Live in a Mushroom. Kinda.

What’s up, friends?

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Speaking of real estate game… this property takes the cake:

Nicknamed the “Mushroom House,” this 1971 home by architect James Johnson recently went back on the market as a rental property. Both the interior and exterior were designed after flower clusters of Queen Anne's Lace, giving the build its unique look.

For reference, this house has caused such a stir that it’s been featured on TV shows, books, and its own Wikipedia page.

Located just outside of Rochester, NY, these three-and-a-half pods can be yours for only $5,500 a month!

A fairytale-esque door greets you to enter, all sheltered by a beautiful long tree branch.

In fact, that nature-made branch is the perfect allusion for the rest of the home: a winding mosaic pathway, floor-to-ceiling branches as dividers, and branch (and mosaic) textured walls that are all lit from beautiful skylights.

These branches (though truly stems of the inspired flower) become a grand centerpiece in the main living space pod.

Moreover (using the branches as a metaphor), the flow of this home is exquisite. It’s got curved walls, short walls, walls in the middle of spaces, and open concepts; Due to the unique shape of each pod, the walls create separate-yet-joined spaces that don’t feel too condensed, despite the low square footage. 

The nearly 360 degree windows provide natural light to see the interior forestry characteristics -as well as a direct connection to the encompassing nature outside. 

Next to the dining area, the built-in couch is lined with the same mosaic work. Not only is it a detail of the room that draws the eye, but it emphasizes the connectivity that the designer implemented throughout the entire home. 

Although that’s nice and all, we’ve now seen three couches in this home. Did the artist-attorney couple that commission the build request that much sit-down space? I’m unsure.

While aesthetically dated, the kitchen has a charm to it. The artistry of the home feeds this unique tile and cabinetry duo. 

Tiles and natural light follow us into the bedrooms as well.

In the bathroom, I have mixed feelings about the rock mosaic that spills onto the floor. It’s something different… that feels reminiscent of a tacky edition found in a theme park.

Let me preface my next statement: evidently, many painstaking hours of handmade artisanal craftsmanship went into the colorful mosaics of the bathroom and hallway…

Yet I kind of think they look like a rock prism vomited all over the floor and walls.

Outside, the half-pod provides you with a grand patio, in the middle of a forest. It brings all the pods together to bring you one nature and the home itself. This idea is emphasized when you turn around to take in your private waterfall and exquisite view:

At the same time, though, this above-ground hot tub and in-hill space feels like a mirage that only a Hobbit would dream about. 

Yes, these views are gorgeous, but I can’t stop thinking about how exhausting cleaning up all the fallen leaves would be. 

See you next week,

Sarah @Homes.tastrophes

If you want to learn more about Pittsford, NY, or any other neighborhood, check out the neighborhoods feature on Homes.com.