Cover Designer homes, like The Glass House by Philip Johnson, is foundational to the way we think about space, structure and lifestyle. (Photo: Christina Horsten / Picture Alliance / Getty Images)
Designer homes, like The Glass House by Philip Johnson, is foundational to the way we think about space, structure and lifestyle. (Photo: Christina Horsten / Picture Alliance / Getty Images)
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These designer homes invite you to experience space, light and place the way their creators intended
For those who prefer thoughtful design over five-star clichés, a growing number of designer homes by legendary architects and tastemakers are now open to the public—some for tours, others as actual places to stay. These properties are not merely photogenic but foundational to the way we think about space, structure and lifestyle. Whether you’re after brutalism in the forest, modernism by the sea or a glimpse into a fashion icon’s personal sanctuary, these homes offer more than just interiors—they offer intent.
Read more: Malaysia and Singapore's Art Deco legacy: Buildings that tell stories
1. The Glass House – New Canaan, Connecticut, USA
You can’t stay here, but you can visit by appointment. Designed by architect Philip Johnson and completed in 1949, Johnson’s Glass House is considered a landmark of American modernism. Its open-plan design and transparency were radical for its time, challenging the idea of privacy in architecture. The site includes a collection of other buildings and art installations worth seeing.
2. Villa Savoye – Poissy, France
An essential stop for any student of modernist architecture. Built in the 1930s, Villa Savoye embodies Le Corbusier’s “Five Points of Architecture” and continues to influence architects today. Tours are available, but accommodation must be sought elsewhere.
3. Muralla Roja – Calpe, Spain
This geometric fortress overlooking the Mediterranean is often reduced to Instagram bait, but the architecture holds its own. Inspired by North African kasbahs, Ricardo Bofill’s 1973 design integrates bold colour blocks with maze-like staircases. Private apartments within the building are available for short-term stays, making it one of the most recognisable designer homes you can actually live in.
4. Fallingwater – Pennsylvania, USA
Built over a waterfall, Fallingwater is Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous residential project and a high point of organic architecture. Overnight stays aren’t permitted, but the on-site guest houses offer proximity to daily tours and seasonal programming.
5. Villa E-1027 – Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
E-1027 is a modernist villa that was nearly erased from architectural history until its restoration. Designed in 1929 by Irish designer Eileen Gray, the home challenges traditional gendered notions of space. Guided visits are now available, offering insight into her singular design approach.
6. Casa Malaparte – Capri, Italy
This private villa perched on a cliff by Adalberto Libera and Curzio Malaparte is arguably more famous for its cinematic appearances than its architectural merit. Still, the minimalist form and stark red exterior leave a lasting impression. While the house itself is closed to the public, it can be viewed during hikes or boat excursions around the island.
7. Villa Oasis – Marrakech, Morocco
Tucked behind the cobalt walls of Jardin Majorelle, Villa Oasis served as Yves Saint Laurent’s private residence. The interiors fuse Moroccan craftsmanship with French design principles. While the villa remains closed to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, which houses the designer’s archives. Few designer homes so clearly reflect the owner’s aesthetic legacy.
8. Hotel Mar Adentro (now Viceroy Los Cabos) – San José del Cabo, Mexico
Originally conceived as a standalone design hotel by architect Miguel Ángel Aragonés, the property features stark white volumes and still-water pools that reflect the desert light. Though it has since been absorbed by a luxury hotel chain, the architectural essence remains intact.
9. The Dune House – Suffolk, England
Commissioned by Alain de Botton’s Living Architecture initiative, the Dune House by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects is available to rent and sits inconspicuously along the British coastline. Its faceted roofline and contrasting interior materials make it one of the more understated yet refined designer homes available to the public.
Not all great design is meant to be consumed from a distance. These designer homes, in varying degrees of accessibility, allow you to experience architecture in motion—how a space breathes, frames a view or responds to its surroundings. For travellers who value aesthetics with substance, they offer far more than just a place to stay.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
