There’s nothing quite like a home that breaks the rules and these incredible black houses are the ultimate real estate rebels. Whether designed to blend in with their surroundings or stand out for all the right reasons, these dramatic properties show that when it comes to adding kerb appeal, it might be time to turn to the dark side.
Black Desert House, California, USA
The ultra-modern residence was created by Oller & Pejic architects, who chose to submerge part of the structure into the ground to create a seamless link with the landscape. The idea was to create a residence that would be a “shadow on the landscape, the negative of the mountain that was dynamited 40 years ago to clear the building site,” according to the architect.
With its metallic interior palette, sleek furnishings, and frameless glass walls, the 1,550-square-foot home exudes effortless cool. Despite its unique position, the modern home provides all of the creature amenities you might possibly require. There’s an open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, a media room, two bathrooms, and a view-oriented dining area.
The home’s two all-black bedrooms, which are listed on Airbnb, provide the ideal setting for a restful night’s sleep. Both rooms have direct access to the terrace, which includes a heated pool and a hot tub. A sunbathing deck, a bonfire, an alfresco entertaining space, and an outdoor shower with a view of the desert are also available. Bliss!
Modern mansion, New South Wales, Australia
This contemporary home, located in Baulkham Hills on the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, is sleek, roomy, and sensationally decorated, and its dramatic black design has proven very popular with house-hunters. It shattered the suburb’s property records when it went up for auction in the summer of 2021, selling for just shy of AUD$3.1 million to become the most expensive home the area had ever seen. This equates to $2.2 million (£1.6 million).
The unusual property is surely one-of-a-kind, both inside and out, and is decked out in black both inside and out. The custom-built luxury mansion, which stands at 8,159 square feet and was inspired by a Balinese resort, was completed in 2018 and stands proudly. It has bold furnishings, vibrant LED lighting, sumptuous chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers on the inside.
An imposing entrance hall, a cosy family room, an open-plan living space, a dining room, a kitchen with a built-in wine closet, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms make up the elegant home. There are high-end home amenities throughout, such as underfloor heating and soaring ceilings. The master suite is a veritable haven, with a large walk-in closet, sitting area, ensuite, and balcony — all in an all-black palette, of course.
The Forest Home, California, USA
The Forest Home in Healdsburg, California is a modern masterpiece constructed by architect Douglas Burnham. It is a dark, sparkling residence tucked in the woods. The home’s all-black wood façade makes a statement on 40 acres, yet despite its dramatic look, the interior offers a variety of bright and open living spaces — quite the difference!
The stilt house, which was previously listed with Sotheby’s International Realty, is made up of a series of interconnected cottages connected by outdoor balconies. The home’s lofty elevation provides beautiful views through the forest, and walls of sliding doors serve to create a seamless flow between the internal and outdoor rooms.
The main core of the residence is a big living room and kitchen with warm cedar panelling. Three bedrooms are placed in independent pods elsewhere, each with a terrace that looks out into the tree canopy. The perfect balance of old and new is achieved by combining rustic, homey décor with high-end appliances and contemporary furnishings.
The Black Barn, New South Wales, Australia
This stunning modern barn is situated on a 16-acre tract in Little Hartley, New South Wales, just two hours from Sydney. The architecturally designed home has a glass and modern black cladding façade, as well as a rustic interior with a beautiful finish.
Known as the Black Barn, the property is light-filled and inviting, with a cool natural timber palette, black furnishings and steel accents, while the home’s high position and ample windows allow for unobstructed views all the way across to the Blue Mountains and the rugged peaks of the Great Dividing Range.
The beautiful rural villa is available for rent on Airbnb and comes with everything you could possibly need. There’s an open-plan living area, dining room, and kitchen with exposed beams and a double-height ceiling. We’d have a hard time deciding between cuddling up in this lovely interior and enjoying the breathtaking scenery outside!
