Despite the fact that this unique, self-sufficient home was built almost entirely from dirt, it happens to be one of the wildest and most beautiful properties we've seen in a while. For sale with Realty One of Santa Fe for a cool $3.47 million (£2.6m), the mesmerising Earthship can be found in northern New Mexico and has a jaw-dropping interior filled with one-of-a-kind furnishings, handmade built-ins and beautiful natural materials. Let's take the tour...
While the facade is dramatic, angular and formed from a mixture of stucco, glass and adobe, a composite material made of earth, water and straw, the interior is utterly dreamy...
Step through the front door and you'll be greeted by breathtaking rooms, overflowing with quirky design details and wow-factor architectural elements. The first Earthship was designed in the 1970s by architect Michael Reynolds, who created a type of passive home made from natural and upcycled materials, including earth-packed tyres. Reynolds' influence is clear to see throughout this beautiful living room, which certainly has a stunning '70s aesthetic.
These daring desert homes would have originally been built to survive the challenges of the climate – think blistering heat, sand storms and freezing cold nights – and this property is no different. The hand-crafted home is entirely eco-friendly and thanks to its construction method will remain warm in winter and cool during summer. We just love the home's stunning kitchen. Unlike any we've seen before, it offers a handmade extractor, curving countertops and tree trunk stools.
There are endless living spaces across the 3,600-square-foot home, which is made up of two separate structures. This cosy family room would be the perfect place to curl up with a book, thanks to its custom-made kiva fireplace, free-form couch and climbing vines. Other enticing features include the room's teeny tiny alcoves and shelves, which only add to its charms.
There are five bedrooms and seven bathrooms throughout the property, including this dazzling master suite. Everywhere you look there's something else to fall in love with in this VIP-worthy retreat. From its elegant timber ceiling to its shuttered French doors, which open out to the garden, this bedroom is a true oasis in the heart of the desert.
This bathroom is also entirely one-of-a-kind, thanks to its hand-crafted shower cubicle and sea shell decorations. Who needs tiles and bath tubs when you can create your own unique ensuite using adobe? Plus, if you choose to bathe at night, you'll be able to soak up the stars, thanks to the room's glass ceiling. Yet this isn't the only cool bathroom in the building...
The master ensuite has to be one of the most unusual we've ever had the pleasure of snooping around. Akin to an outdoor jungle, this luxurious bathroom boasts a cave-like shower, a handmade tub formed from rocks and plenty of foliage that will have you feeling like you're bathing outside.
In fact, many of the rooms blur the lines between inside and out, thanks to the use of extensive glazing. This chic dining space would make you feel like you were eating alfresco, all due to its custom skylights, endless house plants and patio-style paving.
Despite the fact it's made from dirt, the home also boasts plenty of lavish extras, including a private spa! The wellness centre comes complete with a custom steam room and sauna, and a Japanese cedar hot tub. Bliss!
Yet its amazing interior isn’t all there is to love about The Desert Flower. Outside, you’ll find 11 acres of land, a 1,863-square-foot guest house and a 2450-square-foot art studio, which could be converted into a holiday home. The lovely backyard is also home to a music studio, a heated pool and a Koi pond. There's even an alfresco kitchen for cooking up a storm and a private well for all your water needs.
This ariel image captures the sheer scale of the estate. What's more, it's only a short drive away from downtown Santa Fe, meaning the new owner will be able to enjoy seclusion as well as access to modern conveniences.
Want to know more about Earthships? Discover the history of these remarkable eco-homes and see the best examples from around the world...