Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
A UFO has landed in Idyllwild, California. Well, sort of. The Donaldson Futuro is a house shaped like an unidentified flying object, sitting on a rock in the southern part of the state. While it can’t zip away, you could be the next owner of this incredible architectural marvel. It’s been put up for sale through Tim McTavish with Sotheby’s International Realty for $1.495 million (at the time of writing).
The unconventional home gets its namesake from owner and former Obama administration appointee Milford Wayne Donaldson and his wife, Laurie Donaldson. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is architecturally significant. Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed the prefabricated dwelling in 1969 as a structure that could be transported by helicopter and installed in remote locations. It was intended to adapt to different landscapes, with modular components that are bolted together on site. Four concrete piers support the structure, so it doesn’t require a foundation or conventional construction.
Donaldson Futuro’s aesthetic is a snapshot of design. Suuronen conceived it when designers were fascinated by space exploration (its timing coincides with the moon landing) and advances in synthetic materials. His UFO house reflects tech optimism, imagining a future like the cartoon The Jetsons.
Nearly 60 years later, the 793-square-foot Donaldson Futuro retains its original design integrity. Boasting a yellow fiberglass shell halved by circular windows, its aircraft-style entrance leads to a living area with a kitchen, then onto one bedroom and one bathroom. Light surrounds you at every turn, along with touches of mid-20th-century decor like shag carpeting and bright colors on the cabinetry and walls.
With fewer than 100 Futuros built, the Donaldson Futuro is one of the rarest residential structures in the U.S. Learn more on Sotheby’s International Realty’s website.
A UFO has landed in Idyllwild, California. Well, sort of.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
The Donaldson Futuro is a house shaped like an unidentified flying object, sitting on a rock in the southern part of the state.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
While it can’t zip away, you could be the next owner of this incredible architectural marvel. It’s been put up for sale through Tim McTavish with Sotheby’s International Realty for $1.495 million (at the time of writing).
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is architecturally significant.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed the prefabricated dwelling in 1969 as a structure that could be transported by helicopter and installed in remote locations.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Donaldson Futuro’s aesthetic is a snapshot of design.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Suuronen conceived it when designers were fascinated by space exploration (its timing coincides with the moon landing) and advances in synthetic materials.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
His UFO house reflects tech optimism, imagining a future like the cartoon The Jetsons.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Nearly 60 years later, the 793-square-foot Donaldson Futuro retains its original design integrity.
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
Photo: Cesar Cid with Imagestate
