Just about every neighborhood in Pennsylvania has unique homes and strange houses that serve as landmarks for the area. Whether it’s shaped like a giant cheeseburger or made exclusively out of hockey pucks, weird architecture is one of the things that makes the world go round. Check out these unusual houses in Pennsylvania and where they are hiding.

1. Esherick House, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA, USA
jpmm/Flickr
Check out this unique home, a cubist house, built sometime between 1959 and 1961. It is one of nine houses built by Louis Kahn, an American architect. Looking for more interesting houses in Philadelphia? Check out Grumblethorpe Manor.
2. Straw Bale House, York
sean maxwell/ Flickr
York, PA, USA
sean maxwell/ Flickr
This eye-catching and unusual house in Pennsylvania was built in an atypical style for Pennsylvania; the stucco materials and bright colors might remind you of a house you'd see out west. The materials used for building the home include straw, clay, cork, bamboo, and stone. Head to this fun roadside attraction in York while you are in the area.
3. Gingerbread Awning, Jerseytown
Jerseytown, PA, USA
Doug Kerr/ Flickr
This house isn't that distinctive, aside from its absolutely adorable detail work on the front door and window area, making it look very similar to a gingerbread house. It is reported that Hansel and Gretel relocated to this unusual house in Pennsylvania after escaping from the witch's house. Just kidding. But if you are looking for real historical houses in Pennsylvania, there are quite a few!
4. Shipping Container House, Yardley
Michael Emro Painting Inc/ Facebook
Yardley, PA 19067, USA
Michael Emro Painting Inc/ Facebook
Shipping containers are the next big craze in sustainable architecture. This particularly unique home in Yardley, across the Delaware River from Trenton, was built using 11 containers. Learn more about Yardley.

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5. The Sistine Chapel of Pennsylvania, Lenhartsville
Google Maps
Lenhartsville, PA 19534, USA
Google Maps
There's no need to travel all the way to Rome to admire frescos from Heaven. This unique house in Pennsylvania is decked out with angelic murals and Renaissance gold trim. Stop by Dietrich's Meats and Country Store while you're here to stock up on some delicious treats.
6. Spooky Mansion, Coudersport
Coudersport, PA
David Kent/ Flickr
Talk about setting a mood. The mood for murder or a nice game of Clue. Whichever you think best, this unusual house in Pennsylvania is a great haunted setting. Discover more about what a visit to Coudersport has in store for you.
7. Shoe House, Hallam
Shoe House Road, Shoe House Rd, Hellam Township, PA 17406, USA
Wikimedia Commons
This is probably the most famous unique house in Pennsylvania and a frequent destination for visitors. It was built by, yes, a shoe salesman back in 1948. Learn more about the Shoe House.
8. Fallingwater, Mill Run
Fallingwater Road, Stewart Township, PA 15464, USA
Wikimedia Commons
This list would not be complete without mention of Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's 1935 home that he designed for the Kauffmann family. This unique home was built in part over a waterfall. It is widely believed to be the most famous of the American architect's over 400 homes built. Get more details on Fallingwater.
9. Trundle Manor, Swissvale
Trundle Manor/ Facebook
Trundle Manor, 7724 Juniata St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218, USA
Kordite/ Flickr
The final item on our list is Trundle Manor, which might not look very eccentric from the outside, but if you venture inside, you'll find a house full of oddities. It is open to the public, so you're free to visit and gawk at the weird things you will find here. Read more about the museum at Trundle Manor.

Are there any other unique houses in Pennsylvania that you’d add to this list? Share in the comments below.

The Keystone State has more than just unique homes. Check out these cool places to stay overnight in Pennsylvania.

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More to Explore

Unique Places In Pennsylvania

Rachel R. | October 11, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Pennsylvania?

If you are looking for some fun outdoor recreation, there are 124 state parks in Pennsylvania. The over 19,000-acre Ohiopyle State Park is home to 79 miles of hiking trails as well as the Youghiogheny River, known for its outstanding kayaking and whitewater rafting opportunities. Be sure to check out the 30-foot-high Cucumber Falls if you are visiting here. You can also bike, fish, and picnic. Cherry Springs State Park is located in Coudersport. This 82-acre park offers some hiking and a picnic area, but due to its remote location, its real draw is its night skies, making it a supreme spot for wide-open, clear stargazing. Head to the Night Sky Public Viewing Area or the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field.

What is Pennsylvania known for? 

With such a long history, Pennsylvania is known for many things. It was one of the 13 original colonies, founded back in 1681. Then there’s Philadelphia, the sixth largest city by population in the US and home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. There’s also Gettysburg, the spot where the most important Civil War battle took place. And of course, there’s Hersheypark, a 124-acre park dedicated to the sweet treat. It’s also one of the top five states for coal production, where the Little League World Series is played, a great place to grab a pretzel or a cheesesteak, home to a large percentage of America’s Amish population, and a whole lot more.

Are there any animal encounters in Pennsylvania?

Looking to see some interesting animals? There are several places to encounter animals in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Zoo is one that definitely deserves a visit. There are over 1,300 animals throughout its 42 acres. Here, you’ll see interesting and rare creatures like sloth bears and hippopotamuses. The zoo also has four animal exploration trails called Zoo360, where visitors can observe animals in their habitats through the mesh from the trails.

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