When considering a place to call home, closeness to danger might not be on everyone’s checklist, but for some courageous souls, living in risky locations is an exciting chance. From remote islands to dangerous cliffside dwellings, there are some most dangerous houses in the world that only the most daring would consider living in.
Let’s take a thrilling journey through a list of 25+ dangerous houses and the daring individuals who call them home.
List of 25+ Most Dangerous Houses in the World
Meteora Monasteries, Greece
The Meteora Monasteries, perched atop rock formations near Kalampaka, Greece, evoke a sense of spiritual awe. However, the centuries-old monasteries are abandoned and lie in partial ruin, leaving monks with fewer options for a quiet and safe retreat.
Southern Peak, Mount Hua, China
Traditionally inhabited by monks seeking solitude. The Southern Peak of Mount Hua in China is now accessible by cable car or treacherous wooden planks suspended high above the ground. The steep stairs add to the difficult journey, making it an adventurous pilgrimage for the brave.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Taktsang
Nestled high on a cliff above Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a sacred Buddhist site with a challenging two-hour hike. The lack of modern safety measures during the ascent adds to the thrill of visiting this spiritual haven.
Shores of Lake Kivu, Central Africa
Lake Kivu, between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, boasts picturesque views. However, dangerous volcanic gases like carbon dioxide and methane accumulate beneath its tranquil surface. With the potential for sudden eruptions, locals must navigate these deadly waters cautiously.
Just Room Enough Island, New York
Just Room Enough Island, part of the Thousand Islands, offers privacy but comes with the risk of being submerged in water during heavy rainfall. The island’s small size and constant surveillance by curious onlookers make it an adventurous yet exposed residence.
Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia presents one of the most inhospitable places to live. With temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, this scorching desert landscape poses serious risks to any structure and its inhabitants. Because of the high temperature and being a volcanic prone area, the homes of this place are termed as most dangerous houses in the world.
The Hanging Monastery, Mount Heng, China
The Hanging Monastery, clinging to Mount Heng, was built 1,500 years ago by monks seeking a quiet place for meditation. Its precarious position, held by wooden beams, adds an extra element of danger to this historical and religious site.
Chess Pavilion, Mount Hua, China
Mount Hua, one of China’s famous peaks, houses the Chess Pavilion, offering stunning views but an incredibly treacherous ascent. The journey feels more like rock climbing, with the only protection being footholds and chains. It’s an adventurous challenge for those who dare to call this mountainous location home.
Dumpster Pad, New York City
Dubbed the “apartment” by its creator, this converted dumpster turned living space offers a daring and unconventional urban dwelling experience. Its green and sustainable design seeks to make a statement about New York City’s exorbitant rent prices, but residing in this tiny abode presents unique challenges.
Korowai Treehouse, Indonesia
The Korowai people of Indonesia have a unique lifestyle, living in treehouses built high up on stilts. While the tradition of cannibalism among some Korowai has faded, their remote location and unconventional housing choices still make this community a daring place to call home. That’s why, these houses come under the list of most dangerous houses in the world.
Foothills of Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Living near Mount Merapi on the island of Java, Indonesia provides fertile soil for agriculture, but it also exposes residents to regular volcanic eruptions. Scientists continuously monitor the mountain’s seismic activity, so those who call this area home must be prepared for potential evacuations and rebuilding efforts.
The Hanging Houses of Cuenca, Spain
Cuenca, Spain, perched over 3,000 feet above ground, boasts hanging houses that lean precariously on cliffsides. While these historic structures add to the village’s charm, the last renovation took place in the 1920s, raising concerns about their durability.
Solvay Hut, Switzerland
Perched over 13,000 feet above sea level on Matterhorn Mountain, the Solvay Hut offers salvation to mountain climbers during their treacherous ascent. Its strategic location serves as a sanctuary for those injured or stranded by poor weather or avalanches.
Katskhi Pillar, Georgia
The Katskhi Pillar is an awe-inspiring natural formation where an ascetic monk, Maxime Qavtaradze, lives atop a small platform. While the location is remote and difficult to access, the stunning views come with a sense of peril, as living at such heights presents significant risks.
Shadowcliff, Lake Michigan
Shadowcliff, an estate in Wisconsin, offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan but raises concerns with its lounge room standing directly over the cliff. The sunken pit and window in the floor add a daring and somewhat precarious touch to this beautiful property.
Drina River House, Serbia
Located on the Drina River for over 40 years, this tiny cabin has weathered numerous floods and storms. Though sturdy and quaint, living so close to the water’s edge requires constant vigilance and an adventurous spirit.
Boldt Castle, New York
In the heart of the Thousand Islands in New York, George Boldt decided to build a castle-like estate on Hart Island, inspired by a novel named Lichtenstein. The castle endured World War II attacks despite its grandeur, leading to partial destruction. Decades of restoration efforts have preserved parts of this historical marvel, but its precarious location still poses challenges.
Free Spirit Sphere House, Canada
For those seeking an adventurous experience, Canada’s Free Spirit Sphere House is a treehouse sphere built to swing gently amidst the forest. Moveable and positioned in precarious spots, these spherical dwellings offer a thrilling stay.
The Underground Houses, Coober Pedy, Australia
In the Australian desert town of Coober Pedy, residents have found shelter from extreme heat by living in underground homes. Built into caves and old mine shafts, these dugout houses offer relief from the scorching temperatures.
The Island of Fire, Italy
Stromboli Island, situated off the coast of Sicily, is home to a thriving community living on one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Despite its eruption risks, the inhabitants cherish their unique bond with nature and intimate relationship with the volcanic landscape.
Suurhusen Church, Germany
Suurhusen Church, northwest Germany, boasts the Guinness World Record for the most unintentionally inclined tower. Built on marshy land on oak tree foundations, the tower’s lean resulted from the draining of the surrounding land, causing the wood to rot and the structure to tilt.
Wozoco Apartments, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Wozoco Apartments in Amsterdam faced an architectural challenge: maximizing lighting while preserving green spaces. The unique solution resulted in drawer-like structures protruding from the building. Although deemed safe by architects, their appearance can make passers-by feel uneasy.
Casa do Penedo, Portugal
The Casa do Penedo, or Stone House, is a striking northern Portugal dwelling constructed entirely from massive boulders. The house immerses residents in the stone age, offering a unique and unconventional lifestyle disconnected from the electric grid.
The Glass House, Timber Cove, California
Overlooking the cliffs of Timber Cove, The Glass House offers stunning ocean views but is exposed to the elements, making it a precarious residence during storms and adverse weather conditions.
Refuge Jean-Antoine Carrel, Mount Matterhorn
The Refuge Jean-Antoine Carrel, nestled at 12,467 feet on the southwest ridge of Mount Matterhorn, serves as a haven for stranded travelers. However, this remote refuge faces constant threats from the harsh alpine elements.
Takasugi-an, Chino, Japan
Takasugi-an, a teahouse built too high, is a remarkable treehouse in Chino, Japan. To enjoy tea in this teahouse, visitors must climb two ladders and remove their shoes, offering an exhilarating experience perched high up among the trees.
Sutyagin House, Archangel, Russia
Nikolai Petrovich Sutyagin unintentionally created the tallest wooden building in the world in Archangel, Russia. This 13-floor wooden house, complete with a five-story bathhouse, was eventually demolished due to its fire hazard status, leaving behind a haunting reminder of daring construction gone awry.
Summing Up:
As we conclude our journey through these most dangerous houses in the world, we are reminded of the human spirit’s resilience and desire for adventure. These unique dwellings challenge conventional norms, offering inhabitants a thrilling, albeit risky, way of life. Living on the edge, figuratively and literally, unveils a rare glimpse into boundless creativity.
