An extraordinary home that is as much a optical illusion as it is a private residence has come on the market on the edge of Vermont‘s Mad River—where it is offering a somewhat “mad” opportunity to live inside a true work of art.
The property, which is the work of architect John Connell, founder of the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, is part of a community of homes that were built to “address the challenges of housing in the 21st Century,” according to its listing.
Located in Waitsfield, VT, the two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom abode is on the market for $495,000.
Overlooking the Mad River, the two-bedroom multilevel home boasts 1,594 square feet of quirky living space with geometrically shaped windows, skylights, and vaulted ceilings. These eye-popping features have helped the home angle its way to the top of the week’s most popular homes list.
Jaw-dropping highlights found throughout the open floor plan include a curved bridge accessed by an open staircase, which leads to a loft overlooking the main living area. The kitchen is equipped with dimensional cabinetry, and the primary suite has access to a cantilevered deck designed like it’s “floating in mid-air.”
Built in 1990, the home is the recipient of a 2026 Preservation Award. The property last traded hands for $82,000 in 2023. An easement through the property provides access to the Mad River Path.
Other properties grabbing attention this week are a midcentury modern time capsule in Arkansas, an affordable Montana property with two residences surrounded by farmland, and a multifamily container structure in New Orleans looking to be completed.
Price: $495,000
Why it’s here: It’s a historic brick Tudor filled with charming architectural details and a surprisingly modern kitchen.
Built in 1930, the 4,398-square-foot Upper Essex Heights residence features original Pewabic Pottery tile in the foyer, “an iconic hallmark of Michigan‘s celebrated Arts & Crafts tradition,” and a walnut-paneled library with built-in bookcases and map of the pre-war world lining the wall. Other highlights include a cozy conservatory, a glass-enclosed sunroom, a formal dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, two family rooms, three fireplaces, a renovated walk-up attic, and a primary suite with private terrace overlooking the yard with outdoor fireplace.
A partly finished basement offers a recreation room, bar, full workshop, and bonus space that could be used as a fitness center, home office, or studio.
Michael Barbour of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Snyder & Company, Realtors is the listing agent.
Price: $550,000
Why it’s here: Elgin Mansion offers an investor the affordable opportunity to use this eight-bedroom residence “with great potential for a bed and breakfast” for income potential through tourism rentals.
The Pelton Mansion measures 6,040 square feet, spans three stories, and boasts 14 well-preserved rooms. Designed by architect Gilbert M. Turnbull and built in 1889, the “move-in ready” building features many period details, including built-ins, custom millwork, hardwood floors, coffered ceilings, a grand curved staircase, and three fireplaces.
Located in the Elgin Historic District, the half-acre property “has been a cherished part of the Historic Elgin House Tour for many years” and overlooks the Fox River.
Larry Naselli of Baird & Warner Far Northwest Suburban is the listing agent.
Price: $2,500,000
Why it’s here: It’s a Fay Jones–designed midcentury modern home on Mount Sequoyah that has been thoughtfully preserved since it was built in 1969.
The four-bedroom time capsule was designed to blend in with its surroundings. A sunken living room has a slate floor, built-in seating, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and retractable glass wall, which opens to a spacious patio. Vaulted ceilings, wood paneling, stone details, and expansive glass can be found throughout the 4,900-square-foot interior. Other impressive amenities include a dining room with custom built-ins, an entertainer’s kitchen with double ovens and two refrigerators, and a lower level with wet bar and kitchenette.
Stone patios overlooking a koi pond offer sweeping skyline views.
Lee Ward of Realty Concepts is the listing agent.
Price: $1,849,500
Why it’s here: The Alice Lynch House was built in 1922 for its namesake poet and has been designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 621.
The Spanish Colonial Revival adobe has been thoughtfully modernized while maintaining its architectural integrity. Found throughout the 2,560-square-foot, energy-efficient interior are exposed beams, original hardwood floors, a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, and arched glass French doors that open to a central courtyard.
An updated chef’s kitchen has custom stucco cabinetry, mahogany butcher block countertops, a breakfast nook, and pass-through window to the courtyard for “effortless entertaining.”
Built-in outdoor seating surrounding a sculptural cactus overlooks the landscaped yard with a water feature, avocado tree, and fire pit.
Molly Kelley of Compass is the listing agent.
Price: $275,000
Why it’s here: It’s the very affordable opportunity to buy two residences on 4.54 acres of privacy surrounded by farmland.
Located minutes away from Tiber Dam and Lake Elwell, the adorable farmette boasts a four-bedroom primary residence with an attached two-car garage and a two-bedroom home, which could be used for multigenerational living, guest accommodations, or income potential.
The one-level smaller dwelling has expansive windows, wood paneling, a skylight, and fireplace. Built-ins, glass-block details, a fireplace, and two kitchens can be found in the main duplex.
Additional structures include a silo, storage building, and detached two-car garage.
Sasha Keller of Keller Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $285,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1860, this historical three-bedroom home “with distinctive style” has been entirely updated.
The modernized interior features exposed-beam wood ceilings and hardwood floors painted white. Vaulted ceilings and built-ins remain intact throughout the 1,266-square-foot residence. A finished lower level could be used for entertaining or transformed into a home office or fitness center.
The covered front porch and the back patio with outdoor fireplace would be a nice spot for morning coffee.
Hayley Talbot of Lamacchia Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $269,000
Why it’s here: It’s an inexpensive opportunity to buy a 95.43-acre former dairy farm featuring a cottage and tennis courts. It’s being offered for the first time in more than a century.
Offered “thoughtfully to encourage refurbishing, improvement and enhancement,” the three-season dwelling features spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. The two-parcel property was originally established by federal judge George Morris and his wife, Lula, an author. An 1,106-square-foot wood-paneled interior boasts a cozy living room with fireplace, a dining room with oversized window overlooking the wraparound front porch, and a kitchen with antique stove.
According to the listing, some of its contents are also available.
Peter W. Powell of Peter W. Powell Real Estate is the listing agent.
Price: $429,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1759, the Case House has been “thoughtfully maintained” over the years and is still full of charm and character.
Original details include wide-plank wood floors, hand-hewn beams, raised-panel doors, hand-forged hardware, and an open-hearth kitchen with beehive oven. Other amenities include formal living and dining rooms, a family room with wood-burning stove, and a walk-up attic with an antique loom and “other period artifacts.”
The 2.4-acre lot comes with a two-story barn, detached three-car garage with workshop, garden shed, pump house, and tractor shed.
Wynne Lord of Coldwell Banker Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $200,000
Why it’s here: Here’s the affordable opportunity to finish what was started to transform this container structure into a multifamily dwelling.
The work that has been started includes “piers, framing, windows, plumbing, electrical, and sheetrock.” Meanwhile, the flooring, painting, bathrooms, and kitchens need to be finalized. One side of the structure offers three bedrooms, and the other features two bedrooms.
Buyers could live on one side and generate income by renting out the other unit.
Eric Stephens of Compass Metro (LATT01) is the listing agent.
Price: $495,000
Why it’s here: This architectural tour de force was designed and built by Yestermorrow founder John Connell. It is a recipient of a 2026 Preservation Award.
Built in 1990, the “highly efficient and exciting” multilevel structure with “distinct lack of walls” features a whimsical interior with geometrically shaped windows, angled custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and skylights. A set of railing-free stairs leads to a curved bridge, which opens to a loft.
A cantilevered deck designed to make you feel like you are “floating in mid-air” overlooks the Mad River.
Karl Klein of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Waitsfield is the listing agent.
Get real estate news in your inbox
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Stock markets, real estate, and other financial instruments involve significant risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results. You should conduct your own research and/or seek advice from a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The website owner is not liable for any financial losses or damages arising from the use of the information presented here.
About The Author
