Some people have a fear of the dangerous, and these strange homes really do seem to do that – imagine waking up in your bed every morning. Some of these homes are built in such strange ways that engineers claimed they were unbuildable, while others were built into the edge of a thousand-foot cliff. Whatever the case, the people who design and live in these strange and dangerous homes clearly live for the adrenaline rush!
Drina River House, Serbia
Floating in the middle of the Drina River near Bajina Bašta, Serbia, the Drina River House is a sight to behold. Built in 1968 by two brothers, it was initially washed away during the rainy season but was rebuilt over the years. The house gained worldwide attention during the first Drina Regatta in 1994, an annual river festival with thousands of participants. Today, it’s one of Serbia’s most photographed landmarks.
Elliðaey Island, Iceland
Think you’re an introvert? Imagine living in the most isolated house in the world! Located on Elliðaey Island, just off the southern coast of Iceland, this tiny house once served as a hunting lodge. There’s also an old storage building that was used by biologists. But here’s the catch—if you ever got hurt, reaching a doctor would be nearly impossible!
Just Room Enough Island, New York, USA
Tucked in the Saint Lawrence River along the Canada-US border, Just Room Enough Island is the smallest inhabited island in the world. At just 3,300 square feet, it has just enough space for a house, a tree, and a tiny beach. Originally bought by the Sizeland family in the 1950s as a private getaway, it quickly became famous, making privacy a thing of the past.
Solvay Hut, Switzerland
High up in the Swiss Alps, perched on the Matterhorn, is a tiny refuge for climbers—Solvay Hut. Built as a rest stop for those battling extreme weather, it can hold up to 10 people in an emergency. It even has an emergency phone line for climbers needing rescue. A lifesaver in the harsh alpine terrain!
Meteora Monasteries, Greece
The Meteora Monasteries in central Greece are a breathtaking sight. Built atop towering rock pillars in the 14th century, they were meant to protect monks from invasions. Originally, they were only accessible via ropes, but thankfully, today there are stairways carved into the rocks. Out of the original 24 monasteries, only six remain active, each housing fewer than 10 residents.
Hanging Houses of Cuenca, Spain
The Hanging Houses of Cuenca (Las Casas Colgadas) have been defying gravity since the 15th century. These homes, built into a cliffside, seem to be hanging over the edge! Today, they serve as a restaurant and the Spanish Museum of Abstract Arts, making them one of Cuenca’s most famous landmarks.
Cliff House, Australia
Located in Victoria, Australia, the Cliff House is not for the faint-hearted. This five-story home is attached to a sheer cliff face, inspired by the way barnacles cling to ships. If that’s not terrifying enough, the garage is on the roof, meaning your car sits at the very top of this gravity-defying home!
WoZoCo Apartments, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, you’ll find the WoZoCo Apartments, a bold experiment in architecture. To comply with city building codes, some of the apartment units jut out from the main building, appearing to hang mid-air! While they are securely attached, standing underneath them might make anyone a little nervous.
Casa do Penedo, Portugal
Tucked away in northern Portugal, Casa do Penedo (The Stone House) looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Built between 1972 and 1974, this home was crafted using four giant boulders. Originally a vacation house, today it’s a tourist attraction and museum. Interestingly, even though it’s near a wind farm, it has no electricity, offering a truly off-grid experience.
Katskhi Pillar, Georgia
The Katskhi Pillar in Georgia is a 130-foot-tall limestone monolith with a tiny church perched on top. Built in the 9th or 10th century, it was once home to hermits seeking isolation. Today, it is inhabited by a monk named Maksim Qavtaradze, who descends only twice a week via a ladder to collect supplies.