Global competition reveals world's most beautiful houses

  • 25/07/2018
Winner of best waterfront home.
Winner of best waterfront home. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

A Hawaiian tropical paradise and a classy cabin next to a waterfall are all among the winners of a global competition to find the world's ultimate houses.

Collectively worth more than $90 million, the abundant abodes have been crowned some of the best properties up for sale around the world.

With more than 880,000 votes cast and 84 million page views, the 2018 Home and Garden TV Ultimate House Hunt competition declared its winners from each of the ten categories.

The extraordinary homes consisted of 88 finalists from 13 countries.

The overall winner of the competition and Global Homes category was a sprawling Italian Villa near Sardinia, Italy.

The other categories were: Homes with a History, Love It or List it, Urban Digs, Waterfront Homes, Modern Masterpieces, Extreme Homes, Amazing Kitchens, and Curb Appeal.

The winning properties gain bragging rights as well as additional coverage on HGTV, with all of them are currently up for sale.

Villa in Romazzino, Italy
Villa in Romazzino, Italy Photo credit: HGTV/Caters

Global Homes Winner and Overall Winner: Immobilisarda

A luxury ski retreat, a fairytale home, a contemporary casa and others battled it out to be crowned the world's ultimate home - but a secluded coastal villa in Romazzino, Italy, beat others off with its clash of traditional architecture, modern amenities and crystal-clear waters.

Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the six-bedroom-and-bathroom home boasts a cinema screen, spacious outdoor area with stone barbeque and panoramic views from the terrace.

Winner from Beaufort, South Carolina.
Winner from Beaufort, South Carolina. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters

Homes with History Winner: Cora Bett Thomas Realty & Associates

A pre-civil war abode in Beaufort, South Carolina, US, placed first among the plush properties that blend a slice of history with luxury.

The $2.2 million home was constructed in 1834 in accordance with old world design and has four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

It also features a formal dining room, spacious kitchen and sub-zero fridge, along with separate guest quarters.

Waterfront Hawaiian paradise.
Waterfront Hawaiian paradise. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters

Waterfront Homes Winner: Hawaii Life

For the best waterfront properties, a luxurious Tahitian pavilion with ocean access claimed the coveted title.

The four-bedroom tropical beach house in Lahaina, Hawaii, is up on the market for the first time in 20 years at $13 million.

It offers panoramic views of the islands, sunsets and a surf spot a few steps away, along with a white sand cove among a community of 10 homes.

The plush property's open design also allows for Napili breeze and ocean sounds to enter the home, as well boasting a lava-rock fireplace and open-air hot tub in the master room.

$4.5 Million dollar home in New Orleans.
$4.5 Million dollar home in New Orleans. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Urban Digs Winner: Gardner Realtors

Winning the place for most serene escape within the hectic hustle and bustle of a city environment was a contemporary home in New Orleans, Louisiana, US.

The $4.5 million French Quarter home boasts historic style with modern day elegance, having only been built this year.

It features its own grand dining area, spacious gourmet kitchen, and large living space that opens up onto a private courtyard with outdoor kitchen and private cocktail pool.

From the kitchen to the pool.
From the kitchen to the pool. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Amazing Kitchens Winner: Willis Allen Real Estate

A modern estate in Rancho Santa Fe, California, US, claimed the title for having the best luxuriously designed kitchen.

At $10.5 million, the six-bedroom property is described as 'like a piece of fine art' and is claimed to offer 'uncompromising style and luxury' coupled with sophisticated entertaining options.

It beat off other homes to be known as the location with 'guests in mind', bringing both family and friends together.

Lakefront villa in Switzerland
Lakefront villa in Switzerland Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Love It or List It Winner: First Team

An idyllic lakefront villa in Switzerland, a castle, and a beach bungalow were among those vying for the title, but an oceanfront home in Laguna Beach, California, US, claimed the number one spot.

The four-bedroom property features high ceilings that give the appearance of more space and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide open onto the waterfront.

Worth $25 million, it offers prime views of the crashing waves and an ocean facing courtyard, with outdoor kitchen, beach gate, mosaic infinity pool and more.

This Caribbean home was chosen for its architecture.
This Caribbean home was chosen for its architecture. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Modern Masterpiece Winner: Sibarth

Judged on the beauty of its architecture, the category saw an impressive Canadian snow lodge, elegant English estate and others battle it out.

But the winner was Villa Artepea in Lurin, Saint Barthelemy, the Caribbean islands, which is surrounded by natural beauty that blends within its tropical gardens.

Carefully built not to damage the land, the $17.3 million home with four bedrooms combines stone flooring with wood furnishing.

Other features include a sun terrace, panoramic views from the bedroom, access to equestrian facilities, walking trails, a landing strip and more.

Relax with the sound of the water flowing under your house.
Relax with the sound of the water flowing under your house. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Extreme Living Winner: Silver Creek Real Estate

From excessive features to luscious settings, the Extreme Living category saw a cosy cabin in Cullowhee, North Carolina, US, take the title.

The attractive five-bedroom property is located at the heart of Knob Creek, offering views over a series of waterfalls and 73 acres of enchanting grounds.

Worth over $10 million, it offers a peaceful escape that often is home to deer, turkey and elks, as well as two large ponds and a fishing dock.

This colonial home in Seattle glows in the evening sun.
This colonial home in Seattle glows in the evening sun. Photo credit: HGTV/Caters.

Curb Appeal Winner: Windermere Real Estate

For the Curb Appeal category, judging the most attractive front gardens and entrances that left people 'falling in love at first sight' was New Colonial building in Seattle, Washington, US.

Worth $4.7 million it's perched at the top of a hill that offers breath-taking 180-degree views of the lake, Seattle's famous landmark The Space Needle, and more.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home features soapstone, limestone and Carrara marble finishes, alongside a sun room, soak tub, gourmet kitchen and more.

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