The Most Beautiful House in America, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the house you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 06:23

Picture a serene evening where you're flipping through images of stunning American homes, each boasting its own unique flair and design. Whether it's a modern architectural marvel or a cozy cottage surrounded by nature, identifying the most beautiful house can spark conversations and maybe even influence future home design choices. It's an engaging way to appreciate aesthetics and architecture from various regions across the country. By voting on these homes, you contribute to a collective judgment, highlighting what most appeals to the public's eye in residential beauty. This dynamic ranking reflects current trends and personal preferences, offering a continually updated snapshot of what stands out in American home design. Your participation helps shape this ongoing dialogue, bringing diverse perspectives to what makes a house truly captivating.

What Is the Most Beautiful House in America?

1

75
votes
Seasider53 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina

This stunning chateau-style mansion boasts 250 rooms and is situated on 8,000 acres of land. It was built in the late 1800s by George Vanderbilt and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Biltmore Estate is a magnificent mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina. It is considered one of the most beautiful houses in America, known for its grandeur and architectural splendor. The estate spans over 8,000 acres and features extensive gardens and a scenic landscape.

Architectural Style: Châteauesque

Construction Period: 1889-1895

Size: 178,926 square feet

Number of Rooms: 250

Acres of Garden: 2.5
2

19
votes
Fallingwater - Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Frank Lloyd Wright

Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this iconic home is built over a waterfall and is considered one of his greatest masterpieces.
Fallingwater is a stunning house located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful houses in America and renowned for its unique design and integration with nature. Built over a waterfall, the house seamlessly blends into its surroundings, creating a harmonious and picturesque setting.

Architectural Style: Organic Architecture

Year of Completion: 1937

Materials Used: Reinforced concrete, stone, glass

Size: 5,330 square feet

Bedrooms: 4
3

27
votes
Hearst Castle - San Simeon, California

Julia Morgan

This opulent mansion was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s and 1930s. It features a collection of art and antiques from around the world.
Hearst Castle, also known as La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), is a palatial estate located in San Simeon, California. This iconic mansion was built for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, designed by architect Julia Morgan, and served as Hearst's residence from 1919 until his death in 1951. Today, it is a prestigious tourist attraction showcasing its opulent beauty and rich history.

Location: San Simeon, California

Architectural Style: Mediterranean Revival

Construction Period: 1919-1947

Total Land Area: 90,080 square feet

Number of Rooms: 56 rooms
4

17
votes
Aaron Josephson; cropped by Ibn Battuta · Public domain

Monticello - Charlottesville, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson

This neoclassical mansion was designed by Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States. It features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Monticello is a historic house located in Charlottesville, Virginia, considered one of the most beautiful homes in America. It was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Monticello showcases Jefferson's unique architectural style, blending Neoclassical elements with his own innovative designs.

Construction period: 1769-1809

Architectural style: Neoclassical

Design influences: Palladian and French neoclassical architecture

Inspiration: Renaissance villas in Italy

Key features: Dome-shaped roof, portico, octagonal rooms, terraced gardens, ornate interiors
5

19
votes
UpstateNYer · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Breakers - Newport, Rhode Island

This grand mansion was built in the Gilded Age by the wealthy Vanderbilt family. It features stunning architecture and luxurious interiors.
The Breakers, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is considered one of the most stunning houses in America. It is a symbol of the Gilded Age and the Vanderbilt family's wealth and opulence. Built in 1895, this grand mansion served as the summer residence for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a prominent American industrialist.

Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival

Size: 125,339 square feet

Rooms: 70

Bedrooms: 33

Bathrooms: 38
6

10
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

The White House - Washington, D.C.

James Hoban

The official residence of the President of the United States, the White House is an iconic symbol of American democracy. It features neoclassical architecture and historical significance.
The White House, located in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. This iconic mansion serves as a symbol of American democracy and is renowned for its grand architecture and historical significance.

Architectural style: Neoclassical

Construction started: October 13, 1792

Construction completed: November 1, 1800

Total floor area: 55,000 square feet

Number of rooms: 132
7

8
votes
Carol M. Highsmith · Public domain

The Glass House - New Canaan, Connecticut

Philip Johnson

This modernist home was designed by architect Philip Johnson in the 1940s. It features an innovative use of glass and steel and has become an iconic example of modern architecture.
The Glass House is a renowned architectural masterpiece located in New Canaan, Connecticut, considered one of the most beautiful houses in America. It was designed by the esteemed architect Philip Johnson and completed in 1949. The house is an iconic representation of modernist architecture, featuring a transparent structure that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. With its innovative design and integration with nature, the Glass House has become a symbol of minimalistic elegance and architectural ingenuity.

Location: New Canaan, Connecticut

Year of Completion: 1949

Architectural Style: Modernist

Structure: Transparent Glass

Integration with Nature: Innovatively blends with the surrounding landscape
8

5
votes
Cullen328 · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Gamble House - Pasadena, California

Greene and Greene

This stunning Craftsman-style home was built in the early 1900s by the Gamble family. It features intricate woodwork and beautiful gardens.
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is a magnificent example of the Arts and Crafts architectural style. Built in 1908, it was designed by the architectural firm Greene and Greene for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble Company. The Gamble House showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that became synonymous with the Arts and Crafts movement.

Year Built: 1908

Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts

Location: Pasadena, California

Builder: Peter Hall

Materials Used: Wood, Stone
9

5
votes
Miguel Vieira from Walnut Creek, CA, USA · CC BY 2.0

The Stanley Hotel - Estes Park, Colorado

Freelan Oscar Stanley

This historic hotel was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its role in inspiring Stephen King's novel "The Shining." It features stunning architecture and beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.
The Stanley Hotel is a stunning historic hotel located in Estes Park, Colorado. It is known for its captivating architecture and beautiful surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Year of Construction: 1909

Architectural Style: Colonial Revival

Size: 142,000 square feet

Number of Rooms: 140

Unique Feature: Spectacular panoramic views
10

1
votes
Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - Miami, Florida

James Deering

This stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa was built in the early 1900s by millionaire James Deering. It features beautiful gardens, art, and architecture.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a magnificent mansion located in Miami, Florida. It was built as a winter retreat for businessman James Deering from 1914 to 1922. This iconic National Historic Landmark showcases the splendor of Italian Renaissance architecture fused with Mediterranean Revival influences. The property encompasses 50 acres of breathtaking gardens, canals, and woodlands.

Architectural Style: Italian Renaissance combined with Mediterranean Revival

Construction Period: 1914-1922

Location: Miami, Florida

Property Size: 50 acres

Main Features: Mansion, gardens, canals, woodlands

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Ranking factors for beautiful house

Architectural Style and Design

The overall design and architectural style of the house play a significant role in its beauty. Unique or iconic design elements can contribute to a house being considered beautiful.
Location and Surroundings

A beautiful house should be set in a picturesque or historic location, with well-maintained landscaping and gardens to add to its appeal.
Interior Design and Aesthetics

The interior design and décor of the house should be tastefully done and complement the architectural style. Stunning design elements, such as elaborate moldings, exquisite flooring, and elegant furniture, add to the overall beauty of a home.
Size and Proportion

A house that is well-proportioned and not overly large or small for its location and purpose is generally more aesthetically pleasing.
History and Cultural Significance

Buildings that hold historic or cultural importance can often be perceived as more beautiful due to their significant past and unique stories.
Functionality and Comfort

A beautiful house should also be comfortable and functional, with well-thought-out spaces that cater to the needs of its inhabitants.
Sustainability and Environmentally Friendly Features

In today's world, the focus is on conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact. A house that boasts eco-friendly design and sustainable features can be considered more beautiful as it also contributes to the well-being of our planet.
Innovation and Technology

Incorporating innovative and smart technology can add not only convenience but also uniqueness and appeal to a house's overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful house in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or house is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1721 views
186 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina
Fallingwater - Mill Run, Pennsylvania
The White House - Washington, D.C.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - Miami, Florida

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each house once every 24 hours. The rank of each house is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful house in america

The United States is a vast country with a wide range of architectural styles and designs. From colonial homes to modern mansions, there are countless beautiful houses across America. In recent years, the popularity of home renovation shows and social media platforms has brought attention to some of the most stunning homes in the country. Whether it's a historic mansion in New England or a contemporary glass house in Los Angeles, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the most beautiful house in America. With so many different styles and locations, it's no wonder that this is such a hotly debated topic among architecture enthusiasts and homeowners alike.