4 Unique Homes in Indiana That You Have GOT to See!

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Dennis Nottingham
October 12, 2021
6 minutes, 37 seconds
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In this next “Unique Homes Around the World” article, we are bringing you unique homes in none other than the state of Indiana! Take a look at this list of uniquely crafted homes in the state many of us call home.

1. The Dome Home (Lowell, IN)

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Our first home on the list is nothing like you’ve ever seen before! This unique 5 bedroom home resides in Lowell, IN and runs for almost half a million. This monolithic dome home first had a ring of cement poured down for the foundation. Then a custom-made balloon was inflated then sprayed with a layer of cement, the home being constructed like a giant, but livable, papier-mache ball.

The uniquely crafted home was built to withstand the catastrophic winds of tornados, the earth shattering rumbles of earthquakes, is defense proof against termite infestations, and in the unique case that Indiana weather patterns change drastically, this home is also constructed to withstand the destruction of a hurricane. Being that the home is made from cement, it is also non combustible. Along with resembling the stargazing dome home in Zelda Majora’s Mask, this home is overall, insanely cool! The home is equipped with in-floor radiant heating, but homeowners rarely have to turn it on because the foam insulation keeps the home cool during the summer, so there is no sweating the heating bill in this home.


2. The Twisted House (Indianapolis, IN)

Atlas Obscura

Artist McNaughton has taught woodworking at the University of Southern Indiana for over 35 years. The Twisted House was crafted in 2015 in the city of Lowell Indiana. This unique home showcases his unique woodworking skills. This shapely house is hand crafted from cedar wood while the five windows are made from glass. The home favors wood textures so much that even the flowers on the windowsill are crafted from wood.

The best thing about this piece of art is that visitors can actually walk into the artwork as if it were an actual house, connecting an art and nature experience. Visitors can look out the window and view the surrounding trees and plants. The forest’s dirt makes up the floor of this house. This whimsical sculpture can be viewed for free at the Indianapolis Art Center. The art piece is kept outside and is best viewed in warmer weather.


3. Freeland Estate - Indiana’s Most Expensive Home  (Fort Wayne, IN)

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The Freeland Estate is a staple home in Indiana. The home features 16 bedrooms, 26 bathrooms, and 16 fireplaces. The home contains a total of 10 buildings with an additional 8,000-square-foot house and 6,720-square-foot stables that come equipped with a guest suite.

“Built by craftsmen equivalent to those employed by the Astors or Vanderbilts, this stone mansion has all the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era,” writes agent Marilyn Hoffman in the property listing. The interior is a flashback to mansions of the Gilded Age with elegant wood paneling in the dining room, a vast chef’s styled kitchen, dramatic pillars in the entry hall, an enclosed atrium sitting room, and a game room equipped with a grand pool table, table tennis, and foosball tables. The home’s price tag puts other noteworthy Indiana mansions to shame, including this $6.5 million property listed for sale last year and the home of real estate mogul Mel Simon that went on the market for $25 million back in 2014.

4. The Kessler Mansion  (Indianapolis, IN)

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The infamous Kessler mansion in Indianapolis, IN was priced at $1,750,000. The 29,500-square-foot compound comes with 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 1 unique history.

The home wasn’t first constructed as the final design shows, but it became supersized over the decades. One of the former owners, Jerry A. Hostetler had a fantasy of grandeur and brought that dream to life through the construction of this well-known home. Holding the nickname “Mr. Big,” Hostetler actually started small for his lifestyle, living in a three-bedroom ranch house in the 1960s, according to the Indy Star. After Hostetler’s passing in 2006, the home started to deteriorate in praise and design. Bills began to accumulate and creditors were circling. Rather than raze it, the home had resources put into it to aid with repairs and with a restoration.

The property now includes the main house, a guesthouse, a pool and pool house, fountains, and a dolphin statue. The main house features a grand kitchen, dining area, game room, and multiple balconies. Outside, there’s a grilling area.

Having relocated to Florida, Folkening has placed the palace back on the market—again. He tried unsuccessfully to sell the place for $2.2 million in 2012, $1.3 million in 2013, and even $862,000 in 2014. The mansion hosted an estate sale in 2015, but has since then remained somewhat dormant. Over the years, the home’s list price has more than doubled.

2 comments on “4 Unique Homes in Indiana That You Have GOT to See!”

  1. This is the right website for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

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