some have created nest-like havens that speak of untold serenity and exclusivity. Grown-up tree houses that perhaps appeal to the child in all of us represent a safe retreat where the owner is king of their castle. Other homes perched on stilts may not be quite as stunning but are nevertheless the heart of a family’s existence, making them just as impressive, in their own understated way.
From the luxury ocean villas of the Maldives to the rickety and rustic homes of the Borneo sea gypsies, whatever the inspiration for crafting these striking homes, they are certainly the work of some truly skilled and inventive minds.
1. Froschkonig Treehouse, Germany
Images: Contemporist
Creating a life-sized tree house was clearly the motivation behind this incredible piece of architecture. German designers Baumraum have built this single cabin hideout in a private garden in Munster, Germany. Hovered above a beautiful lily-padded pond, the stone steps leading up to the structure are in-between the lily pads, creating a lovely fantasy-like appeal.
The cabin is covered with zinc sheeting and lamellas of tatajuba-wood underneath. It rests on eight stainless steel stilts. The curved cabin is accommodated with white glazed ash furniture and stunning wood walls. There is also a spacious terrace, the perfect place to relax and survey your own private kingdom.
2. 2Inns, La Jolla, California
Images: Richard Powers
All aspects of ‘The American Dream’ come to life here with this remarkable home based in Southern California, designed by Sebastian Marsical studio. With undisturbed views of the ocean, this home is designed for outdoor living, taking advantage of the beautiful Californian weather.
Images: Sebastian Mariscal and Trendir
Elevated from the street, the main level is surrounded by twenty-five full height glass panels, which slide away on an automated track, creating an open space which invites al fresco dining and entertaining. This feature transforms the kitchen, living and dining areas into a beautiful exterior area while maintaining privacy from the street, and of course the views of the ocean are second to none.
3. Koh Panyi island, Thailand
Images: Koh Panyi Travel Guide and Greg Fisher
The captivating floating world of Koh Panyi is set on the Andaman sea in Thailand. The inhabitants are a group of Muslims, mostly fishermen, who live off the catches they bring in, as well as selling souvenirs to tourists. The villagers apparently live elevated above the water to take full advantage of the excellent spot for fishing and the area surrounded by huge mountains formed of limestone keeps them safe from winds and storms. It is a magnet for tourists, who mostly arrive at noon to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. Being a Muslim community, guests need to adhere by Islamic rules, so visitors are asked not to dress inappropriately, should refrain from gambling and should not bring pork or alcohol onto the island; a small price to pay to marvel at the peculiar and remote island of Koh Panyi.
4. Palafitos of South America
Image: Viaje Sudamerica
Meaning ‘pile village’ or ‘stilt dwellings’ in Spanish, palafitos are found in a number of the South American countries; in fact, Venezuela is so named because of them. When Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci first sailed into Lake Maracaibo, the quaint houses on stilts reminded him of another famous water logged city – Venice, and so the country was christened Little Venice, or Venezuela.
Image: Karl Weidmann
The colourful palafitos are now a feature of the continent’s coasts and lakes, especially in the Chiloé Archipelago, where they’re considered typical of the Chilotan architectural style.
5.Tea House on Stilts, Japan
Images: Edmund Sumner
To the Japanese, tea ceremonies are a significant custom that speak of their very culture and values, it represents Sen no Rikyu’s principles of purity, tranquility, harmony and respect. With this philosophy in mind, it is no wonder that architect Terunobu Fujimori has created a tea house devoted to the intricate practice of tea making and drinking. The structure is a 2.7 square metre building padded with bamboo mats and made of plaster and bamboo. To reach it guests must climb a ladder leaning against one of two chestnut tree trunks. The refuge amongst the trees of Chino makes for a perfect place to surrender to calmness and meditation, the ideal elements associated with tea ceremonies.
6. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhi, Maldives
Image: Interiles
These collections of stunning beach huts huddled in a beautiful turquoise lagoon surely are the stuff dreams are made of. Peace and tranquility await the happy holidaymaker as they enjoy the seclusion and shelter of their own private villa, the ocean twinkling just below their windows. At the Sunset Lagoon Villa guests are treated to their own private butler and can enjoy in-villa spa treatments on request.
Image: Send Us Packing and Maldives Reviews
The villa also features a luxurious ocean-view bathroom with a deluxe spa bath. The private terrace includes a large sunken fresh water splash pool with amazing views of the crystal clear sea and exquisite ivory white Maldivian beaches. Even though it’s not a permanent home, the villa offers a hideaway for anyone wanting to get away from it all, even for a little while.
7. Tree Tops Hotel, Kenya
Image: liwkh
Nestled in the confines of the Aberdare National Park, this amazing hotel on stilts accommodates 50 bedrooms, two bars, a restaurant, lounge and multiple viewing platforms. The privileged guests can indulge in marvelling at the sight of elephants, buffalo and rhinos roaming in their natural habitat.
Image: Detomos Abroad
Engineered to cater for the devoted animal-lover, guests are buzzed when there is a spectacle unfolding at the waterhole, which is located just in front of the hotel. Tree Tops Hotel is particularly proud of their royal connections. It is supposedly the very place where Princess Elizabeth learnt of her father’s passing and her imminent ascent to the British throne, back in 1952.
8. Sea Homes of the Bajau, Borneo
Image: via Telegraph
The elusive clusters of Borneo sea gypsies, named Bajau, are an ethnic group living in Malaysia – a loose collection of several related indigenous groups and tribes. They are often referred to as ‘sea gypsies’ because of their nomadic seafaring nature. Many survive without fresh water or electricity and only go ashore to bury their dead. They build their homes on stilts in the coastal shallows and revere the gods of the sea, making offerings to them when a large catch is achieved. These ocean huts are certainly a real contrast to the lavish villas on the oceans of the Maldives!
9. Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, Inle Lake, Burma
Images: Myanmar-All
This extraordinary Buddhist monastery perches on Inle Lake in Burma. The lake is filled with a village of homes on stilts, including a bizarre floating market. But the Nga Phe Chaung or ‘Jumping Cats monastery’ is by far the most intriguing place in this wonderful floating village.
Image: tarotastic and Eleven Shadows
The monastery is over-run with cats, but Buddhists, being animal lovers have learnt to, not only live in harmony with the felines but have also taught them a few tricks. Tourists can be seen watching in wonder as the cats are guided to jump through hoops by the Buddhist monks.
10. Rong Homes, Vietnam
Image: via MyOpera
The Rong Houses in Vietnam can be likened to that of our traditional town halls. Existing only in villages of the central highlands in Vietnam, the Rong house is a pillar of the Vietnamese community. It is the place where weddings, prayer ceremonies, funerals, village meetings and the reception of special guests take place. The imposing stilt houses can be up to 30m high and are decorated with the finest village wares. They are built on stilts to adapt to the tropical, rainy weather of the Central Highlands. The rafters are often decorated with bright colours and feature the image of the impressive god of Sun. The Rong house may look strange to us, but to the people it belongs to, it is the pride of the entire community.
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This was my first pep. I was not even looking to improve my mood when I saw it, I was just trying pepfly out for the first time. I was blown away at how it immediately moved my brain outside of the extended stay America I am staying in (drab, dirty, suburban) and into some of the more beautiful places in the world which I otherwise would not have known about and would never have imagined. My brain immediately began to feel happy at the creativity and beauty abundant all over. It was also uplifting to see how human beings adapt and make the impossible possible for their own content.
Thank-you James, i’m so glad it moved you. They are incredible aren’t they,? My favorite are the borneo sea gypsy homes.
The building was constructed from 1934 to 1937 following plans of architect Paul Ludwig Troost as the Third Reich’s first monumental structure of Nazi architecture and as Nazi propaganda.