# If You Could Live in Any Existing House in the World as a Prize, Which One Would Be and Why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 12, 2010, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389 "2010-11-12T03:38:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/41 "2010-11-13T13:13:57Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I like the area I live in so I’d want a good house around here. The [Eastman House](http://www.landmarksociety.org/historicny/chapter9.htm) would be nice. There are a large number of [suitable houses](http://raom.org/images/house1.jpg) [on East Ave](http://www.bhbirochester.org/images/side_big.jpg) that would all be acceptable - esp, if you could get them remodeled back to single family housing.\* But I’d really rather move into the [Mushroom House](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3273957964_c85276fb45_z.jpg) out in Perinton. \*Apologies to the organizations I’m evicting for my pleasure. It’s nothing personal. Really. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/42 "2010-11-13T17:44:01Z")
> [@rachelellogram](#): > > The House on the Rock in the Wisconsin Dells. Comes with a carousel, the infinity room, and is the largest house I have ever seen. I don’t remember how many rooms it has, but it’s a freaking lot. And if the contract pays to maintain the place, I could ride the carousel anytime I wanted to and never have to clean! There are also touristy food stands inside of it, which might be an innovative way to get around the food cost limitation. > > Why can’t I make money off of it, though? I could rent out half a square mile to somebody and make a living off of that. I’d have to be permanently blindfolded to live in that place. It’s the architectural equivalent of a migraine. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/43 "2010-11-13T18:13:47Z")
One of those brownstones on Washington Square Park. Or barring that, Graceland. ---
**Author:** ![Cell\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@Cell\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cell_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/44 "2010-11-13T18:41:27Z")
[The Susan Dana House](http://www.dana-thomas.org/) in Springfield IL. 12,000 sq ft of Frank Lloyd Wright goodness. Oh yea… ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/45 "2010-11-13T19:26:45Z")
That [UFO-lookin’ house](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/to-do-john-lautner-at-the-hammer-museum-056061) from _Body Double_ would be cool. ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/46 "2010-11-13T20:15:50Z")
Since it’s not inhabitable, I’d just want a picturesque cottage near the auld family keep: [Dunnottar Castle - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunnottar_Castle) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2010, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/47 "2010-11-13T20:17:59Z")
> [@OtakuLoki](#): > > There are a large number of [suitable houses](http://raom.org/images/house1.jpg) [on East Ave](http://www.bhbirochester.org/images/side_big.jpg) that would all be acceptable - esp, if you could get them remodeled back to single family housing. There’s definitely some beautiful houses on East (and Goodman and University). But I’ve only seen the exteriors. I’ve been inside the Eastman House. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/48 "2010-11-14T18:08:36Z")
There’s a house on Ballymun Rd. in Dublin that I’m fond of. It looks like something Howard Hughes would have bought. I wannit. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/49 "2010-11-14T18:19:50Z")
Once, when I lived in NYC, I participated in a class-action suit against a dentist. I met the attorney in his apartment. This was a penthouse in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. His home was on several levels, with an outdoor pool and gardens. There was a private elevator from street-level. He also had some obviously expensive original art, and of course a 360-degree view of the New York skyline. My partner is 20 years younger than I am, so I hope he’d be the winner of this prize, so he wouldn’t have to leave when I die. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Accident](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@Mr.Accident](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Accident)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/50 "2010-11-14T23:28:12Z")
Winchester Mystery House. I love the chaotic design Sarah Winchester went with when she was having it built. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/51 "2010-11-14T23:42:06Z")
I’m going with [this property.](http://www.hawaiilife.com/photos234514-1.html) Not only is it on the north shore of Kauai with it’s own private beach, I could rent out the two guest houses and that would cover those annoying extra expenses like eating. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/52 "2010-11-15T00:01:29Z")
> [@Moonlitherial](#): > > I’m going with [this property.](http://www.hawaiilife.com/photos234514-1.html)I could rent out the two guest houses and that would cover those annoying extra expenses like eating. OP rule violation. You can’t make any money whatsoever off of the property. You only get to live in as much as you choose. It is still owned by someone else so you still need income to support yourself and your eating habits. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/53 "2010-11-15T00:58:17Z")
My daughter would be ecstatic if we chose [The Pink House](http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM2DJJ_The_Pink_House_Perry_Street_Cape_May_NJ). Almost any [Victorian](http://www.capemaytimes.com/bed-and-breakfast/cape-may.htm) in Cape May would suit me just fine. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/54 "2010-11-15T08:09:18Z")
[Neuschwanstein](http://www.destination360.com/europe/germany/neuschwanstein-castle) would be a nice little bungalow - although the heating bill in the winter could be a bit pricey. Plus, I would dread spring cleaning - just thinking about washing those windows from the outside - wow, lots of Windex and paper towels. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/55 "2010-11-15T08:15:55Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > How are all you folks who are choosing palaces in foreign countries planning on making a living? Or are you all independently wealthy? > > If I don’t have to actually make a living, I gotta start looking for my own palace. I haven’t chosen anything in a foreign country 🙂 And if I got, say, la casa de les punxes, it’s divided into apartments: I would expect to be getting one of them, not the whole bundle. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/56 "2010-11-15T08:46:34Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > I always liked the [Gamble House](http://www.gamblehouse.org/photos/index.html). Second the Gamble House. I’m not a fan of Southern California, but the Gamble House is the standard bearer for Arts and Crafts/Craftsman residential design. Maybe there’s an equivalent in Chicago, Portland or Denver. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/57 "2010-11-15T08:58:59Z")
I’d normally pick the Greenbriar Bunker…pity about that “lease expires when you die” part, though. With a pad like that, when I died, I’d just want to be left inside and the doors sealed up. With some really chilling curses written on them, and the more accessible inside passageways. 😃 After that…I think I’ll go with the [Banff](http://www.hotellx.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/banffhotel_money.jpg) [Springs](http://www.banffexeclead.com/images/FairmontBanffSprings.jpg) [Hotel.](http://www.canadarentals.net/images/banff_springs_hotel_bow_falls.jpg) The whole thing. Really seems like my kind of [del]lair[/del] place; really suits my moods. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/58 "2010-11-15T14:29:28Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > OP rule violation. You can’t make any money whatsoever off of the property. You only get to live in as much as you choose. It is still owned by someone else so you still need income to support yourself and your eating habits. Well darn it. Okay, I guess I need to apply for a green card then. Any chance this famous company will also sponsor a Canadian? ---
**Author:** ![Wallenstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5a626/32.png) [@Wallenstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallenstein)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/59 "2010-11-15T14:47:20Z")
Bearing in mind the OP’s restrictions, I’d live [here](http://www.ptbc.co.uk/Portals/0/SEO/images/Warwick%20Castle.jpg). It’s 2 mins from my office so I could walk to work, it’s handy for local schools, there are decent shops nearby and it’s not too far from family. It also has one of [these](http://www.asplinteredhistoryofwood.com/photos-Images/19.jpg)in the lower paddock which would be _lots_ of fun. It’s not clear whether heating costs etc are covered as part of the deal - I imagine they would be shocking in a property like this, but I’m choosing to assume that these are covered under the “maintenance” section of the OP. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2010, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389/60 "2010-11-15T15:02:04Z")
I’d love to live in Frank lloyd Wright’s Fallinwater house (PA). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-live-in-any-existing-house-in-the-world-as-a-prize-which-one-would-be-and-why/560389.md?page=4)