10 captivating clifftop homes in the UK and around Europe

Discover Europe’s most incredible cliff homes

Delicately perched on the edge of sky-high coastal clifftops or rocky mountain outcrops, these houses are almost too precarious to be true.

With state-of-the-art design, astounding views and innovative engineering, these remarkable residences can all be found in some seriously stunning (and unusual) locations.

Take a tour of Europe's most exciting high-altitude homes...

Concrete masterpiece, Catalonia, Spain

Nestled on a sloping outcrop in the small coastal settlement of Port de la Selva, in the Costa Brava region of Spain, this enchanting concrete home was not only designed to suit its location but also to withstand the region’s warm climate and strong coastal winds.

The steeply sloping mountainside on which the home sits is formed from porphyry, a dark and very hard volcanic rock, so the site’s topography played a key role in the home’s placement and design.

Concrete masterpiece, Catalonia, Spain

The team at Marià Castelló Architecture curated the property, taking solar exposure and the panoramic views into consideration, while also designing a home for a family with four children.

The result is a block-like structure, set over two levels: the lower floor is embedded in the bedrock itself, while the upper storey is separated into two volumes. These two design strategies allowed for a sleek and streamlined home with fantastic integration with its surroundings.

Concrete masterpiece, Catalonia, Spain

The two parts of the house are connected via a glass corridor, which allows natural light to filter inside, acts as a screen against the wind and provides views of the sea.

As for the interior, the home features open-plan living areas, with a lovely material palette of concrete, oak and glass. Bespoke, versatile furnishings and hidden storage solutions make the most of every inch of space.

Concrete masterpiece, Catalonia, Spain

Of course, the home boasts plenty of exterior patios, too, allowing the owners to fully enjoy their fantastic surroundings.

Porphyry gravel that was salvaged during the excavation of the site has been used to finish the roofs and patios, creating a further link between the home and the landscape.

Troglodyte house, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

While some cliff homes are perched at the top of mountain peaks, others are literally part of the rock itself, as this unique cave dwelling shows.

The traditional troglodyte house lies in Cotignac, in France's French Riviera, and is built into the sheer face of a limestone cliff.

Troglodyte house, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Troglodyte – meaning pre-historic – houses can be found across France, most notably in the Loire Valley. Constructed from stone, these dwellings are centuries old.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, after widespread quarrying of the tuffeau stone – native to the Loire Valley – began in the 11th century, numerous cavities were created in the hills and cliffs, and people soon moved in.

Troglodyte house, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

This particular cave home highlights how quaint and cosy troglodyte houses can be.

While the exterior blends in with the surrounding rock, making it almost invisible, the interior is warm and charming, with exposed timber beams, rounded walls and quirky built-ins.

Troglodyte house, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Despite the home's size, it has a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms, making it perfect for five people. Windows in the exterior walls and ceiling draw plenty of light inside, while many of the limestone cave walls have been left exposed, adding to the interior character.

This house was part of the "Most Original House of France" competition and has even starred in three TV shows. Want to see it for yourself? It's available to rent via Airbnb.

Earthen eco home, Cornwall, UK

This earthen eco home takes clifftop homes to new heights since it is embedded into the top of the cliff itself.

The property lies in a stunning position in Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall, with dramatic views of the sea and the area's soaring cliffs.

Earthen eco home, Cornwall, UK

Known as Spin, the coastal home was designed to subtly blend into its natural setting.

Entirely one of a kind, the home is cleverly hidden in the headland, with plenty of glazing to frame unobstructed scenery from almost every room in the house.

Earthen eco home, Cornwall, UK

Approached via a private lane, the underground home features a single storey, with an open-plan living space. It has a lounge, dining zone and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area take full advantage of vistas across the bay, while a circular skylight draws additional light inside, framing views of the stars.

Earthen eco home, Cornwall, UK

The ultra-cool home even has a gym and a putting green. Yet the best asset might just be this awesome rooftop deck, which allows for sunbathing with unparalleled views.

The space would allow any lucky guest to feel like they are one with the cliff itself. Fancy staying here? It's available to rent via Airbnb.

Bivacco Brédy, Aosta Valley, Italy

This high-altitude hut lies on the edge of a peak in the heart of Italy’s Vertosan Valley, near two alpine lakes. Can you spot it?

Known as Bivacco Brédy, the property was designed by BCW Collective, which specialises in minimalist, sustainable architecture for mountain landscapes and extreme conditions.

Bivacco Brédy, Aosta Valley, Italy

The bivouac hut was commissioned by the Brédy family, in honour of Claudio Brédy, an alpinist and well-known local politician who lost his life during an excursion in the mountains in 2017. The cabin's dramatic cantilever "pushing into the void" was added to represent the absence of a person.

The hut was prefabricated elsewhere and transported by helicopter to the mountain. The idea was that its distinctive silhouette would become a reference point for other hikers.

Bivacco Brédy, Aosta Valley, Italy

Of course, the cantilever plays another important role; minimising the cabin's impact on the rocky pinnacle on which it sits. The building was also designed to be fully removable. Light yet durable, the hut has a minimum footprint and has been anchored to the rock in such a way that it can easily be removed without leaving a trace.

From a bird’s-eye view, the geometric volume looks like a stone, in part thanks to the dark grey hues of the zinc cladding.

Bivacco Brédy, Aosta Valley, Italy

Inside, the hut is compact and simple, with a large south-facing window that frames impressive views and takes maximum advantage of solar gains, to keep the interior warm all year round.

The well-insulated structure maintains a comfortable internal temperature, even when conditions outside are sub-zero. The interior features a small vestibule with storage space, as well as a common area with a sitting area and six beds – some of which are suspended by climbing ropes.

House on the Cliff, Alicante, Spain

Standing in bold contrast to the rugged mountainside on which it sits, this gravity-defying home is perched high above the Balearic Sea in Alicante, Spain.

The property was designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos and crafted as a single volume, projecting out towards the ocean.

House on the Cliff, Alicante, Spain

Part of the building is anchored into the mountain with stone pillars, while the box-like upper storey cantilevers above. This part of the property is where the living rooms and bedrooms can be found, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views.

The entire structure was constructed from concrete, for maximum durability against the coastal climate, before being coated in white lime stucco, for a stark finish.

House on the Cliff, Alicante, Spain

As for the interior, it's simple and clean, with minimal furnishings, crisp white walls and plenty of glazing to frame the scenery.

Ultra-modern and unique, this home was clearly designed so that nothing would distract from that all-important view.

House on the Cliff, Alicante, Spain

All of the rooms occupy one level, while an external staircase leads down to an outdoor terrace, where a swimming pool is located.

In the kitchen, the custom cabinets are sleek and streamlined but can be opened up to reveal handy appliances and storage spaces. Even the sink is tucked away.

Lofthouse Nivå84, Jönköping County, Sweden

Though the drop might not be as sheer or as high as some clifftop homes, this property is certainly precariously placed.

Situated on a rocky outcrop, 276 feet (84m) above Lake Vättern, in Jönköping County, Sweden, the modern home appears to have grown from the ground.

Lofthouse Nivå84, Jönköping County, Sweden

The home was built in 2016 and is anchored to the rock thanks to a series of wooden stilts. These legs raise the home off the rock, ensuring it has minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

Constructed from timber, the narrow, rectangular structure benefits from a glazed façade, allowing for dreamy views.

Lofthouse Nivå84, Jönköping County, Sweden

Inside, the tiny home is light, bright and modern, with a distinct Scandinavian vibe. The ground floor is home to an open-plan living area, with a lounge, dining space and small kitchen. There's also a bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Lofthouse Nivå84, Jönköping County, Sweden

Upstairs on a mezzanine, you'll find the bedroom. Thanks to a glazed balustrade, the room feels like an extension of the living space below and lucky guests can soak up the outdoor scenery while lounging in bed.

Fallen in love? You can stay here anytime you like, as it's available to rent via Airbnb.

Triangle Cliff House, design concept, Germany

This amazing conceptual house was the brainchild of German architect Matthias Arndt.

The futuristic structure is designed to wedge into the edge of a cliff, with extensive windows on the lower level that provide dramatic views of the valley below.

Triangle Cliff House, design concept, Germany

These renders show the tiny A-frame home with windows on three sides, as well as a narrow balcony along the cliff's edge, which is lined with a waist-high glass wall.

While the home hasn't yet been built, it was designed to teeter on the cliff side, taking full advantage of its setting while also having a minimal impact of the surrounding landscape.

Triangle Cliff House, design concept, Germany

The interior of the house is spread over two floors, with a small sitting area and a kitchen on the lower level. A staircase leads up to a snug bedroom on the upper floor, which benefits from a pitched ceiling.

Triangle Cliff House, design concept, Germany

Not only does the expansive glazing ensure amazing views, but also floods the property with plenty of natural light. There are no privacy issues, either, since the living areas are sheltered from prying eyes thanks to the clever angle of the windows.

Although very much still just a concept, we'd love to see this dramatic home brought to life.

Clifftop residence, Menorca, Spain

Taking clifftop homes to new extremes, this remarkable property sits right on the edge of a coastal cliff, on the Spanish island of Menorca.

Historic and beautiful in equal measure, the unique residence provides unspoiled sea and bay views, but it wouldn't be suitable for anyone who doesn't like heights!

Clifftop residence, Menorca, Spain

Laid out over two floors, Fin del Mon was named after the adventures of sailors, who went into the unknown to explore the end of the world.

The house stands like a landed boat, facing the open ocean, while the cliff itself is shaped like a ship's bow, hovering directly above the water.

Clifftop residence, Menorca, Spain

Inside, the property is rustic yet modern, with a crisp maritime colour palette. There are two floors, with a living room, bathroom and kitchen, as well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Clifftop residence, Menorca, Spain

Numerous balconies, including a panoramic terrace and stone garden, are built into the rocks, allowing for unobstructed ocean views.

Guests can even access the sea via a rocky bay, thanks to a path from the street in front of the house.

Transparent clifftop cabin, design concept, Portugal

Aptly named 'Air', this conceptual transparent cabin appears to be floating in mid-air. The innovative structure was designed by Kyiv-based architect and designer Victoria Yakusha of Yakusha, whose aim was to "create a feeling of improbability".

The pad is anchored to the edge of a cliff face, thanks to a long, vertical pillar made of recycled concrete. The central support beam is wrapped in straw, enabling it to blend in with its wild surroundings.

Transparent clifftop cabin, design concept, Portugal

The column is the main piece of structural engineering, securing the building to the ground. However, it takes up minimal interior space and doubles as an internal wall to separate the living spaces.

The pillar also hides the water and sewage systems, while natural ventilation is provided through opening flaps in the roof.

Transparent clifftop cabin, design concept, Portugal

With all-glass walls, the 517-square-foot (48sqm) cabin is minimalist in its design, with only essential furnishings and features. The layout is open and free-flowing, complete with a lounge, kitchen, bedroom area and bathroom.

Transparent clifftop cabin, design concept, Portugal

This computer-generated image shows the contemporary bathroom. While you may think it doesn't provide a lot of privacy, the space features special glass that can be turned transparent or opaque at the touch of a button.

Privacy can also be achieved thanks to an integrated blind system that wraps the entire exterior of the cabin. How's that for clever?

Patio House, Karpathos, Greece

There are few coastlines in the world more dramatic and spectacular than those found on the Greek islands and it’s on the edge of one such coastline that this sensational home can be found.

Located on Karpathos, on a sparse, untamed and dramatic coastal landscape, the structure stands out while also being perfectly integrated. Let's take a closer look...

Patio House, Karpathos, Greece

Known as Patio House, the project was completed in 2018 for a French-Swedish couple who loved travelling to Greece to go windsurfing. They decided to buy land on the windy island of Karpathos and turned to the team at OOAK Architects to design their home.

The jagged, textured rocks slope steeply to meet the Aegean Sea, forming two flatter plateaus. It was on one of these ledges that the house was built.

Patio House, Karpathos, Greece

The surrounding environment was the starting point for the design. The open, exposed plot was stunning but did pose a challenge for the architects – how could they design a home that suited the site, without affecting its character or spoiling the view? Rather than trying to mimic the landscape, the house is gently placed on the land, leaving the surrounding area as untouched as possible.

Constructed from cast in-situ reinforced concrete, the building features a dramatic cantilever and is finished in a similar shade to the rocks around it, allowing it to softly melt into the background.

Patio House, Karpathos, Greece

The incredible property covers a single storey and wraps around an inner patio. A series of voids blur the lines between inside and out, while creating numerous exterior terraces for soaking up the scenery. Part of the house is raised to accommodate height differences on the site, creating an independent wing for guests.

Inside, the home is bright and free-flowing, with spacious living areas that frame marvellous views. The interior clearly references traditional Karpathian architecture, combining Scandinavian furniture with a wide palette of materials.