1. How about living in a magnificent work of art? We give you "Brushstroke."
Christie's International Realty

This graceful and dramatic home known as “Brushstroke” is perched on a 1.3-acre parcel of land in exclusive La Jolla, California. Designed by the American architect Wallace Cunningham, the steel-and-glass sculptural masterpiece was featured in the January 2006 issue of Architectural Digest. In addition to refined rustic touches such as centuries-old redwood beams, interior surfaces in hand-tinted plaster, and expanses of French limestone, the three-bedroom home features an artfully curved roofline, which bows into the interior lending a sense of serene movement to the entire residence. Amenities include a stunning rimless black-bottom swimming pool faced in mosaic tile, a Japanese-inspired garden by Joe Yamada, a private tennis court, and exclusive access to five miles of white sand beaches along the craggy California coast. This zen gem is on the market for $12.7 million. Click here to view the full listing.

2. D.C. monument or private residence? One of D.C.'s finest properties will set you back $22 million.
Christie’s International Realty

One of Washington, D.C.’s grandest estates, Fessenden House is a study in Old World refinement. Designed by Leon Chatelain of Chatelain Architects in collaboration with the late Washington-based interior designer Antony Childs, the Neoclassical masterpiece is brimming with museum quality fine art and antiques (unfortunately not included in the sale), and exquisite architectural details, including a brick and Indiana limestone facade, inlaid white oak rift and quartered floors, Crotch mahogany doors, and Italian marble touches. From a sumptuous master suite to a temperature controlled wine cellar, Fessenden House, which spans roughly 20,000 square feet, has no shortage of opulent spaces. And the home’s verdant exterior, which features informal and formal English gardens, fountains, terraces, a swimming pool, a loggia, and a sweeping staircase overlooking the gardens and acres of lush parkland, is just as grand. The positively palatial Fessenden House is owned by Samuel Lehrman whose family co-founded the Giant Food supermarket chain and carries a $22-million price tag. Click here to view the full listing.

3. How about living in the coolest 17th-century boathouse in the Southwest of France? Sorry, no boat included.
Sotheby's International Realty

Ever dream of living in an impossibly cool home on a secluded island? Well, now’s your chance! Located on the Ré island in the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, this three-bedroom retreat was designed by the French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Built inside a seventeenth-century boatyard, the industrial chic abode was created by joining two separate residences. Offering panoramic views of the harbor, this sun-filled, three-bedroom residence features exposed beams, spare white walls, glass partitions, and is perfectly suited for a collection of mid-century furniture. The seaside sanctuary’s price is available on request. Click here to view the full listing. 

4. Mid century art collector’s dream home by Esherick. You could buy a nice Warhol and some Nakashima furniture with the $1.75 million price drop.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Clean lines, a signature spiral staircase, expansive Bay Area views -- it’s a shocker that this mid century gem in the heart of San Francisco hasn’t been snapped up by now. And lucky for you, the price just dipped to a cool $10 million. Designed by the modernist master Joseph Esherick in 1962, this well-preserved residence was created for the esteemed modern art collector Jeanette Larsen and her husband Niels. The three-level, four-bedroom home features soaring ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, ebonized floors, a striking curved staircase, and massive glass doors. Click here to view the full listing.

5. Spectacular McKim, Mead & White Newport estate. Not a cheap date but beautifully restored and on Olmsted grounds.
Sotheby’s International Realty

Designed by the seminal architecture firm McKim, Mead & White in 1887 and sited on beautifully landscaped Frederick Law Olmsted-designed grounds, this historic Newport villa known as Wild Moor recently underwent a meticulous restoration. Awash in period details (carved woodwork, vintage tiles, leaded glass Tiffany windows, etc.), the stately residence comes with a carriage house, a guest cottage, a greenhouse, ocean views, and over twenty-three lush acres. The gracious nine-bedroom home will set you back $10.5 million. Click here to view the full listing.