Join Caroline Quentin and architect Piers Taylor as they travel the globe in search of the most extraordinary homes the world has to offer. Originally a BBC production, the first season is now available on Netflix. The properties that are showcased are often incredible. From the design concept, the architecture, the build and the end result, they are simply amazing.
The choice to cast Quentin and Taylor is inspired. She brings the passion and enthusiasm that we the viewers can relate to. He brings the more detailed analysis of the how the homes were actually built. Between them there is a great balance that makes the show very easy to watch.
Like any home based tv show, not all of the houses will float your boat. Some are just bizarre and you really wouldn't want to live in them. Others, however, would have you packing your bags and travelling to the other side of the world in a heartbeat. There are only four episodes in the season but each showcases four properties so you get to see 16 homes. The first focuses on houses built in mountainous regions in the US, New Zealand and Switzerland. The second covers those built in forest settings. The third focuses on coastal regions and the fourth takes a look at underground properties.
The great thing about the show is that we don't just see the end product. As many of these homes are so specialised, their creation was well documented. Along with homeowner and architect interviews we also see video footage of the building process which, in most cases, was a fete in itself. When you want to create a home on an island only accessible by a boat you can see how tricky it's going to be for the builders!
The one thing that all of the homes have in common is that they cost an absolute fortune. Staggering sums of money were spent creating idyllic retreats in remote locations using only the best materials in the world. They are virtually inaccessible and designed for maximum seclusion and privacy. They are beautiful to look at but probably not ideal for most people. For other homes that will have you green with jealousy check out Amazing Interiors!
