Hidden gems: 12 secretive tiny homes around the world

Hidden homes just waiting to be discovered

When it comes to hideaway homes, it doesn't get more covert than these ingenious tiny houses. We've rounded up some of the most impressive pocket-sized properties hiding in plain sight around the world.

From a mirrored marvel camouflaged in the Texas desert and a Brazilian treehouse floating above the canopy to a crane cabin concealed among the city skyline in the Netherlands, read on to discover the most secretive tiny homes you never knew existed...

Tropical treehouse, Goiás, Brazil

This enchanting, minimalist treehouse is perched among the tree canopy in Alto Paraíso in the Brazilian state of Goiás. Raised on steel legs, the pocket-sized retreat is encased in a corrugated black skin that mirrors the surrounding tree trunks.

The unique property was designed to blur the line between indoors and outdoors – floor-to-ceiling glass panels open the living spaces up to the wilderness, while a 375-square-foot (35sqm) deck protrudes into the trees.

Tropical treehouse, Goiás, Brazil

Inside, natural light floods the multi-purpose interior. Soft, neutral hues define the bedroom and lounge area, combined with earthy natural materials and clean architectural silhouettes.

The pine-clad dividing wall segments the space and conceals a small kitchenette and wash space at the rear.

Tropical treehouse, Goiás, Brazil

The glass-lined deck seems to hover just above the canopy. According to its rental listing on Airbnb, the treehouse is positioned at the same height as that of the flight paths of the native macaws.

The outdoor space offers a cosy seating area and a telescope for star gazing after nightfall.  A black Jacuzzi tub is also the perfect front-row seat to watch the sunset.

Cosy earth house, Ljutomer, Slovenia

It might look like nothing more than an unassuming hill in a picturesque, rural spot, but this mound of earth in the town of Ljutomer in Slovenia conceals something rather unexpected.

Submerged beneath the soil you'll find an idyllic one-bedroom Airbnb home hidden from the hubbub of the world.

Cosy earth house, Ljutomer, Slovenia

The beautiful earth home is framed by wood logs and features patterned glass inset into the front façade to help draw light into this snug, subterranean retreat. An intricately carved wooden door completes the thoroughly whimsical welcome.

This jewel box of a property may be petite in its proportions, with its single bedroom and bathroom, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm.

Cosy earth house, Ljutomer, Slovenia

The cosy interior is structured by curved clay walls, which create zoned nooks for cooking, eating and sleeping. Handmade wooden storage units add texture and character to the petite floor plan and maximise every square foot.

Impressively, there's every space for a beautiful walk-in shower and a separate toilet so there's no need to sacrifice any creature comforts.

Crane house, Den Bosch, The Netherlands

Perched on the harbourfront in the Dutch city of Den Bosch, also known as 's-Hertogenbosch, this crane seems rather ordinary at first. While it blends into the bustling urban landscape around it, there's one very big difference – this industrial structure has been transformed into a hidden tiny home.

Teetering at the top of the structure, the crane's original cab has been skillfully extended to offer guests a breathtaking vantage point over the city.

Crane house, Den Bosch, The Netherlands

The covert Airbnb property has a snug floor plan featuring a multipurpose living area with a streamlined kitchenette, a spacious double bed and a wood-clad feature wall. Meanwhile, the sunshine-yellow bathroom is fitted out with a modern glass-walled shower.

Light-filled and airy, the tiny home benefits from a wall of windows across its front aspect that frames tranquil views across the water. Small skylights in the roof channel more natural daylight into the elevated retreat.

Crane house, Den Bosch, The Netherlands

Most exciting of all, the crane house still features some of its original functionality, including its rotation mechanism. From a control panel by the bed, you can swivel the crane up to 230 degrees, switching the view from the hustle and bustle of Tramkade, the city's cultural hotspot, to vistas of the picturesque old town. How's that for a house with a view?

The Ghost House, Texas, USA

No, that's not a mirage in the desert shrublands of Terlingua, Texas. In fact, those mirrored panels are the exterior of an enchanting, mirrored tiny home called the Ghost House.

The petite property's one-way glass is the perfect privacy barrier for residents – meanwhile, the reflective finish celebrates the surrounding landscape and softens the structure into its rural terrain.

The Ghost House, Texas, USA

At the rear of the tiny home, a small porch enclosed by a reed curtain forms an alfresco entryway with enough space to store hiking boots.

Adjacent to the house, a firepit and makeshift stone perches offer an opportune spot for stargazing and toasting marshmallows beneath the twinkling night sky.

The Ghost House, Texas, USA

Inside, guests are fully immersed in the peaceful desert topography thanks to the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Warm wood panelling across the walls and ceiling echos the rich hues of the desert and draws the shrublands in.

A charcoal-black kitchenette offers ample space to cook small meals, while a small wetroom at the end of the property features a waterfall shower and breathtaking views through the privacy glass.

Hiking cabin, Hammerfest, Norway

If you look carefully, you may be able to spot a cleverly concealed cabin. Designed by SPINN Arkitekter and Format Engineers, this unusual tiny home features an exterior that's almost identical to the rocky landscape on which it sits.

The egg-shaped escape can be found in Hammerfest, Norway, and offers the perfect respite for weary explorers.

Hiking cabin, Hammerfest, Norway

The pod's faceted shell was created using 3D laser scans of the surrounding area, allowing it to perfectly blend in with the rocky terrain.

The prefabricated honeycomb hut was made from 77 sustainable cross-laminated timber panels, which means it has minimal impact on the environment. The cabin is also highly insulated and capable of withstanding even the harshest of climates.

Hiking cabin, Hammerfest, Norway

With a minimalist interior, the 161-square-foot (15sqm) cabin is filled with light and benefits from natural timber walls and a large picture window at one end, offering uninterrupted views towards the sea.

There's also a wood-burning fire that visitors can snuggle around while taking in the sunset or the world-renowned Northern Lights.

Secluded airship, Drimnin, Scotland

As unique as it is inviting, this secluded airship lies in Drimnin, one of the most remote places in all of Scotland. Sitting on a four-acre (1.6ha) plot on the northeast shore of the Sound of Mull, the home benefits from incredible views towards the peaks of the Highlands.

The sustainable getaway was designed by Roderick James Architects and is formed from glass and insulated aluminium, allowing visitors to see right through it to the woodland landscape beyond.

Secluded airship, Drimnin, Scotland

The interior of the stealthy airship is rustic yet beautifully contemporary, with natural timber panelling, steel accents and bespoke furnishings. A comfy sitting area looks directly over the scenery and comes complete with antique leather chairs and a traditional wood-burning hearth. There's also a kitchenette with clever storage solutions, making it perfect for foodies.

Secluded airship, Drimnin, Scotland

With a queen-sized bed and a separate bathroom, the airship is suitable for two adults and offers a part-glass ceiling, allowing the occupier to enjoy evenings of stargazing without having to step outside. What could be better than that?

Private jungle refuge, Valladolid, Mexico

Although not purposefully hidden, this unique jungle refuge is very unlikely to be seen thanks to its location in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Known as the Casita Jabín, this private holiday home can be found just 10 minutes away from the colonial town of Valladolid, but it's surrounded by a gorgeous jungle landscape, making it a top destination for R&R.

Private jungle refuge, Valladolid, Mexico

This architectural wonder was inspired by traditional Mexican construction techniques and was built using local materials, helping its salmon-pink façade to subtly slot into its surroundings.

Laid out in two blocks, the property features a living space downstairs and a snug queen-sized bedroom on a mezzanine level. Rough, textured walls give the tiny home an authentic finish that's complemented by stylish furnishings.

Private jungle refuge, Valladolid, Mexico

Suitable for three guests, the rural retreat offers one bedroom and one bathroom, as well as an open-plan living space complete with a practical kitchenette and seating area.

A large folding window allows the occupier to fully open up the interior to further connect it with the landscape beyond. There's also a stunning open-air shower room and a private plunge pool – the perfect place to unplug.

The Pinecone Treehouse, California, USA

The Pinecone Treehouse can be found cleverly hidden among the towering Redwoods of Santa Cruz County, California. An immersive experience, the treetop property offers 360-degree views over the surrounding canopy and was designed to help visitors connect with the therapeutic powers of nature.

Created from 56 laser-cut, welded steel elements, the Pinecone has hundreds of tiny plexiglass windows for unobstructed panoramas.

The Pinecone Treehouse, California, USA

Skillfully handcrafted from steel and timber, the hideaway retreat, which is suitable for two guests, is elevated 35 feet (10.7m) off the ground and accessible only via a single ladder.

Two triangular-shaped glass panels span a section of the floor, allowing occupants to see right down to the forest below. There's even a comfy queen-sized bed that's ideal for stargazing after nightfall.

The Pinecone Treehouse, California, USA

Entirely off-grid, the treehouse includes access to a stylish bathroom located in a separate building on the ground floor. With a hot shower, a composting toilet and a sink, the bathroom benefits from attractive forest views so you can take in the scenery while you bathe.

Hidden island retreat, Hvaler, Norway

From a distance, you may not be able to spot the tiny hidden retreat that's located on this private island in Hvaler, Norway. The beautiful isle comes with a petite holiday home and a motorboat, so you can easily transport yourself to and from the mainland.

Even better, the archipelago of Hvaler benefits from the highest number of sunny days per year in all of Norway.

Hidden island retreat, Hvaler, Norway

The off-grid cabin is powered by solar and boasts just 107 square feet (9.9sqm) of inside space. Outside, there's also an attractive garden with a firepit – the only spot you'll want to be each evening.

During the winter months, there's even the opportunity for you to witness the world-famous Northern Lights.

Hidden island retreat, Hvaler, Norway

Despite its small stature, the tiny home is suitable for up to seven people and offers a compact kitchen and plenty of fold-aways and beds to accommodate all guests.

At low tide, the private island benefits from numerous beaches, making this tiny archipelago escape perfect for family adventures.

Secluded woodland cabin, New York, USA

Anyone looking to disconnect from the digital world will fall head over heels for this secluded woodland cabin in Jeffersonville, New York.

The cosy tiny home is perched on the edge of a pristine mountain lake in the heart of the Catskills. Perfectly designed to slot in with the surrounding landscape, the cabin's dark, wooden façade allows it to camouflage itself among the trees no matter the season.

Secluded woodland cabin, New York, USA

Designed to comfortably accommodate up to three people, the amazing A-frame home offers 250 square feet (23.2sqm) of inside space, but every single inch has been carefully considered. There's a chic kitchen, a tiny lounge, a bathroom and a mezzanine bedroom that's accessible via a ladder.

In the evenings, guests can curl up in front of the wood-burning stove or head outside to toast marshmallows on the firepit.

Secluded woodland cabin, New York, USA

Thanks to its refined wooden design and full glass gable, this custom build not only blends in with its surroundings but also affords amazing views of the water and foothills beyond.

Set on a private road and hidden by towering trees, you wouldn’t know this one-of-a-kind cabin was there unless you accidentally stumbled upon it.

StarsBOX, San Matteo, Italy

Tucked away in an orchard near San Matteo, Italy, StarsBOX is a holiday home like you've never seen before. Surrounded by greenery in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remote cabin is the perfect option for holidaymakers who want to shake off city life and get closer to nature.

The retreat offers a more conscious way of experiencing nature thanks to its clever, immersive design.

StarsBOX, San Matteo, Italy

Formed from mechanical timber panels, the walls and ceiling of the secluded shelter open up fully, allowing for seamless stargazing. The retractable roof provides its lucky occupants with unparalleled views of the night sky while they recline in bed.

StarsBOX, San Matteo, Italy

Part tent, part hut, the tiny property features only a double bed and lanterns, meaning anyone staying here can truly switch off from the modern world.

What's more, because of the property's lightweight construction, it can be moved to almost any location and would have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. In fact, there are now several across Italy to choose from.

Underground hobbit house, California, USA

This small pile of dirt may not look like much but take a closer look and you might just see a subterranean tiny home starting to appear.

Located close to Venice Beach in Los Angeles, the hobbit house is as unique as it is adorable. A camouflaged exterior featuring timber cladding and a dirt roof allows the property to blend in with its garden setting.

Underground hobbit house, California, USA

From this angle, you can really see how the underground property has been constructed. Installed in a backyard, the hobbit house is partly submerged yet plenty of windows and a vaulted roofline allow plenty of natural light to spill inside, increasing the impression of space.

Let's step in and take a look...

Underground hobbit house, California, USA

Despite the fact that its exterior resembles a bunker, the interior of the property is charmingly quirky thanks to the asymmetric ceiling, light wood panelling and cosy furnishings.

Perfect for two guests, this listing is for a double room in the property, which has several seating areas for reading or relaxing as well as access to the communal garden.