The world's 13 most impressive hidden homes

See inside these clandestine properties

You might have to do a double-take to spot these cleverly concealed places. Taking seclusion to new extremes, these hidden homes perfectly melt into their surroundings, allowing for ultimate privacy for the occupants.

From ultra-cool homes inside real caves to camouflaged properties that can barely be seen against the surrounding landscape, these covert pads might not be instantly recognisable – but they'll definitely leave a lasting impression.

Read on to uncover the world's coolest hidden homes... 

Stone cottage, Western Cape, South Africa

It might take you a minute to spot a very well-concealed stone cottage on top of this rocky platform in the heart of the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.

Built against the rock face from stones the exact shade as the surrounding outcrop, the property is almost unnoticeable.

Stone cottage, Western Cape, South Africa

When you get a little closer, you begin to see the outline of the property, which was crafted from stones collected nearby, "so the cottage disappears into the theatre of the rocks and landscape", the Airbnb listing states.

As well as being perfectly camouflaged in its setting, the cottage is also wonderfully secluded. It's situated in a remote area, at an altitude of about 3,600 feet. In fact, the cottage owner has to transport guests there in a 4x4 vehicle.

Stone cottage, Western Cape, South Africa

The interior is cosy and compact, but has everything someone could need for a lovely night away. There’s a living area, a kitchen, a bed and an amazing bathroom with a dramatic shower set against the rock face.

There’s even a wonderful secluded outdoor bath, where guests can enjoy a soak while taking in their surroundings.

Mirror House, Borgarbyggd, Iceland

About as immersive as homes get, this compact cabin boasts a unique mirrored glass shell that reflects its surroundings, allowing guests to become one with the magical landscape of Iceland.

Mirror House, Borgarbyggd, Iceland

Available to rent on Airbnb, the majestic cabin is situated in Ytri-Skeljabrekka, at the foot of Brekkufjall mountain.

Surrounded by dramatic natural wonders, the lucky occupier can take in unobstructed views from inside, since the mirrored glass doubles as privacy windows in some places.

Mirror House, Borgarbyggd, Iceland

The tiny property features a kitchen, a bathroom and a remarkable bedroom with panoramic views. Guests can even lie in bed and soak up the stars and – if they're lucky – the Northern Lights.

Outside there's also a hot tub – the perfect spot for taking in this cabin's amazing scenery.

Secluded forest home, NSW, Australia

Perched inside a tropical oasis and enclosed by ancient trees, this romantic and secluded cabin lies in Main Arm, in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales, Australia.

Almost invisible thanks to the thick, lush forest that surrounds it, the property would be perfect for anyone looking to disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in nature.

Secluded forest home, NSW, Australia

Inside, the cabin is modern and bright, with an open-plan layout. There's a kitchen, a sitting area, a bedroom and a bathroom.

Beautifully decorated with a Balinese feel, the interior is made extra cosy thanks to a wood-burning stove, exposed wood and pretty foliage.

Secluded forest home, NSW, Australia

The cabin can be accessed by crossing a rustic wooden bridge and has been designed for outdoor living. There's a veranda as well as a lovely area for dining and watching fireflies, right next to an idyllic creek.

The cabin is located on 24 acres of land, with an abundance of wildlife. In fact, guests will share the space with koalas, possums, glow worms and even pythons!

Habitat Troglodita Almagruz, Andalucía, Spain

Spain is known for its unique cave homes and this one in the Andalucía region might just be one of the country's finest.

Named the Habitat Troglodita Almagruz, the property sits at the base of a rocky cliff and is actually built into the ancient rockface itself. Let's take a closer look...

Habitat Troglodita Almagruz, Andalucía, Spain

When you get right up to the property, it’s hard to distinguish between the cliff and the building itself, thanks to the use of locally sourced, natural materials.

The structure is split into six cave homes and has been carefully crafted to provide year-round comfort – no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Habitat Troglodita Almagruz, Andalucía, Spain

Inside, each cave house is rustic and traditional, with treated rock walls and ceilings that add to the drama.

They all have a living area, kitchen, dining zone and at least one bedroom, while glass doors allow for unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and terrain.

Waterfront cottage, New Hampshire, USA

Look closely and you'll be able to spot a gorgeous waterfront home, sitting atop a rocky outcrop overlooking Long Pond in New Hampshire.

The cottage is enclosed by White Mountain National Forest and was created to provide the lucky occupier with flawless scenery.

Waterfront cottage, New Hampshire, USA

Aptly named The Cottage at Long Pond, the 1,585-square-foot residence benefits from 385 feet of direct waterfront access and a rustic yet cosy interior.

It comes with traditional timber panelled walls, painted floors and huge picture windows – as well as modern touches, such as smart home technology, an ice maker and a UV water purification system.

Waterfront cottage, New Hampshire, USA

Set over two floors, the property has two bedrooms, with the master suite providing incredible views out across the water, thanks to a huge window.

On the lower floor, you'll find a living room, dining space and kitchen. But, who would want to spend time indoors when this magnificent landscape is right outside?

The WonderINN mirrored glass cabin, Akershus, Norway

This beautiful, secluded cabin is almost invisible among the trees of Viken County in Norway.

Situated not too far from the hustle and bustle of Oslo, the property is known as the WonderINN mirrored glass cabin and boasts a partially mirrored façade that reflects the surrounding nature reserve, allowing it to seamlessly blend in.

The WonderINN mirrored glass cabin, Akershus, Norway

The wooden cabin was designed by couple Jeremy and Erle, who, after living in a campervan for six months, decided to move to Norway and start WonderINN – a company that specialises in offering unique homes in the heart of nature.

This magnificent mirrored home is just one of many the pair has curated around the world. In fact, they're responsible for creating the iconic Panorama Lodge in Iceland.

The WonderINN mirrored glass cabin, Akershus, Norway

Inside, the tiny home features everything you could need for a cosy night away, including a kitchen, dining zone, bathroom and double bedroom. With pared-back interior design and walls of glass, the scenery takes centre stage and blurs the lines between inside and out.

The master bedroom is perhaps the most impressive space, thanks to its unobstructed views. Head outside and there's a staggered terrace, a hot tub and an alfresco dining area for soaking up the scenery.

Dunlap Hollow Cave, Ohio, USA

Tucked inside an actual cave in Rockbridge, Ohio, this incredible property is unique and special in equal measure.

It was built by hand by owners Bryant and Amy Gingerich, who turned a hollow hillside cavity into one of the world's most unusual vacation retreats.

Dunlap Hollow Cave, Ohio, USA

Known as Dunlap Hollow Cave, the residence spans 1,500 square feet and sleeps six people. There's a large living room, a kitchen, a dining space, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Dunlap Hollow Cave, Ohio, USA

The incredible cave house benefits from plenty of quirky touches inside – notably, its exposed cave walls and ceilings that add real drama to every room.

With high ceilings, endless windows, concrete floors and statement furnishings, the home is every bit as characterful as you might expect.

Treehouse in the sky, Virginia, USA

As if part of the trees that surround it, this impressive woodland property is barely there.

Nicknamed the Treehouse in the Sky, the timber property lies in Virginia, USA, and is elevated off the forest floor to protect nature as much as possible.

Treehouse in the sky, Virginia, USA

Taking a closer look, the modern structure is like a tiny home and treehouse in one.

The interior can be accessed via a steep spiral staircase that leads to a comfortable living area, with a kitchenette. Another spiral staircase leads up to a bedroom with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom.

Treehouse in the sky, Virginia, USA

With plenty of windows, the resident can enjoy lovely views across the treetops, or take to the exterior deck to really connect with nature. Plus, during the winter months, you can see all the way to Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance.

Edgeland House, Texas, USA

Upon first glance, this small grassy mound appears rather uninteresting, but look closely and you might be able to spot one of the world's most camouflaged homes.

Built seven feet below the ground, Edgeland House was inspired by one of America’s oldest home building traditions, the Native American Pit House.

Edgeland House, Texas, USA

The idea behind the building is that it's dug under the earth's mass in such a way that it retains 'thermal comfort', while still allowing enough sunlight to come through.

Designed by the architects at Bercy Chen Studio, the ultra-modern home was completed in 2012 and features an insulated roof, hydronic heating and plenty of glass for maximum energy efficiency.

Edgeland House, Texas, USA

Architecturally unusual, the underground property sits inside a deep excavation on a redundant, former industrial plot and the purpose of the project was to protect and repair the local ecosystem.

The modern masterpiece benefits from an amazing façade as well as some seriously innovative design features, including a triangular pool and private terrace. Inside, the living spaces are generously proportioned, with high ceilings, extensive windows and modern interior design.

Woolbrook Reservoir, Devon, UK

This amazing aerial image captures the scale and uniqueness of this unusual woodland home.

Amazingly, the house was once a former water reservoir and has been lovingly converted into a one-of-a-kind holiday home.

Woolbrook Reservoir, Devon, UK

Although it appears to be subterranean at first glance, the house was actually constructed above ground.

With its unusual C-shape exterior, the property wraps around an amazing central courtyard, with towering walls of glass allowing any occupant to take in lovely garden views from every single room.

Woolbrook Reservoir, Devon, UK

Named the Woolbrook Reservoir, the luxury Airbnb rental has been likened to something from Alice in Wonderland and we can certainly see why.

It features a large, light-filled atrium, a living room, a kitchen, dining space, six bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a gym and a games room.

The Graham Residence, California, USA

We know what you're thinking – this is just a picture of a barren, desert landscape. But you're wrong!

Take a second look and you might just be able to spot the outline of The Graham Residence, camouflaged among the rugged terrain.

The Graham Residence, California, USA

Secluded on 20 acres in the heart of the Yucca Valley, California, the property is surrounded by weathered boulders, ancient juniper trees, desert oaks and native piñon pines.

Its steel and glass exterior was designed to perfectly blend in, making the property almost invisible from both near and far.

The Graham Residence, California, USA

Compact, it measures just 1,250 square feet and comes with two bedrooms, a single bathroom, a kitchen and an open-plan living room with a dining zone.

Sliding glass doors open the rooms up to the landscape outside, where two large decks and a hot tub can be found. It’s really not surprising that this sleek and stylish home has been featured in Dwell magazine multiple times.

Treehouse in the woods, Vermont, USA

Nestled inside a wild woodland in rural Vermont, USA, this magical treehouse is every bit the perfect off-grid hideaway. Enclosed by towering trees, the timber property subtly blends into its surroundings.

Treehouse in the woods, Vermont, USA

The property sits on stilts and is elevated off the ground, meaning its construction didn't have a big impact on the natural environment.

There's a lovely treehouse deck, where guests can take in enchanting views and hear the sounds of the stream that lies just feet from the front door.

Treehouse in the woods, Vermont, USA

Inside, the gorgeous treehouse is every bit as amazing, with all the home comforts you'd expect, as well as plenty of quirky touches and rustic décor. There's a cosy kitchen and living room, a mezzanine bedroom and a bathroom.

What's even better, the property was made in an eco-friendly way, with many of its materials reclaimed, salvaged or recycled. This includes the large windows, which were rescued from an old schoolhouse nearby.

NCaved House, Serifos, Greece

A truly impressive feat of both architecture and engineering, NCaved House is partially submerged into a rocky hillside on the coast of Serifos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

Designed by the team at MOLD Architects, the brief was to create a building that would be protected from strong winds while also maximising the view. This led the architects to bury the house into the ground, resulting in a truly camouflaged finish.

NCaved House, Serifos, Greece

The sloping hillside was drilled, providing space for a wedge-shaped home to be slotted inside the void. Internally, the rooms are arranged in "a three-dimensional “chessboard” of solids and voids that accommodate and, at the same time, isolate the residence quarters", the architects said of the project.

The home's sloping, grass-covered roof is interrupted by numerous courtyards and terraces, which provide outdoor space for the owners, capture gorgeous views and allow natural light to flood inside.

NCaved House, Serifos, Greece

Laid out over three floors, connected via a floating staircase, the residence features a large living area, a kitchen and numerous bedrooms, which are all located in the highest part of the house.

Design-wise, the home embraces a material palette of dry stone, concrete, timber, metal and glass. Plus, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in the kitchen and lounge can be fully retracted to connect the space to an infinity pool with sea views.