Cliffhanger: Five properties perched on precipices

The first thing that probably comes to mind when picturing a cliff house are the unbeatable views. While this may be true (and we’re all the more envious for it) there are some dwellers out there who really know how to live on the edge.

From a modern house design in Norway to a rickety-built town in Catalonia, here are five properties from around the world that look like they’re about to tip over:

The Holy Trinity Monastery in Greece

Does this monastery trigger memories of British spies and plots of deception? That’s because the famous Aghia Triada (which translates to “Holy Trinity”) was featured in an 1981 James Bond film. The buildings were constructed by monks in the 14th century, and they initially reached the top by means of ropes and baskets. Now, a steep stairway exists. What method of transport would you prefer to take? Photo: Charalampos Konstantinidis/Flickr

Castellfollit de la Roca in Catalonia

Believe it or not, this tiny town is smaller than one square kilometre and is home to 1,000 inhabitants. It’s located on the edge of the basalt cliff, which is over 50 metres high. We’re going to jump to the conclusion that these residents aren’t afraid of heights. Photo: nafra cendrers/Flickr

The Edge House in Norway

Not only is this house on the edge of a mountain, but the building design is equally steep. Norwegian architects Jarmund / Vigsnæs created the contemporary structure as per the client’s request. If they were going for a modern treehouse and spaceship hybrid, we’d say they succeeded. Photo: freshome

Steel House in Texas

This cartoon-like house by American sculptor Robert Bruno makes us want to scream a big Yabba-Dabba Do! It’s located near Lubbock, Texas and took Bruno 23 years to construct. Though the elevation of the structure is a bit frightening, it’s also made from 110 tonnes of steel. Good luck moving this house, wind. Photo: Robert Bruno

Chemosphere in Los Angeles

Despite what you may think, this isn’t a UFO, and it didn’t dive into the treetops. The innovative octagon house was designed by architect John Lautner in 1960. The house is 2200 square feet and sits atop a concrete pole that’s about 30 feet high. Ah! It’s a dizzying thought, but apparently the structure has already withstood quakes.  Photo: Jeremy Sterberg/Flickr