Back to the Futuro: Extremely rare UFO-shaped home is listed for sale in New Zealand

The unusual Futuro house is one of less than 100 ever built and has been listed for sale for the first time in 43 years.
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Patrick Grafton-Green6 September 2017

An “extremely rare” spaceship-style house is attracting interest from around the world after being put up for sale in New Zealand this week.

Current owner Juanita Clearwater is reluctantly selling her unearthly-looking Futuro home because she deems it "selfish" that she is only able to use it for occasional visits.

Less than 100 of the egg-shaped constructions, designed by Finish architect Matti Suuronen, were ever built, but their distinctive shape and hatch entrance have fascinated many fans of the unusual design over the years.

This 'Futuro' house was originally built in 1974 and was on display at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch that year before being moved to its current site in 1975.

The quirky one-bedroom, one-bathroom building was purchased by its current owner four years ago from production designer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Grant Major. She is said to have previously received offers of around $500,000 (£277,000) from keen buyers but has turned them down.

Ms Clearwater, who posted the house on Trade Me on Monday, told the Guardian: “There is something magical about the shape of an egg, it’s smoothness and strength and the spaceship is like that; it is an iconic shape that attracts you to it."

“Futuros get under your skin, it is like an adult treehouse.”

Her post read: “Extremely rare Futuro for sale”, adding: “Expressions of interest now welcomed from true enthusiasts wanting to carry on the dream.”

She added of the construction, which is located in the coastal settlement of Warrington: “It has been beautifully preserved and is probably the best ship in New Zealand and in the best location.

“I want it to go to someone who, like me, has wanted one their whole life.”

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