Inman’s Most Intriguing Real Estate Listings of This Year

Key Points

• A French chateau that would make Cinderella green with envy

  : This 19th century architectural masterpiece in the heart of the renowned Loire Valley took the top spot on the list for “most breathtaking property”. Tik-tac-toe three in a row – it was opulent, historic, and had a wine cellar. Checkmate!

• Chicago’s hottest bungalow

  : This Windy City two-flat came in at a close second, surprising everyone. Able to withstand winters harsher than a mother-in-law’s critique, this cozy fortress offered practicality and hominess wrapped in brick and mortar.

• The “Ranchtopia” Pennsylvanian estate

  : This 300-acre tranquil oasis made the list for its ability to make city slickers question their urban preferences. Complete with fields, streams, and a straight-out-of-a-Western log cabin, it captured our rural fantasies.

• A 900 square foot San Francisco Miracle

  : This charming jewel box nestled in SF’s poshest neighbourhood clinched a position with its perfect blend of sophistication and compact coziness. 

• Tropical Paradise Villa in Miami

  : A luxurious villa in Miami also made the list. Whether you’re Tony Montana fresh off the boat or just someone who feels uncomfortable further than three feet from a palm tree, this modern Eden in the Sunshine State was the place to be.

Hot Take

On the surface, these properties are as different as they come – much like the folks who would live in them. But beneath the surface – beneath the chateaus and bungalows and ranches and city apartments – lies a common denominator: the inextinguishable desire for a space to call our own, whether extravagant, humble, rural or urban.

It looks like 2022 was the year of the real estate paradox, a buffet of extremes. From a French chateau that probably houses a princess or two, to a humble but sturdy Chicago duplex that’s warmer than an ugly Christmas sweater. A sprawling slice of Pennsylvanian ranch life stood proud against a dollhouse-sized San Francisco gem. And let’s not forget Miami’s modern upscale nautical Nirvana making its own claim to glory.

This list paints a rather colorful picture of people’s domestic fantasies. It’s like a veritable game of Cluedo real estate edition. Mrs. Peacock in the French chateau with a vintage Bordeaux. Or Colonel Mustard cozied up in Chicago with a smoking-hot deep-dish. Perhaps Ms. Scarlett frolicking in Ranchtopia with the horses. Or Mr. Green living large in the Sunshine State with his yacht. Or maybe it’s just Professor Plum, reading in the library of the 900-square-foot apartment in San Fran with a cup of artisanal coffee.

Either way, as long as they’ve found their perfect home, it’s game over. Until next year, that is. Real estate aficionados – stay tuned, the property listings adventure continues!

Original article: https://www.inman.com/2023/12/29/the-listings-inman-writers-couldnt-stop-thinking-about-this-year/