Fairytale Houses

By Elli Davis, June 18, 2011

Life is not a fairytale, but why not to try to make it one? This approach has been taken by a number of people who didn’t want to live in ordinary houses, and who have created something completely different — something magical. Take a look at seven designs that could be from a fairytale.

The Haines Shoe House

Photo by Mark Peters

No one lives here anymore, but the famous Haines Shoe House is certainly worth mentioning. The Hallam, Pennsylvania five-storey, shoe-shaped building was built back in 1948 by Mahlon Haines, a shoe salesman. An amazing marketing initiative, isn’t it? Go and check it out yourself, it is open for public tours.

Alice in Wonderland House

Photo by Mark A Coleman

Alice from Alice in Wonderland would love this place. The main reason is that it looks almost like her house from the famous story. I could imagine living there as well; it is a nice mixture of fairytale and reality. It seems real and magical at the same time. If you want to see this home personally, travel to England’s capital.

William H. James House

William H. James House

Canada is full of magical houses, it seems. One of them, the William H. James House, is a lovely cottage in Vancouver. Thanks to its undulating shingle roof, you can just picture fairytale characters living in the house. The house is very attractive for tourists, so do not forget to see it when you visit Vancouver!

Hobbit House

Hobbit House

The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and perhaps other similarly themed stories have inspired a Welsh couple to move into a real life hobbit house. Its exterior looks absolutely surreal and the house is magical inside, too. Fantastic job! I would never have guessed people actually live there. All it takes is creativity.

Guell Park

Photo by Yuvalh

Every detail in this famous Barcelona Park, built in the beginning of 20th century, could be from a fairy tale. The breathtaking main staircase and its outbuildings (yes, there are more of them) make up one of the nicest parks in the world. Rounded contours and elaborate mosaics abound here! If you are planning to visit Spain, stop by. Without a doubt, you’ll have to keep reminding yourself it is real life.

Waterton Park’s Prince of Wales Hotel

The Prince of Wales Hotel Waterton
Canada by Lee Coursey

You can see what it is like to live in a fairy tale, a few days at a time! Built in 1927 and one of the most photographed hotels in the world, the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton, Alberta will make you feel absolutely magical. Not only does the hotel itself look like it’s from a fairytale, but its surroundings are breathtaking as well.

The Pink House

The Pink House by Paul Lowry

This Massachusetts building looks like the perfect Barbie house or gingerbread house. A dream for any little girl, isn’t it? I think this is exactly the type of house people either really hate or are completely in love with. If you belong to the latter group, you might want to join the exiting Facebook group created for this house.

What about you? Have you ever seen a house that looked like it was from a fairytale? Could you imagine living in such a place?

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