- calendar_month October 24, 2023
We believe home should feel like a personal oasis, whatever that means for you. For the homeowners on this list, it means installing a moat, or being able to slide down to the kitchen for their morning coffee (we’re not kidding). We dug through Zillow listings to find unique home features that are irresistibly fun and inspiring. All you have to do is sit back and let your imagination run wild.
1. Shiplap and slide
This two-story farmhouse in Ellsinore, Missouri, has a sleek silver slide that pops against a backdrop of shiplap and hardwood, serving as an alternate route to the main level of the home. With a few wild twists and turns, this slide spits out into the playroom, but let’s be honest — adults can use it and enjoy it just as much as kids.
2. The ultimate fairytale
This home in Woodstock, Connecticut, looks like a castle. It’s straight out of a fairytale, with a personal moat, stained glass, towers more than 125 feet high, intricate metal details and impressive stonework. The home also has 12 fireplaces, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get warm and cozy — and make s’mores, of course.
3. A trip back to the '70s
Chatting with friends and family on the couch just hits different when you’re lounging in a conversation pit. This home in Scottsdale, Arizona, tapped into old-school designs for the details of this conversation pit, with a focus on retro tile flooring, stone walls and mosaic tiling on the steps. No matter what design choices you make, conversation pits can make guests feel like they’re being transported back in time.
4. Wild, wild west
This house in Hillsboro, Oregon, has its own little Western town in the backyard. The quirky space has a saloon, jail, post office and general store. As if that isn’t already adorable and impressive, the home also has its own stone castle and multiple bridges that connect to walking trails on the property.
5. Don't forget to look up
This house in Tehachapi, California, is off the grid in the best way. With a stargazing room that has amazing views of the mountains and sky, and an outdoor area with a fire pit, this house was basically built with cozy nighttime activities and gatherings in mind.
6. A hobby haven
This three-story school building in Nevada, Iowa, was converted into a home. Now, it’s a hobbyist’s dream. The house, which was built in 1923, has a 5,800-square-foot garage that was repurposed into a creative workshopping space. Other quirky features: A classic American flag pole still stands tall outside of the building, and the house comes with a 22,000-square-foot, air conditioned warehouse space.
7. Take a deep breath
The owners of this home in Los Angeles, California, leaned into creating the ultimate professional yoga studio area, making the room feel like a spa or hotel. All they need is a check-in desk! This space is equipped with a yoga studio, massage table and meditation cushions — the perfect additions for much-needed relaxation time. This whole house is focused on creating a space that feels like a vacation, from the wellness features to the elaborate pool and hot tub.
8. Great Gatsby vibes
This home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, is always ready for hosting with a driveway that can allegedly fit 100 cars. On top of that Great Gatsby-esque feature, the property also has a vineyard, Roman columns in the living room, a walking trail and a pool with a pool house.
9. Striking in the best way
The owners of this home in Alpine, New Jersey, broke away from their more traditional decor choices with the visual elements of this bowling alley. They took a page from the '80s, leaning into fun and retro decor with neon carpeted wallpaper often found in traditional bowling alleys.
10. Shoot some hoops
Ever dream of becoming a professional athlete? Look no further: This house in Keystone, Colorado, went all out with a full-sized indoor basketball court, padded walls and a storage area for basketballs. The owners thought of everything; just next door is an indoor pool and sauna for cooling off after a game.
11. Personal putt-putt
The owners of this house in Breckenridge, Colorado, put a lot of thought into details to make this golf simulator feel immersive and fun. With a projector, an indoor putting area and real golf clubs, all they need is a grass-scented candle to complete the ambiance.