SPECIAL – Iconic Dreams Europe - Sleep in an Iconic House!
Always wanted to sleep in a museum? Now's your chance! Iconic Houses' members include an exclusive selection of museum homes that you can rent for a holiday. Most houses served as weekend or holiday homes for their owners, giving architects more creative freedom. These well designed, authentic, and often experimental houses have wonderful stories to tell.
The houses are popular with architecture enthusiasts, so early booking is recommended. Here is a selection of European highlights, ranging from villas originally commissioned by industrialists to apartments for the middle class and from a hidden Brutalist gem in Belgium to a hidden gem of Czech modernism near Prague.
It is also great to see that by renting these houses you contribute to the preservation of this architectural heritage for future generations. It is a win-win situation where you not only get a unique experience, but also play an important role in the preservation of cultural heritage.
We’ve arranged the houses here below for you by country.
We look forward to introducing more iconic holiday homes to you soon!
We want your tips!
We’re always looking out for new and inspiring examples. So, if you know a unique and unmissable house from the 20th century, please tell us about it by mailing info@iconichouses.org. Thanks for your suggestions!
Note: Book you stay well in advance, as these unique holiday rentals are very popular.
Tap on the links or photos to read further.
AUSTRIA
Haus Dellacher, Oberwart, 1969
The Dellacher House, built between 1965 and 1969 by Raimund Abraham for his childhood friend Max Dellacher, is one of the most iconic modern buildings in Austria. After being empty for almost 15 years, it was renovated in 2016 and since 2020 you can book an overnight stay there. In the beautiful landscape of southern Burgenland, the house sits like a sculpture in the surrounding nature. Just like Loos and Frank Lloyd Wright, who incorporated Japanese influences into their designs, Abraham was also inspired by clear language, honest materials, and spatial experience, which are best expressed in the dining room. In 2018, a sculpture park was added with pieces by regional artists.
BELGIUM
Huis Billiet, Bruges, 1928
Billiet House, designed by architect Huib Hoste in 1927 for Jules Billiet and his family, has been restored to its former glory in 2017 after years of neglect. The former diamond cutting factory at the rear now serves as living space for the owners, while the house has been returned to its original splendour. Since 1995, the house has been protected as a monument, saved from threatened demolition. The play of colours on floors, walls and interior carpentry is a highlight of this monument. With geometric surfaces in ten different colours, inspired by a design from 1925, the living room creates a lively 3D effect. The play of colours extends throughout the entire house, from the entrance hall to the bathroom, and makes Huis Billiet a unique experience.
Van Wassenhove House, Sint-Martens-Latem, 1974
In 1974, the Belgian architect Juliaan Lampens designed the Van Wassenhove House in Sint-Martens-Latem. The house, made of concrete, wood and glass, houses all functions in one open space: the sleeping area in a circle, the kitchen in a triangle and the study in a square. This unique design radiates tranquility and invites serenity, making the house an oasis of zen.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Laichter House, Prague, 1910
Laichter House is a place that tells the story of the 20th-century tensions between democracy and totalitarianism and demonstrates that once seemingly decimated cultural hotspots can come alive again with event spaces, a co-working space, a house museum, as well as a suite for guests to stay and experience the historical spirit of the place themselves.
Hotel Avion, Brno, 1928
The Avion Hotel, an icon of the Czechoslovak avant-garde from the interwar period, symbolizes innovation. Designed by architect Bohuslav Fuchs and opened in 1928, it is one of Europe's narrowest hotel complexes with ten floors. Located in the historic heart of Brno, it covers only 8 meters wide and 34 meters deep but reaches up to 40 meters high. With 37 rooms and a restaurant on the ground floor, the hotel offers a spectacular space that highlights Fuchs' influence on Brno's urban planning. Home to its permanent exhibition about Fuchs, the Avion Hotel remains a globally recognized symbol of architectural innovation.
Villa Winternitz, Prague, 1932
Completed in 1929, Villa Winternitz is the last masterpiece by Adolf Loos and Karel Lhota before Loos' death. The spacious house embodies Loos' Raumplan concept, with staggered floors that provide a unique spatial experience. With built-in furniture, beautiful materials and surprising colours, the craftsmanship radiates. For adventurous spirits, Villa Winternitz offers the opportunity to rent the house for an overnight stay. Here you can enjoy the beautiful details, the three terraces and the lush garden undisturbed. A chance to experience the heritage of Loos and Lhota in an enchanting setting.
Vila Volman, Čelákovice, 1939
Vila Volman is located just a 40-minute drive from the Prague city centre. This hidden gem of Czech modernism opened to the public in autumn 2022 and has since welcomed more than 15,000 visitors on tours available in English, French, and Czech. For an even better experience, it is highly recommended to book a private tour with one of the villa’s expert guides by making an appointment through the website. For architecture and history lovers, the villa offers a unique and unforgettable experience: an overnight stay, allowing you to fully soak in its unique atmosphere throughout the day, evening, and night. The stay includes a private English-language tour of the villa and a rich breakfast.
ESTONIA
Villa Tammekan, Tartu, 1932
It is possible to stay overnight at the Villa Tammekann in Estonia and thus experience the unique environment of this design by Alvar Aalto. Although stays are primarily intended for university staff on work visits, special groups interested in architecture are also welcomed. With two twin rooms and three single rooms a stay includes also use of the sauna :-)
FINLAND
Majamaja, Helsinki Archipelago, 2023
Wake up to the subtle sounds of seabirds, a whispering wind and gently rolling waves of the Baltic Sea. Majamaja is a pioneering solution for future off-grid living with minimised environmental footprint, that allows you to reconnect with nature. Bookings are now open for the 4 unique off-grid seaside retreats in the Helsinki archipelago, initiated by Finnish architect Pekka Littow.
Paimio Sanatorium, Paimio, 1933
Iconic Houses is not just about 20th-century residential gems that have become house museums. We also collect hotels designed by renowned architects because they offer a unique opportunity to experience great architecture. Now, the world-famous Paimo Sanatorium is opening its rooms for the summer season for overnight stays. It's the ultimate place to recharge your batteries in nature - be the first to experience it!
GERMANY
A house from Taut, Berlin, 1930
In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Horseshoe Estate, the modest Taut’s Home stands like a time machine to the stylish Berlin of the 1930s. The owner couple, a graphic designer and a landscape architect, even won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for their sublimely restored home. This home can accommodate up to four guests. It is perhaps the most authentic experience to feel the spirit of Berlin's emerging modernism and Golden Twenties. With its historical context and unique restoration, Taut’s Home is a true gem for architecture and history lovers.
Haus Schminke, Löbau, 1933
In 1933, Hans Scharoun designed the remarkable Haus Schminke for Fritz Schminke, owner of a nearby noodle factory. Infused with practical details, this house suited the family life of six perfectly. The spacious windows flood the interior with light and offer panoramic views. The original 'Frankfurt Kitchen’, flowing spaces and child-friendly details make it a cheerful place. A must experience for architecture lovers is enjoying a glass of wine in the winter garden after an overnight stay. Upon request, extra beds can be added for up to twelve guests. The Haus Schminke embodies timeless elegance and family friendliness.
ITALY
Villa Morassuti, San Martino di Castrozza, 1956
Villa Morassutti, is an iconic work from 1956 by architect Bruno Morassutti in the enchanting Dolomites. It combines the local building traditions of the Dolomites with elements of Venetian architecture. The central hall, a nod to architects from the Veneto, functions as the beating heart of the house, both symbolically and functionally. Morassutti's influences are broad, from his postgraduate studies with Frank Lloyd Wright to Japanese interiors. The separation of the house into day and night areas was ground breaking for its time. Villa Morassutti remains a timeless example of architectural ingenuity and cultural integration.
Casa Salvati, Toscolano-Maderno, 1972
Casa Salvati is a gem for individualists and design lovers, an original architect house from 1972. In 1972 the main ambition was the construction of three summer homes at the shores of lake Garda. Designs were intended for personal use of the architect Alberto Salvati (born in 1935) and his family from Milan. In the family's own olive grove on a hill between Gardone Riviera and Maderno, an ensemble with 3 cubes was created, which are aligned on the north-south axis and look like sculptures from a distance.
NETHERLANDS
Dijkstra House, Groet, 1934
Dijkstra House dates from 1934 and embodies the modernist ideas of that time. This summer house, close to the sea and dunes, perfectly illustrates the experimental architecture of the 1930s. It was designed by the progressive architects Ben Merkelbach and Charles Karsten, leading figures of the 'New Building'. Preserved in its original state, it now offers the possibility of holiday accommodation through Hendrick de Keyser Monuments. Merkelbach's office, known for its public housing and commercial buildings, also realized notable projects such as the Avro studio in Hilversum (1936).
PORTUGAL
Casa D'Abreu Neto, Matosinhos, 1957
Quatro Casas in Matosinhos, just 9 km from Porto, was the first work of Álvaro Siza (born in 1933), at the time a 21-year-old architecture student. Two independent houses and two semi-detached houses were built for members of the same family. Casa D'Abreu Neto, was recently under preservation work, supervised by Siza himself and can be rented for overnight stays and holidays.
SPAIN
Can Lis, Mallorca, 1971
In 1971, architect Jørn Utzon completed his own house Can Lis, located on a steep cliff near Porto Petro, Mallorca. After leaving the Sydney Opera House project, Utzon found a new home here. Can Lis embraces traditional Mallorcan construction methods and local materials, organically integrating them into the daily lives of Utzon's family. For Utzon, architecture was more than an external form; it provided the framework for family life’s rituals. The Utzon Foundation offers architects and students the opportunity to experience Can Lis in the months when the house is not in use by an artist in residence. This architectural gem is a testament to Utzon's connection with the environment and his vision on architecture.
El Palauet, Barcelona, 1906
El Palauet is a stunning Catalan art nouveau building in the heart of Paseo de Gracia. Designed in 1906 by renowned architect Pere Falqués I Urpí, the visionary behind the iconic streetlights on Paseo de Gracia, this gem is Barcelona's best kept secret. The Palauet Royal Suites are a privileged location to enjoy personalised service and the most exquisite luxury.
SWITZERLAND
Casa Navegna, Zurich, 1929
Architecture, art and nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat will fall in love with the spectacular setting of Casa Navegna on the Swiss-Italian border. Built in 1929 by architect Ernst Bechstein, it was the first modernist house in the region. Today, Casa Navegna is considered one of Bechstein's most important projects in the style of Neues Bauen.
SWB Guest Apartment, Zurich, 1932
In 1932, the SWB Guest Apartment in Zurich on the Neubühl estate was introduced with the slogan “Live as if you were on holiday”. This architectural gem, designed by Paul Artaria and his team, embodied the ideal of living with light, air and sun. Located between the Uetliberg and Lake Zurich, the apartment offers a unique experience. Now rented by the Swiss Werkbund, the apartment still exudes the charm of modern classics from Swiss furniture history, including the Ulmer stool and table by Max Bill, beds by Alfred Roth, armchairs by Werner Max Moser, and the iconic height-adjustable table by Jürg Bally.
Posted April 14, 2024