Ridgebury by Rafael Viñoly, Connecticut, USA
Best known for his institutional designs for educational establishments, performing arts centres and museums, Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly was commissioned to build the Ridgebury residence to showcase the previous owner’s extensive art collection. More museum than home, the 10,000-sqft estate surprisingly only contains two bedrooms, with the three-floor private master tower and guest wings placed at opposite ends of the house. The concrete, steel and glass building, however, has no shortage of entertaining space, with the vast and appropriately named Great Room encompassing the primary kitchen, dining and living areas, complete with a striking sculptural fireplace. Set on nearly 2 hectares of land, the hilltop property has both indoor and outdoor pools, and is priced at US$3.2million.

Michelle & Company, Tel: +1 888 454 7653
www.michelleandcompany.com

The Miller House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Los Angeles, USA
Positioned on lush gardens within the Prospect Historic District of Pasadena, The Miller House was built in 1923, and was recognised by Frank Lloyd Wright as his earliest Usonian house. The 4,230-sqft residence is also the first to utilise his textile block building system, and the house features pre-Columbian motifs on the brocaded concrete walls. In 1926, his son, Lloyd Wright, built a separate guesthouse, and the two buildings together contain four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The property is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and is priced slightly under US$5million.

Crosby Doe Associates, Tel: +1 310 275 2222
www.crosbydoe.com

Villa Poiret by Robert Mallet-Stevens, Paris, France
Set on 3.5 hectares of enclosed parklands by the Seine, in Île-de-France, Villa Poiret was commissioned by French fashion designer Paul Poiret. Robert Mallet-Stevens began work in 1922, but construction stopped a year later due to Poiret’s bankruptcy. It wasn’t until 1934 that building resumed thanks to actress Elvire Popescu, who hired Paul Boyer to complete the villa, all the while preserving Mallet-Stevens’ cubist designs. In addition to the 25-room concrete mansion, the estate also includes an outdoor pool, a caretakers’ pavilion, an orchard and woodland. Villa Poiret is the last Mallet-Stevens property to remain in private hands, and is priced at US$8.9million.

Patrice Besse, Tel: +33 6 07 38 73 92
www.patrice-besse.co.uk

Cape Yamu by Jean-Michel Gathy, Phuket, Thailand
Sited on a peninsula jutting from Phuket’s east coast is this expansive waterfront villa in Cape Yamu, one of the most exclusive communities on the island. Inspired by traditional Thai architecture, the lavish property was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the award-winning architect who primarily works in the hospitality industry, and is best known for his designs for the lush Amanresorts. At 8,860-sqft, the villa houses five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and an infinity pool, and overlooks the famed limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay. Priced at approximately US$7.8million.

Engel & Völkers, Tel: +66 7627 1751
www.engelvoelkers.com

The Troika by Norman Foster, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Just a stone’s throw from César Pelli’s Petronas Towers is the new commercial and residential landmark The Troika, designed by 1999 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Norman Foster. Facilities on the compound include private parking spaces, a swimming pool and round-the-clock security. Looking to move in straight away? A furnished three-bedroom apartment (2,508 sqft) is available at about US$1.6million. Five unfurnished floors are open for sale, giving the owner the opportunity to combine units and form one super-penthouse at 30,763 sqft. Priced at approximately US$24.5million.

Knight Frank, Tel: +60 3 2289 9688
www.knightfrank.com

Central Saint Giles by Renzo Piano, London, UK
Winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1998, Renzo Piano ditches his usual palette of silver and grey to make a colourful statement at Central Saint Giles near Covent Garden. Behind the glazed ceramic facades are a commune of offices, shops, restaurants and apartments. The 2,426-sqft penthouse has three bedrooms and bathrooms, plus far-reaching views over the capital from the terrace. Residents get 24-hour security and concierge service. Priced at US$8.6million.

Savills, Tel: +44 20 7409 8756
www.savills.co.uk

This story is adapted from Singapore Tatler's May 2012 issue. All information is supplied by the agents listed, and Edipresse and Asia Tatler take no responsibility for its accuracy or current validity.