You'll Want To Stay In These 20 Homes That Were Designed By Iconic Architects

Mid-century, Victorian, Mediterranean, A-Frame, Architectural — comfort and allure come in many forms. Architects are creators of these emotions, with their combinations of materials, angles, light, and interaction reflecting back in our homes. But a truly outstanding property requires more than just a great house, as noted by Allied Buildings. The views, geography, and customization of materials are just some of the many criteria needed to make a true masterpiece. 

Moreover, the architects responsible for these projects all sought to push the envelope and design limits to what could be achieved within these spaces. The homes we are going to look at are scattered all around the world and encompass a variety of styles. They all feature character, history, otherworldly design elements, and incredible terrain — and a few can even be enjoyed by you, some more affordably than others. Here are 20 incredible homes you will be dying to stay in that showcase iconic architect's skills and sensibilities.

The Rio House is a minimalist one-bedroom home on the edge of Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park, designed by Olson Kundig. Its harsh, elevated geometric lines contrasted with the park's striking nature make for a home that immediately connects the occupant to the beauty of the surrounding forest.

Architect Edward T. Foulkes designed The Pittock Mansion, a French Renaissance estate for Henry Pittock, who was the former editor of The Oregonian. Known as Pittock's "mansion on a hill," the Portland estate was completed in 1914 and boasts over 15,000 square feet and 22 rooms of late Victorian excellence.

The Avery Coonley Playhouse is a warm and inviting two bedroom, two bathroom residence in Riverside, Illinois, originally built in 1912. This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's earliest pieces, and features some of his "kinder-symphony" stained windows — a modernist detail of colorful, geometric patterns that are among Wright's greatest contributions to architecture.

Originally built by Antti Lovag, Le Palais Bulles, also known as Bubble Palace, is a 13,000-square-foot French Riviera psychedelic trip. Full of curves and circular design, this retro-futuristic home is absolutely hypnotic. Spread across six levels, with 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, this property took 14 years to complete.

The Malator House is an example of an earth home, discretely assimilated into grassy Welsh hillside. Created by Jan Kaplicky and Amanda Levete of Future Systems in 1998, this was originally built for a former parliament member to offer privacy. On one side, the owner can enjoy gorgeous greenery. On the other, a view of the ocean awaits.

The View Hill House by Denton Corker Marshall is a modern home overlooking the Yarra Valley wine vineyards in Victoria, Australia. Its industrial materials like concrete and pre-rusted red steel pay homage to the beauty of the wine region, while offering an almost alien aesthetic. Who wouldn't want to drink some wine here for a weekend?

Casa Organica was built in Naucalpan, Mexico by architect Javier Senosiain to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. With soft earth tones, gravity-defying structures, and a focus on organic modern shapes, this home feels simultaneously from 10,000 B.C.E. or 10,000 years in the future. 

Just outside of Lambertville, New Jersey sits The Wave Lambertville. Originally designed by Jules Gregory in 1960, this incredible mid-century home exudes warmth and thoughtful palettes of blues, oranges, and stones with an irresistible intimacy. Topped off with a rolling timber wood resembling a wave, this house is not to be missed.

Originally created by Eduardo Ocampo, this Mexican Airbnb known as The Seashell House is not far from the Cancún airport, and feels like Atlantis and Beverly Hills shared construction plans. Draped in natural materials of stone, stunning bright light, and soft architectural shapes, this is the conch shell manor of your dreams.

The Villa Sommerfeld is a stunning Alpine home designed by Richard Ermisch. It looks like something out of a storybook, and it is not hard to see why this property is under historic preservation. Cozy, yet generously proportioned, this is a European getaway waiting to happen.

Casa Asolo is nothing short of breathtaking. Designer Saymon Dall Alba Arquiteto utilizes warm woods and crisp modern finishes, with tons of glass to bring the Cerro da Glória of southern Brazil right into your kitchen. Moody, terrestrial, and slick, this is an incredible retreat. 

Designed by the iconic Harry Gesner, Eagle's Watch features one of the most breathtaking views in Malibu. With its Japanese-inspired roofing, incredible landscaping, and striking architecture, this residence has everything.

Designed by Michale Fuller, this ski retreat is not to be missed. Known as The Estate, this open concept masterpiece has exquisite glass architecture, stunning natural light, and warm wood finishes for days. Featuring a hot tub and jaw-dropping mountain views, this will only cost $10,000 a night to rent!

Any mid-century enthusiast would kill for a night at the wonderfully unique Ball-Paylore House, created by architect Arthur T. Brown. Built in 1952, the combination of unique painted bricks, soft warm woods, and neutral concrete floors make for an unforgettable aesthetic that was way ahead of its time.

A Portuguese contemporary jewel is minutes from the ocean in Faro, and features a custom Gagenau kitchen, a garden of spices, and fruit trees. With six bedrooms and a sizable pool, this retreat designed by Marc Gispert is European luxury at its best.

Simply put, Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the greatest American homes ever created. An otherworldly marriage of the natural world and organic architecture that was so far ahead of its time, this property is found in southwestern Pennsylvania and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

Finnish architect Matti Suuronen brought Kubrickian sci-fi and utilitarian design hand-in-hand with Futuro House. Constructed in 1968, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom structure is able to be put together by only a few people in a matter of hours. 

Created by Demo Salerno, the N'Wambu Lodge in South Africa offers an intimate look at safari nature from the comfort of a luxury villa. With exquisite African architectural influence and pristine indoor and outdoor living, this is an unforgettable stay in the making.

Frank Gehry is an iconic architect known for the incredible building he has created, such as the Dancing House in Prague and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. His residence in Santa Monica, California — a modified Dutch Colonial — is also an architectural marvel, where he raised his family with his spouse. 

The Glass House by Philip Johnson in New Canaan, Connecticut is a stellar work from 1948. With serene country landscapes and a stunning mid-century design, it's astonishing this was built as long ago as it was.