Midnight Stars House

On an isolated cliffside on the Greek island of Corfu, the Midnight Stars House is a contemporary refurbishment of a former summer home. Composed of two staggered volumes, the continuous arch pattern and monochromatic facade work together to pay homage to the vernacular architecture of the region. White plastered floors and walls on the interior pair with curved ceilings and mirrored finishes to give the previously traditional elements a modern revision. Covered terraces line a concrete patio and lap pool, allowing for undisrupted daytime views of the surrounding olive groves and the Ionian Sea below. At night, the secluded setting highlights overhead scenery created by the evening sky.

Photos: 314 Architecture Studio

Gemma Observatory

Sitting on a foundation of granite bedrock in central New Hampshire, the Gemma Observatory ditches the traditional dome model for a more geometric form. The private observatory mimics its surrounding landscape, expanding upon its rocky terrain with its angular design and gray facade, established by a lock-seamed zinc siding. In contrast to the stone-like exterior, the inside carries a warm palette created with a fir plywood lining. The ground floor offers a haven for rest and research, while a spiral staircase leads to an exterior observation platform. The top level houses the main astronomical viewing tower. A sliding door exposes the telescope to the night sky where views of Polaris can be seen.

Photos: Anmahian Winton Architects

Solar Eclipse Stay

As you might have heard, August 21 will mark the first total solar eclipse seen across the US in almost 100 years. This Solar Eclipse Stay is the ideal way to experience it. You'll start by spending the night of the 20th in a geodesic dome in rural Oregon, joined by an astrophysicist and a professional night sky photographer. The next day, as the Moon prepares to pass between the Earth and the Sun, you'll take to the skies in a private jet for a truly unique view of this rare celestial event. Not available for purchase, one lucky winner will get to enjoy the experience courtesy of Airbnb.

Bergaliv Hotel

Rising above the treetops on the Åsberget mountains, the Bergaliv Hotel has finished the first of four lofted cabins. The 33-foot tall stilted structure is constructed from a mixture of heart-pine and spruce, situated on a former ski slope. The interior offers accommodations for two on the lower level. Sheathed in raw birch plywood, the modest space carries a minimalist aesthetic consisting of just a simple kitchenette, dual window seat, and living area that also doubles as sleeping quarters. Above, a viewing platform rests below a gabled roof. Stripped of any barriers to the outdoors, the open-air space affords near endless views of the Ljusnan River valley below.

Quintessa Pavilions

Surrounded by 280 acres of vine-covered hillsides and mature oak trees, the Quintessa Pavilions are a trio of wine-tasting shelters for a Napa Valley estate. Each of the structures was carefully arranged within the vineyard, keeping most of the natural landscape intact. Although modern in design, their clean lines look at home in their rustic setting with the addition of reclaimed wood and local stone. While the steel and timber awning provides protection from the elements, large openings and glazed doors keep the space at one with the scenery, allowing guests to sip on their Cabernet Sauvignon while admiring the fields where it was grown.

Photos: Matthew Millman, Matthew Williams / Walker Warner Architects

Seaberg House

Located along the Melbourne coast, the Seaberg House is reviving the classic Australian beach house. The home sits as a cluster of buildings, connected by a wooden platform. This separation of space allows for added privacy among the central communal spaces and detached outbuildings. Its multi-level layout provides unobstructed views of the neighboring ocean from every angle of the main living area. While the interior carries a carrying a relaxed palette of light grays and warm woods, the key design feature is in the filtration of natural light. Slatted and perforated window screens act as a template, casting unique patterns throughout the interior space.

Photos: Derek Swalwell / Kerstin Thompson Architects

Petre Island

Whether it's the two homes or the heart-shape of the land, Petra Island is one of the most extraordinary properties on the market. The ten-acre private island sits in the middle of Lake Mahopac, just a 15-minute helicopter ride from Manhattan which you can park on the rooftop helipad. Accommodations include not one, but two Frank Lloyd Wright structures. The first, built in 1950, is a small 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest cottage, while the other is a 4-bedroom main house built in 2007. Although the timeline doesn't quite make sense, the home was constructed using plans originally made by the iconic architect. His signature style can be seen in the organic integration of the site's natural rock, built-in furniture, horizontal design, and multiple cantilever decks.

Photos: Chilton & Chadwick

Modern Lodge

Overlooking Weatherby Lake, the Modern Lodge reimagines the traditional lakeside retreat. The home is comprised of two stacked volumes, resulting in a simple rectangular form. To counteract the contemporary design, the main structure is covered in a timber cladding giving the facade a rustic quality, while the private wings are clothed in a clean white stucco. The interior follows the same contrasting aesthetic with a mix of clean lines, blackened steel, and warm woods. Large double height windows create a constant connection to the outdoors by providing both water-front views, as well as entry to a covered deck where the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed first-hand.

Arctic Bath

Free floating in the summer and frozen in place during the winter, the Arctic Bath is a hotel in the middle of the Lule River. Resembling a bird's nest, the circular structure is built around a central bath. But you won't seek refuge from the frigid Swedish climate here — the water is kept at a cool four degrees. After a refreshing dip, guests can warm up with a visit to the sauna or spa. Although the hotel also offers a shop, lounge, and restaurant, the main attraction is what's above. Its location allows for uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.

Photos: Arctic Bath

Phillip Island House

Set along the rugged shore of Bass Straight, the Phillip Island House is a modular home with unparalleled views. The structure is composed of two rectangular volumes — one clad in zinc and the other in teak. Timber planks form the garage facade, extending beyond the walls and around the rear of the home, creating a private courtyard. Within its walls sits a pool as well as an outdoor space to enjoy the seaside setting away from from the harsh coastal winds. The main house is located in the zinc wing, consisting of four bedrooms and an open kitchen, dining, and living area. Its linear layout follows the coastline, allowing for prime views of the neighboring beach through the floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Photos: John Madden / Modscape

Townships Farmhouse

Set in the rolling farmlands of eastern Quebec, the Townships Farmhouse takes cues from both the surrounding architecture and its owners' diverse tastes. The home sits on an active farm, worked by one member of the couple — the other is a painter and avid art collector. As a result, features like the courtyard design, which provides added shelter in winter, and the barn doors that protect the vast expanses of glass, are completely functional. Meanwhile, the interior aesthetic is rustic minimal, letting their art collection shine while blending seamlessly with the exterior of repurposed hemlock salvaged from run-down Ontario barns.

Photos: Stephane Groleau and Laetitia Boudaud / LAMAS

Freehand Hotel Los Angeles

With a mix of shared rooms and luxury suites, Freehand Hotel Los Angeles provides a laid-back hostel atmosphere in the middle of downtown. Although the prices are comparable to that time you backpacked through Europe, the accommodations are not. Shared rooms can sleep four to six people in their custom cedar bunk beds, featuring hand-woven linens, privacy screens, reading lights, and en suite bathrooms. If the communal thing isn't your cup of tea, the hotel also has 167 private rooms, including a 745-square-foot Burroughs Suite with a king bed, living room, and sweeping city views. With restaurants, bars, a rooftop pool, and cafe serving the finest Nicaraguan coffees, there are plenty of other ways to socialize that don't require bunking with strangers.

Salsten House

Set along the coast in Härnösand, Sweden, the Salsten House pays homage to its previous life while welcoming a modern extension. From the front, the old beach villa appears to retain its former facade by maintaining its simple form and intricate woodwork, but hiding in the rear is a contemporary counterpart. Extending off the dining room, a timber addition extends away from the existing structure toward the shore. Vertical wood slats clad the walls and ceiling, complemented by polished concrete floors. The only disruption to this natural palette is a series of large windows, providing new views of the neighboring water.

Photos: Stefan Bergkvist / Skalso Arkitekter

Open Source House

By streamlining the materials and process, the Open Source House cuts costs and time without sacrificing design. The 1,200 square foot structure opted out of traditional building practices and instead used wood panels as their main material, eliminating the need for plastering and painting and the expense that comes with them. These panels were cut and varnished off-site and cover the walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a minimalist aesthetic. The open floor plan consists of a living room, kitchen, mezzanine, and upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms. Glazed doors provide a natural light source as well as access to an exterior terrace. If you like what you see, Studiolada Architects have shared the plans free of charge.

Photos: Olivier Mathiotte / Studiolada Architects

Volcano Mini House

Hawaii is known for its beaches and volcanoes and the Volcano Mini House puts you right in the middle of both. Situate at the base of the world's most active volcano, the tiny home sits on a foundation of blackened lava. The 450-foot accommodation operates off-grid and offers a kitchenette, living room, and bathroom with a shower. Ocean views can be seen from the lofted bedroom, providing a rare glimpse of the smoky aftermath from the lava flowing into the water. Aside from the immediate attractions, the Mermaid Ponds, black sand beaches, and a 100-foot lava waterfall are just a short trip away.

Island Creek House

Overlooking the water in Southampton, the Island Creek House is a departure from the usual New York City high-rises Tamarkin Co. is known for. Along with a natural stone foundation, old-growth cypress harvested from the south form the rustic facade. These timber planks have been slow-cured in deep water for a century to provide a durable exterior that will slowly weather to a grey hue over time. Internally, the natural palette continues with new-growth cypress-clad walls and ceilings, a floating concrete staircase, and large picture windows mounted in blackened steel. Outdoor spaces are created by a top story covered terrace and a cantilevered deck, expanding the interior out into the surrounding landscape.

Photos: Bart Michiels / Tamarkin Co.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Named after the patron saint of music and poetry, the Hotel Saint Cecilia offers stylish accommodations with an emphasis on 60s culture. Each of the five suites, six poolside bungalows, and three studios are decked out like a Rolling Stones crash pad with an eclectic mix of rich colors, velvety textures, and vintage pieces. Features include King Hästens beds, sitting areas, soaking tubs, turntables, outdoor patios, and 24-hour room service. The property's lush gardens provide rock star-worthy privacy for the 50-foot lap pool. An adjacent wooden arbor offers poolside dining, while the rooftop terrace adds an intimate space for open air cocktails with views of downtown Austin.

Music Box House

With a pianist and a percussionist living under the same roof, the Music Box House is all about the acoustics. The home is acoustically separated into two spaces — a piano studio and a rehearsal space. As a timpanist in the Oregon Symphony, the husband's rehearsal space is housed on the lower level, keeping the loud sounds of his instruments isolated from the rest of the house. The main floor consists of the piano studio where the wife can teach her students, as well as an open living room and outdoor area for recitals. The home doesn't just cater to its musical hosts. A rooftop deck also takes advantage of its impressive setting with views of the Portland cityscape, forest park, and Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier in the distance.

Photos: Pété Eckert / Scott Edwards Architecture

Forest House

Rooted to the ground by a foundation of stilts, the Forest House is a modern campsite in the Northern California woods. The home is comprised of a series of small cabins, connected by a wooden path. These small structures house a variety of functions including a kitchen, sleeping quarters, a bun house, and common areas for gathering and dining. The timber frames are topped by canvas roofs, giving the rooms a tent quality but with the modern luxuries of home. Direct links to the outdoors are provided by expansive sliding doors, while large glazed openings allow for views of the surrounding treetops to the interior.

Photos: Richard Barnes / Envelope A+D

Unamo 3Moods Transformable Couch

The concept of transformable furniture has been attempted many times over the years, but it rarely comes out as well as the 3Moods Transforming Couch from Unamo Design. Functioning as a couch, a chaise lounge, or a table-and-chairs set, the 3Moods couch uses detachable components and magnetic straps to adapt to your furnishing needs while only taking up the space of a regular sofa or futon. And, built of Okoume laminated wood, chromed-iron supports, and durable, poly-woven upholstery, it may be transformable, but it's far from disposable.

Tavern Island

Just over an hour from Midtown Manhattan and an eight-minute boat ride from shore, Tavern Island is one of the most convenient private getaways. The three-and-a-half-acre island provides both seclusion and luxury in the form of a 6,000 square foot home. Built in the 1930s, the English Country Colonial offers six bedrooms, four baths, a kitchen, and seaside gunite pool that has been visited by both Marilyn Monroe and Barbra Streisand. Other accommodations can be found in the guest cottage, the boat house, and a Japanese-style tea house. The property also includes professionally designed gardens, a deep water dock, and multiple private beaches.

Photos: Higgins Group

Illinois Creek Ranch

Inspired by the traditional farmsteads of Flint Hills, the Illinois Creek Ranch is a modern take on the vernacular architecture of Kansas' tallgrass prairie. The home is made up of four wings, each resembling a classic farmhouse with their simple, rectangular forms and pitched roofs. Dark cedar cladding and corrugated metal roofs unify the structures while limestone details pay homage to the native landscape. These volumes are connected by a pair glass atriums with green roofs. The linear layout allows the buildings to take advantage of wind and sun patterns, while also providing exceptional views of the surrounding pastures.

Photos: Mike Sinclair / El Dorado

Typewriter Guns

If it's true that "the pen is mightier than the sword," then each of these Typewriter Guns might have an extra level of influence. Created by Canadian artist Eric Nado, each of these non-working weapons is made using a vintage typewriter to form a series that Nado has dubbed "Mitra-Lettres." From the classic Black Remington to the colorful Orange Underwood or Yellow Tippa, each thought-provoking piece of art makes for a truly unique and beautiful item that is sure to spark conversation.

Tom's Hut

Nestled in the Austrian woodlands, Tom's Hut is a modern refuge in a rustic shell. The exterior's rough timber cladding was left unfinished and laid in a vertical pattern, leaving the home almost undetected among the overgrown landscape. A sloped metal roof complements the rugged facade. Although not a complete departure from the cabin aesthetic, the interior takes on a more refined demeanor with a minimalist design adorned with smooth wood planks on the walls and ceiling, black metal trim. Large shutters to the front and rear open to reveal glazed openings, saturating the space with sunlight and views of the forest setting.

Photos: Albrecht Imanuel Schnabel / Heike Schlauch

Turtle Tail Drive

Nothing says total seclusion like your own private peninsula. Located on the tip of Providenciales Island, Turtle Tail Drive is neighbored only by the Caribbean sea. The property is surrounded by 500 feet of waterfront, allowing for your own private beach and dock. The home itself consists of six bedrooms — including two master suites — a great room, gourmet kitchen, dining for 20, and a private beach bar. An expansive 2,000-square-foot terrace provides seamless access to the outdoors, as well as a glass-walled pool overlooking the water.

Nalu Hotel

Nosara is a prime destination for health, wellness and surfing and the Nalu Hotel is a culmination of all of those. Rather than traditional rooms, the hotel is made up of a series of individual villas — each with either two or three bedrooms, spa bathrooms, open living area with kitchen, outdoor showers, and a private saltwater pool. The property is surrounded by lush gardens, providing privacy for guests as well as encounters with local howler monkeys and iguanas. An open-air fitness studio offers a variety of classes ranging from kick boxing to yoga, while the beach is just a short walk a way to enjoy the Costa Rican surf or a dip in the ocean.

Photos: Andres Garcia Lachner

PS3H House

Modern. Minimalist. Monochromatic. These all best describe the PS3H House. The single-story Swedish residence is made up of an open living area, master suite, and three guest bedrooms, all bathed in the same soft hues. This palette of white, beige, and gray creates a neutral backdrop to highlight the warm wood finishes found on the kitchen cabinets and the master bathroom's sinks and soaking tub. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors bathe the interior with natural light, while slatted screens add a sense of privacy. The real centerpiece of the home is the glazed garage. Sitting in the middle of the main living area, the glass encased parking space acts as the perfect display case for your exotic ride.

Photos: Sirotov Architects

Star Wars Immersive Hotel

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which Disney just unveiled a scale model of, is going to give an entirely new generation of visitors a reason to visit the happiest place on earth. If the new attraction isn't enough to book your tickets for 2019, this might be — an immersive Star Wars hotel. The experience looks to play as a setpiece, with guests donning uniforms and becoming part of a story that unfolds around them, complete with bleeping androids and bizarre aliens. It's cosplay for the whole family, in the cinematic universe we've all wanted to be a part of for since we were kids.