The Best Of Secluded Living
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from local builders
It’s something we all dream of on some level - a home in isolation from the world, free of all of the stress and hurry of a bustling modern lifestyle. In a world of 24 hour news cycles and increasing dependence on personal technologies and social media, sometimes there’s nothing quite as enticing as a secluded dwelling, just to clear your head and step back away from the so-called rat race. But there’s secluded - and then there’s secluded, the kind of isolation that would send most people batty within the week. Could you bear to live so far away from civilisation?
In the mountains
Where: Hoernli Ridge of the Matterhorn, Switzerland
What: Situated at a relaxing 4,003 metres, the Solvay Hut took only five days to be constructed back in 1915. It sits about two-thirds of the way up the mountain and belongs to the Swiss Alpine Club, though is only intended for emergency use. Equipped with 10 beds and a radiotelephone, the view is truly extraordinary and the spot attracts hundreds of snap-happy tourists eager to take the perfect photo of themselves just chilling out at the house above the world.
You’ll love it if: you find yourself lacking alpine prowess during the critical climb.In a forest canopy
Where: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
What: Nestled in the thick forests of Buckhead, this beautiful treehouse is available for overnight hire as an airbnb apartment! Complete with living room, bedroom and outdoor deck, each connected by a delicate rope bridge, the house sits beneath a 150 year-old Southern Short-Leaf Pine and offers the unique experience of waking up to the morning light and birdsong right in your own private forest retreat.
You’ll love it if: you feel like relaxing under fairylights and crossing your fingers for no rain.On a rocky outcrop
Where: Imereti Region, Georgia
What: Katskhi Pillar has a long history. There are records from the 1700’s describing the small monastery which sits atop the 40 metre monolith, overlooking the Katskhura valley, as mysteriously inaccessible. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that an official delegation was sent to investigate and it wasn’t until 2006 that the architecture was dated to the 9th and 10th centuries. Local monk Maxim Qavtaradze moved in in 1995 (no doubt due to the impressive wine cellar) and you can now make the 20-minute climb up a rickety metal ladder to visit the church dedicated to Maxmius the Confessor. Supplies are winched up regularly from the religious community which has been established at its base.
You’ll love it if: you’re a fan of outdated misogynistic dogma - that is, no women are allowed to make the hike.In the desert
Where: South of Palm Desert, California, United States
What: Originally the guesthouse on Walt Disney’s private estate, this strangely luxurious desert home once saw parties with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Humphrey Bogart. This house itself is actually quite small - with only one proper bedroom - but sits on a property of 3 acres of stunning desertscape.
You’ll love it if: you have a spare 595,000 USD. It’s up for sale as of April this year.In between a rock and a hard place
Where: Plougrescant in Brittany, France
What: Built in 1861, Castel Meur is actually still a private residence, though it rose to acclaim gracing the front of postcards around the world. The family weren’t too happy about having hordes of tourists eager to climb all over their property and complained to the local municipal office for having issued the photo as a desperate attempt to bring more business to the coastline. The rocks provide protection against strong winds and stormy weather - and since the owners have had a huff, tourist numbers have subsided in the area.
You’ll love it if: you think your neighbours are a tad too noisy.On a lonely island
Where: Elliðaey Island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off the coast of Iceland
What: The last permanent residents left the island in the 1930’s for areas more hospitable to fishing and cattle farming - and now, only this tiny hunting lodge sits alone. Built in 1953 by the Elliðaey Hunting Association as a spot for puffing hunting, the hut even sports a traditional Icelandic sauna (powered by rainwater!) Visitors can take boat rides around the scenic island and enjoy the bird and marine life.
You’ll love it if: you happen to know someone in the Elliðaey Hunting Association - otherwise, there’s no way you’ll be getting inside the cosy hut!Are you dealing with a renovation or construction of your own? Just post a job with Service Central to receive three free no-obligation quotes from qualified professionals near you. This July, you’ll also go into a draw to win an Apple iPad Mini!
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