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The 10 best midcentury modern homes of 2017

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Midcentury modern homes never go out of style

Boxy bi-level modern home with overhanging flat roof supported by thin columns and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The DeSilver House in New Canaan, Connecticut, was designed in 1961 by Harrison DeSilver and John Black Lee.
Photo by Michael Biondo

No matter the year, midcentury modern homes never seem to go out of style. In 2017, we saw a wealth of these architectural gems all over the country, from extremely reasonably priced fixer-uppers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to over-the-top time capsules in Southern California.

Whether your tastes skew desert modernism or lakefront views, there’s something for everyone. Some even come with far-out amenities, like an indoor fountain, a scotch-and-music room, and tiki bar. Without further ado, here are 10 incredible midcentury modern homes that came on the market this year.

1. A jewel box in San Diego by a Case Study architect

Photo by Darren Bradley

Case Study architect Craig Ellwood designed this San Diego bungalow in 1953. Since then, the three-bedroom has since undergone a complete transformation that has returned the home to its intended state after years of modifications and wear.

2. A Marvelous midcentury in New Canaan, Connecticut

Photos by Michael Biondo

The 2,048-square-foot DeSilver House on Chichester Road in New Canaan, Connecticut, was designed in 1961 by Harrison DeSilver and John Black Lee, who was often considered the sixth member of the Harvard Five. Largely preserved with just a few updates, the home is characterized by a 6-foot-by-6-foot modular prefab system and is accessed by a floating wood bridge.

3. A ’50s trailer home in Palm Springs

Photos via Zillow

As darling as they come, this converted 1950s trailer caused quite a sensation when it first came on the market back in February. Though the listing claims that the one-bed-two-bath measures just 480 square feet, we’re convinced that this Palm Springs treasure appears larger, especially since it comes with a carport and laundry room.

4. An untouched masterpiece in Knoxville

Photos by Nathan Blewett of Positive Perceptions

Simply gorgeous, this 1959 number was designed by local architect Bruce McCarty for him and his family and went on the market for the first time ever this spring. Considered his personal midcentury masterpiece, the tri-level three-bedroom is built on a 10-foot structural grid in which all the columns and beams are set in a 10-foot module.

5. The Michigan glass bungalow that was basically a steal

Photos by Rian Morgan

Located in Grandville, a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan, this 1958 gem boasts walls of glass and open spaces, which make its 1,453-square-foot interiors feel larger than they are. Originally listed at $159,000, the three bedroom-one-bath might just have been the deal of the year.

6. A split-level in Wisconsin with a “scotch and music” room

Photos by David Erickson

Another competitively priced midcentury of 2017 was this 1953 John Randal McDonald design in Racine, Wisconsin (built for his own growing family). The 2,600-square-footer boasts three bedrooms over three stacked levels that includes built-in furniture, an indoor fountain, and a charming “scotch and music room.”

7. A ’60s (partial) A-frame in Northern California

A-frames are all the rage, but when one takes the form of a midcentury abode—even better. Although technically not a true A-frame house, this 1960 Bay Area bae features soaring, vaulted spaces characterized by stained-glass detailing, as well as sweeping views of Oakland.

8. A floating accordion roof tops this Salt Lake City morsel

Photos by Jed Pearson /Mouve Media courtesy of Mony Ty

A floating accordion roof is just the icing on this delectable 1965 morsel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Designed by Larry J. Rowsell, the 2,828-square-foot three-bedroom time capsule boasts a plethora of original details like brick walls, vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, and glass-pebbled cabinetry in the kitchen. It was originally listed for $649,000.

9. A Disney animator’s former home in Southern California

Photos via Estately

This lovely 1949 La Cañada Flintridge residence was originally designed by architect Theodore Criley, Jr. and landscape architect Garrett Eckbo for Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s own “Nine Old Men,” a group of the company’s core animators. The 3,500-square-foot four-bedroom was listed for $3.23 million.

10. A ’60s jewel in San Diego by pioneering female architect Edla Muir

This elegant 1960 home was designed by pioneering female architect Edla Muir, who was known for designing homes for stars like Shirley Temple and Barbara Stanwyck. The 2,500-square-foot three-bedroom perches atop the Fire Mountain neighborhood of Oceanside in Southern California and features an infinity pool and spa and a “270-degree” view of the Pacific ocean and city below.

Bonus: A rare Eichler with a double A-frame atrium

Photos via Mark Easterday

This 1960 Claude Oakland Architects Double A-Frame Atrium model Eichler in Synnyvale, California, is a showstopper. Just look at the thing.