Do you ever think of leaving it all behind and going somewhere where no one can find you? If you do, we've gathered the perfect homes for your daydreams. And if you don't, these houses might have you thinking differently. After all, who couldn't use some true peace and quiet? From cottages teetering on mountain edges to spacious properties in remote locations, here are the dreamiest places to escape the city.
The Crystal Mill in Colorado, USA
Central to this gorgeous autumnal scene is a rustic wooden property known as The Crystal Mill. This one-of-a-kind isolated house is located along the Crystal River in Colorado, USA. It was initially a "power plant" built in the 1890s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on the 5th of July, 1985. And while it's registered as a historic site, the beautiful cabin is now privately owned.
Between the autumnal trees, snowy mountains, and gushing river, it's safe to say this place looks like something out of a fairytale. But as gorgeous as this scene is, we're not sure if we'd trust the structural integrity of the ladder!
Mountain Hut on New Zealand's Mount Brown
This pretty mountain hut, located near the summit of Mount Brown in New Zealand, was built back in 1962. And one of the best parts about it is that hikers are permitted to use this refuge for free! Apparently, the shack has everything mountain climbers need to enjoy a cozy night's stay. Could you imagine the views when you wake up in the morning? Of course, we would have to pinch ourselves to make sure we weren't still dreaming!
This remote property is truly a community effort; volunteers of the Kokatahi Tramping Club manage it as they seek to encourage first-time hikers to traverse the mountain and enjoy its beautiful sights!
A Cottage In Scotland
We're not sure whether this image of a mysterious-looking house in Scotland is stunningly picturesque or really creepy looking. We'll leave that up to you to decide. However, one thing's for sure; this old-world cottage is sure to be a massive hit with solitude seekers. It doesn't look like there's much around other than winding woodland paths, mountains, and beautiful forests — a nightmare for some, a heaven for others.
One thing's for sure: an open fire inside this quaint cottage would be the epitome of cozy. We also can't help but think that this is the kind of place Snow White and the seven dwarves might have lived!
Portugal's Casa Do Penedo
Aptly named, this unique-looking property is called Casa do Penedo, which translates to House of Stone. This incredible building is located in Guimarães, Fafe Mountains, Portugal, and still makes use of the four original boulders used to build its structure. While you would be forgiven for thinking that this property was built centuries ago, this extraordinary home was actually built as late as 1974. And despite its apparent proximity to windmills, the Casa Do Penedo isn't powered by electricity.
Today, this place serves as a holiday retreat. Could you imagine stumbling across this extraordinary place on Airbnb? It's breathtaking enough to warrant a double-take!
The Village of Gásadalur Has a Population of 18
Wow - just wow. Pictured here is the incredibly remote village of Gásadalur, located in Vágar, the Faroe Islands. It was as late as 2004 when this beautiful settlement finally became accessible by car. And even more surprising, in 2012, Gásadalur only had a population of 18. The few lucky residents enjoy these stunning views daily. We're not sure what we're more enamored by - the mountains, the cove, or the spectacular waterfall.
All in all, this image looks like something taken out of a fantasy novel. One of the reasons this location has managed to stay so isolated is that, despite it now being accessible by car, it's still not an easy place to travel to.
Switzerland's Solvay Hut Sits at a Height of 13,133 Feet
Pictured here is a property known as the Solvay Hut, named after Belgian chemist Ernest Solvay. It's situated along the northeastern ridge of Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland and sits at an astonishing 13,133 feet high. This accommodation can house up to ten hikers - but sadly, it can only be used during an emergency. If ever there was an upside to having an emergency, this would be it; just look at the stunning mountainous views!
So why did this special place get named after Solvay? The talented chemist spent much time exploring these mountains and wanted to leave something out of gratitude for the beautiful memories he'd made there.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
If you look up the definition of 'tropical paradise' in the dictionary, you might find a picture of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa next to it. This secluded island is located northeast of Huvadhu Atoll, one of the biggest and deepest atolls worldwide, and is encircled in pristine, white sand. To get to this luxury resort, be prepared to take an hour-long flight from Male, the Maldives' capital, and then a 30-minute speedboat trip.
Not far from the island's shoreline is its magnificent coral reef, where blue marlin, moray eels, and several shark species have been sighted. We just love that guests get to stay in their own villa that sits right above the water!
Katskhi Pillar - Isolated at 130 Feet Above Ground
Wow. Have you ever seen such a spectacular sight? We certainly hadn't witnessed anything quite like this until today! Pictured here is Katskhi Pillar, located in Imereti, Georgia. The structure you can see at the top of this mound (at around 130 feet high) is a church dedicated to Saint Maximus. Researchers hadn't attempted to ascend the pillar until after 1944 and found the church abandoned and in ruins. Luckily, they decided to do something about it.
This tale has a happy ending: the original church was restored to its former glory in 2009 and now includes a wine cellar, crypt, and other interesting architectural features.
A House on France's Ile De Saint-Cado
Wow - is it just us, or does this house look as beautiful as it does creepy? We're not sure if it's because of its isolated location or the fact that the cottage is not in the best condition, but there's something eerie - yet still beautiful - about this place. Whether you'd spend a night here or not, one thing is sure: this house seems incredibly secluded and quiet.
This house can be found on the tiny and peaceful French island of Ile de Saint-Cado. We love the water surrounding the home and the forest in the background - we're sure the views are incredible all day long!
This House in Iceland Is "the Most Secluded Home in the World"
It doesn't get much more secluded than this! If you look at the island here and really squint, you'll notice a property front and center. This special place is called the House on the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago and is situated on Ellidaey Island, Iceland. Aptly dubbed the 'most secluded home in the world,' five families lived on the island around three centuries ago. However, the lonely structure pictured in this photo was reportedly built as a lodge for puffin hunters.
According to reports by those who have visited this location, the lodge is surrounded by a fence - which seems pretty odd to us, considering there aren't any neighbors to worry about!
Hotel Escondido, or "Hidden Hotel," in Oaxaca, Mexico
This is one of 16 beach huts/rooms offered by Hotel Escondido, a boutique hotel in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Guests enjoy access to the hotel's private, pristine beach, and its rooms boast a minimalist vibe, all of which are set under a palapa-style roof. The aesthetic goes a long way to contrast against the urban hustle and bustle so many of us experience day in and day out.
Adding to this hotel's idyllic/isolated feel is the fact that it sits a few kilometers from Puerto Escondido's main town. So guests can really feel like they're getting away from it all!
Italy's Eremo Di San Colombano Sits in the Side of a Mountain
We're once more staring at a building that doesn't look quite real. But we're here to assure you that it is; this is an actual monastery built into the side of a mountain! It's called Eremo di San Colombano and is located in Trambileno, Italy. Monks have resided here for hundreds of years; as you've probably guessed, it is incredibly secluded. To access it, you must cross the river Leno's gorge.
You then have to climb 102 steps that have been cut into the cliff. This building was built in 1319 and its magic doesn't lessen with the passage of time.
An Idyllic House In The Drina River
Can you imagine a house more idyllic than this? What we're looking at here is a wooden, cabin-like building perched on a rock located in the center of the Drina river. This sits relatively close to the town of Bajina Bašta in western Serbia. Apparently, this tiny house has lived on the rock since 1968. Unfortunately (and perhaps not surprisingly), it's almost been destroyed several times thanks to flooding.
However, we're happy to say that the house was rebuilt on each occasion. Fun fact: the construction of this hut was kickstarted by a group of lads looking for a place to sunbathe!
You Can Only Get to Tristan Da Cunha by a Six-Day Boat Ride
More widely known as Tristan, Tristan da Cunha is one of several beautiful volcanic islands in the south Atlantic ocean. They're famous for their remoteness. In fact, as of 2014, Tristan only had a population of 297, and it doesn't even have a runway to facilitate air transport. The only way to get to this island is by boat, which reportedly takes as long as six days from South Africa!
Tristan da Cunha is said to be the most remote archipelago in the world - so, needless to say, if you're looking to get away from it all, this is the place to be!
The Last Cottage Standing In Holland Island, Maryland
Sadly the quirky building pictured here collapsed and sunk into what was once a busy fishing village (Holland Island) in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, in 2010. Thanks to erosion and rising sea levels, a whole community was forced to relocate about a century ago - and this was the last remaining property until 2010! But in its heyday, it looks like it would have been perfect for anyone searching for peace and quiet.
Sadly, it seems that for around one hundred years before its final collapse, no one has been able to enjoy this mansion - except for the birds, of course.
A Hobbit House in Wales
Is it just us, or does this cottage look like a fairytale home come to life? This dwelling has aptly been dubbed "The Hobbit House." Whether you think it looks more like the Seven Dwarf's house or the Hobbit's, one thing is inarguable: it looks like something out of a fantasy novel or movie. This cottage is nestled in a forest in Wales, UK, and it promotes eco-friendly living.
As such, it's an excellent retreat not just for anyone looking for a secluded getaway but also for those wishing to return to nature in an environmentally friendly way.
Meteora, an Ancient Structure Whose Name Means "Suspended in the Air"
This monastery complex is called Meteora, which in English roughly translates to "suspended in the air." Considering these monasteries sit on steep sandstone pillars, as seen in the photo below, that name certainly seems appropriate! This secluded cluster of religious houses is located in Thessaly, Greece, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just look at its gorgeous surroundings: the greenery is so lush, and the mountainous backdrop is nothing short of breathtaking!
The roots of the monasteries go back to the 9th century AD. During this time, a few monks looking for complete seclusion decided to reside in caves on top of the rock pillars.
Welcome to Kolmanskop, a Ghost Town in Namibia
Okay, so this might not be the place to get away from it all (unless you're willing to do some serious renovation work), but there is something breathtaking about this building's complete isolation and takeover by the surrounding nature. This house sits in a ghost town in the Namib desert called Kolmanskop. Years ago, this was a thriving mining village, but today it is a tourist attraction.
A quick surf around the web tells us that as many as 35,000 tourists visit this ghost town every year, and it's not hard to see why - there's something hauntingly beautiful about these brightly colored rooms being slowly reclaimed by the desert.
Find Peaceful Quiet in Iceland's Turf Church
Believe it or not, the unique property pictured here is a turf church that was built back in 1884 and restored to its former glory in the 1950s. Apparently, it's the last of its kind in Iceland. The structure and its surroundings look so striking that it almost looks like the image has been photoshopped. But fear not; it is genuine! This stunning property is located amidst Iceland's breathtaking countryside.
As you can see, grass coats the church's roof and rolls down until it merges with the surrounding landscape. It's breathtakingly beautiful! Do you also see the bumpy terrain surrounding the church? Apparently, those are burial mounds.
Paro Taktsang Is Not for Those With a Fear of Heights
Pictured here is Paro Taktsang, a cliffside Himalayan Buddhist temple located in Paro Valley, Bhutan. Nicknamed the 'Tiger's Nest,' this gorgeous monastery was first erected in 1692 and sits 10,240 feet above sea level. It remains pretty isolated, mainly because it's only accessible via mountainous trails, but we bet the hike would be worth it for those incredible views! The temple underwent renovations in 1958 and 2005, so we can feel pretty good about its structural security so high up on that mountain.
The Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is rumored to have meditated in this temple during the eighth century. He was a Brahmin royal who played a massive role in spreading Tantric Buddhism through Bhutan and Tibet. Pretty cool, right?
A Quaint Home in the Apuseni Mountains of Romania
Doesn't this image look like a still from a fantasy movie? Towards the back left of this snap, you'll see a small rural house perched amidst the majestic Apuseni Mountains in Romania. There is definitely a mystical vibe here, but we can imagine it might start feeling a bit eerie as the sun goes down - especially since these mountains sit in the Transylvania region, the motherland of the mythical vampire Dracula.
But if you could keep the image of blood-sucking vampires at bay, we bet this little place would make the perfect retreat. The trees and the grass coating the mountains are so green, it's absolutely beautiful!
A Homestead in the Indian Village of Munnar
In this photo, we see a wonderfully secluded homestead nestled in the hidden mountain village of Munnar in the Indian state of Kerala. The mountains, the mist, and the lush, green vegetation encircling the building make for enchanting surroundings. We could sit outside for hours, taking in all the scenery! This is one of a few secluded accommodations which aren't just inhabited by locals but are also rented out to tourists looking for relaxing meditation retreats.
Munnar's rolling hills boast stunning tea plantations dotted all over the show. Many of these were first cultivated during the late 19th century. It's also home to several exotic flora and fauna!
A House On The Crossroads in Salzburg, Austria.
We're not sure whether a drone took this snap or if it was taken from a plane. Either way, this aerial photo of a secluded house in Salzburg, Austria, is fascinating. Amidst green meadows, this home looks pretty solitary. But what's most intriguing about this property is that a small path leads to it that extends from a five-way crossroads. From above, the way the lanes intersect almost looks like a star shape.
We can't help but wonder where all these roads lead. Given that this house is situated in Austria, we doubt they will lead to Rome! (sorry for the horrendous pun!)
This Hut Sits Alone on the Rice Fields of Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
This gorgeously rustic hut looks tiny amidst those lush green rice fields. Just look at how these rice terraces line the hills - the effect is stunning! It almost looks like a set of steps, with the hut acting as a place to rest in the middle. This property is used by farmers working in those rice fields and is located in Mu Cang Chai, a rural district in northeastern Vietnam.
These rice terraces have been carefully sculpted over hundreds of years. What an incredible legacy those who have gone before the residents have left, a legacy that continues to be cultivated today.
This Isolated Cabin In Norway Is Only Accessible by Ferry
Swedish architect Erik Kolman Janouch designed this charming wooden house, which has been dubbed Vega Cottage. This double cabin is said to be fully functioning and well-equipped despite its isolation. This stunning property sits on a remote island in northern Norway. Just look at the beautiful mountains in the background and the atmospheric mist swirling above them. The views from this cabin must be extraordinary! To access this home, you'll have to get a ferry.
You'll have to catch this ferry and travel across the Atlantic from the teeny city of Brøn- nøysund. Then once you're on the island of Vega, you'll have to traverse a narrow natural ravine to get to the cottage.
If You'd Dare to Traverse Australia's Outback, This Red House Is for You
It probably doesn't come as much of a surprise to you that the Australian outback is a pretty remote place to live. Apparently, a few secluded houses are dotted around this region - and here's one of them. So if you can brave the animals and insects of Australia's Outback, this might be the ideal place for you. But we'd suggest doing a massive grocery haul before settling in.
Oh, and you should also bring a portable air conditioner and a generator because temperatures out here can soar to as high as 50 degrees celsius!
A Magical, Hidden House in the Woods of Stradbally, Ireland
Pictured here is an abandoned house nestled in woods close to the town of Stradbally in the midlands of Ireland. Although it looks a tad dilapidated now, we imagine that in its heyday, it would have been gorgeous. It seems like an incredibly romantic getaway, full of nature and lovely woodland walks. Who knows, perhaps someone will restore this gem to its former glory? Experts suggest this cottage may have first been constructed in the 1800s.
The tiled roof and cast iron windows are common characteristics of buildings constructed in that era. If only the walls could talk, we bet they would have some stories to tell about this secluded property!
Bishop Rock: The Smallest Island in the World With a Building on It
Bishop Rock is located on the Isles of Scilly in Great Britain. According to The Guinness Book of World Records, Bishop Rock is dubbed the 'smallest island in the world with a building on it.' As you can see from the photo, the building, in this instance, is a lonely-looking lighthouse. Interestingly, the first lighthouse built on Bishop Rock was back in 1847. However, the sea claimed it before they could complete its construction.
Another fun fact for you: the lighthouse in the photo was first lit in 1858, and Bishop Rock sits around 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall. Apparently (weather permitting), various organizations run regular boat trips to the island.
Hand-Built Rooms and in Egypt's Adrere Amellal
Adrere Amellal is an eco-lodge situated in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt. If you're unsure what an eco-lodge is, it's an accommodation explicitly designed to ensure minimal environmental impact. As a result, Adrere Amellal doesn't boast any electricity and gets its water from a nearby spring. So it's not somewhere to stay if you're looking for luxury! The Siwa Oasis is home to plenty of olive groves and warm springs and borders the stunning Great Sand Sea.
All in all, it is a beautiful place - some describe it as akin to 'winding back the clock,' making it the perfect place to go if you're looking to try and get away from it all!
The Church of St. Johann in Italy
Have you ever seen an image that exudes as much peace, tranquility, and beauty as this? We're struggling to think of a sight paralleling this. The Church of St. Johann is pictured here and is located in the meadows of Ranui in Italy. Perched in front of the awe-inspiring Dolomites mountains in the Val di Funes valley, this gorgeous church was built back in 1744, and although it looks completely secluded, a quick internet search tells us otherwise.
This beautiful structure is relatively easy to get to via car and bus, and there are many other things to do in the Val di Funes valley - a high ropes course, skiing, and other scenic churches to visit.
The Only Way to Get in and Out of Lukomir Is by Skis or Foot
Pictured here are a few of the stone houses of Lukomir. This remote village is situated high in the Dinaric Alps in Konjic, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. Interestingly, Lukomir is one of Europe’s longest continuously occupied villages despite how isolated it is during the winter. Thanks to the heavy snowfall, residents are separated from other highland populations. In fact, the only way to travel in or out of the village is by skis or foot!
Also, reports say that this village doesn't have a school, doctor, or shop. The village reportedly looks and runs the same today as it did hundreds of years ago.
Xuangongsi, Also Known as the "Hanging Temple"
Wow - this is pretty spectacular, right? We're looking at a temple built into the cliffs near Mount Heng. This temple has been dubbed the 'Hanging Temple' and is located in Heng Shan, Shanxi, China. Believe it or not, a single man is said to have built this impressive structure over 1,500 years ago by embedding beams into the cliffs' bedrock to support the construction, which sits 246 feet above the ground.
The secluded location of this temple is no accident; it follows the principles of Taoism, which emphasizes the importance of peace and tranquility. Needless to say, these views hit the mark!
China's Chess Pavilion Sits on Mount Hua
Chess Pavilion, located on Mount Hua in China, is central to this remarkable panoramic shot. But apparently, hiking Mount Hua isn't for the faint-hearted, with some dubbing it 'the scariest hike in the world,' as a result, reaching the Chess Pavilion is no walk in the park. But, in later years, a couple of cable cars are now available to take you to the top of the mountain. Either way, however you get to the top, the views are nothing short of breathtaking!
According to legend, Emperor Zhao Kuangyin played chess with Chen Tuan in that pavilion. Interestingly, Mount Huashan is also 2154 meters tall and is said to be one of five sacred mountains in China.
Supai Is One of the Most Remote Communities in the USA
Pictured here is a snapshot of Supai, one of the most remote communities in the US, with just a population of 208 (as of 2020). More specifically, Supai is located in the state of Arizona in the Grand Canyon. Traditionally, it's the home to the tiny Havasupai Tribe, who have occupied this settlement for as long as 1300 (AD). You can only reach this village by foot, pack animal, or helicopter.
Interestingly, this village only spans two square miles of land, and you won't find any cars here. Lastly, we'll leave you with this fun fact: Supai is the only location in the US where the post is still carried on a mule!
La Rinconada, Peru Is the Highest Permanent Settlement in the World
At 16,700 feet high, La Rinconada in Peru is said to be the highest inhabited territory on the planet. It's located near a gold mine, which fuels this city's economy. Just look at the gorgeous mountains in the background - that's quite an awe-inspiring view to wake up to in the morning! But interestingly, this settlement doesn't boast any plumbing or a sanitation system - so unsurprisingly, reports of living conditions are pretty dire.
The only drinking water sources come from lakes contaminated by mercury. On top of that, there isn't a waste disposal system, so garbage lies everywhere. As a result, the average life expectancy of those living here is just 30-35 years!
A Hut in Sulwald, Switzerland
If you're looking to live somewhere off the grid, we're pretty sure this hut in Sulwald, Switzerland, ticks all the boxes. Could you imagine waking up each morning to these exceptional panoramic views? We can only imagine how peaceful it must be to live amidst so much nature. We love the green rolling hills with pockets of yellow flowers, evergreen trees, and the magnificent mountains towering above. It's truly breathtaking!
But we can't help but wonder whether this hut is connected to electricity or running water. If not, despite the glorious views, living there may come with its challenges! But it's probably worth it if you're looking for complete solitude.
Homes on the Great Hungarian Plain Are Few and Far Between
This is a beautifully unique example of what it's like to live in total solitude. What we're looking at here is a farmhouse situated in a Hungarian field. We're not sure what's being grown in this field, but we can clearly see that it looks incredibly lush and green. The views on a sunny day must be mesmerizing! Despite painstakingly searching the web, we're struggling to find much info about this place.
But one thing's for sure this image is beautiful. We love the neat rows that form the fields and the slanted rectangular land that belongs to the property inside the meadow.
Norway's Global Seed Vault Is so Isolated, It's Not Even Open to the Public
And the winner for the most secluded vault goes too... All joking aside, what's pictured here is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault situated in Svalbard, Norway, and its function is pretty cool! Aptly named and funded by the Norwegian government, this vault contains masses of "spare" seed samples. A staggering 1,145,693 seed varieties from all over the world are housed here. There's space for millions more to help facilitate the continuation of the project.
With that said, new seeds are continually added to the collection to help ensure the world's future food supply is well protected. Interestingly the vault maintains a temperature of −18 °C to provide the optimum environment for the preservation of the seeds.
McMurdo Station in Antarctica
The McMurdo Station (established in 1955) is a US research center located in Antarctica, the southernmost harbor on the planet. The McMurdo Station is the continent’s most significant human settlement despite its remoteness. In fact, its population can reach around 1,200 during the summer months, and it is accessible by three airports (however, these operate seasonally). Just look at how stunning this location is. The blue skies, the majestic mountain ranges, and the dusting of snow look gorgeous!
But we couldn't help but wonder how cold it gets here. So, a quick Google told us that temperature extremes have reached as low as minus 50 degrees Centigrade! That's pretty chilly!
A House In Card Sound Bay, Florida
If you've ever wondered what owning a private island would be like, maybe this is what sprung to mind. What you're looking at here is a mansion house in Card Sound Bay, Florida. It's valued at $95 million making it one of the world's most expensive homes! However, it would be perfect for anyone looking to swap the hectic streets of Florida for something more tranquil. This secluded island boasts 26 acres.
This tiny private island has a surprising number of amenities, including its own medical center, an airstrip, a spa, a grocery store, and, astonishingly, eight restaurants. In theory, you would never need to leave this retreat!