Sitting atop a steep cliff or nestled on a secluded island in the vast ocean, these houses stand alone without any nearby neighbors.
Elliðaey Island, situated in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago in southern Iceland is a tiny island that has only one dwelling on it. The island was once occupied by five families who survived by fishing, farming livestock, and hunting puffins. However, with time, sustaining life on the island became more challenging, and people began to abandon it. By the 1930s, Elliðaey was entirely deserted.
Way back in the 1950s, specifically in the year 1953, members of the Elliðaey Hunting Association constructed a cozy lodge on the island for their puffin hunting activities. Despite its lack of modern amenities such as electricity, internet, and plumbing, the lodge still stands to this day with its unique rainwater collection system providing water supply. Interestingly, the solitary house is enclosed by a fence, which may possibly serve as a barrier to prevent the cute little puffins from causing any “harm.”
The Casa do Penedo, also known as the Stone House, is a peculiar abode located in the Fafe Mountains of northern Portugal, close to the city of Fafe. Situated at an elevation of 792 meters, this unique house was constructed in 1974 by a family using four massive boulders, serving as their vacation home. The inspiration behind this unusual dwelling was drawn from the popular American animated television series, The Flinstones.
Casa do Penedo has become a popular destination for those with an appreciation for nature and architecture. However, the owners eventually had to relocate to a quieter area due to theft. To prevent further incidents, bulletproof windows and metal doors have been installed. The interior remains rustic with a focus on wood and stone materials. The living room and kitchen can be found on the ground floor, while the upper level houses the bedroom and bathroom. Additionally, a unique feature of the house is the swimming pool made from four large stones.
Located in Crystal, Colorado, the picturesque Crystal Mill is a must-visit spot. It is situated on the banks of the Crystal River along Highway 82 between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. Access to the site is limited to the summer and fall months for visitors. The wooden house stands out beautifully against the river, making it a stunning sight to behold.
The residence has been kept in good condition despite its closure in 1917. Constructed in 1892, Crystal Mill was intended to produce electricity, but it has yet to achieve this objective.
Nestled in the region of Imereti, Georgia, lies the Katskhi Pillar, a towering rock pillar that stretches 40 meters high and gazes over a gentle river. Once a haven for a hermit during medieval times, the location remained untouched until 1944 when religious enthusiasts began utilizing the house. Presently, only one inhabitant resides in the house – a 59-year-old monk named Maxime Qavtaradze, who must make a daunting 20-minute descent to reach ground level. Usually, the monk is joined by fellow priests as guests at this remote hideaway.
Amos Chapple, a photographer, had the opportunity to visit a monk named Maxime. However, his visit was not straightforward. In fact, he had to spend four days participating in seven hours of prayer each day, including four hours from 2 am until sunrise before he was allowed to climb up to the house. Once he gained access, Monk Maxime shared with Amos that he became a monk after experiencing time in prison and wanted to make a change in his life.
The Paro Taktsang Monastery located in the beautiful Paro Valley of Bhutan is comprised of multiple Buddhist temples situated high up at 3,120 meters above sea level.
The heart of Bhutan and a must-see tourist destination is the monastery that has stood tall since 1692. It’s a cultural symbol that represents Bhutan, making it one of the most renowned landmarks in the country.
