When Friedrich Nietzsche wrote his formula for human greatness, he defined it as amor fati. Latin for “love of fate,” this means welcoming all of life’s experiences as good, and wanting nothing to be different. While he experienced hardship, as we all do, he also had the great fortune of living in a Venetian palazzo. Soaring ceilings, marble floors and a panoramic waterfront balcony…not too shabby for a 19th-century poet-philosopher. Today, we’d call that #winning.
At some point, we’ve all imagined a version, or versions, of our dream house. Whether palazzo or beachfront palapa, it’s the home that inspires our best work and play. Now let’s say that one day, $1 million falls out of the sky into your lap — lucky raffle ticket perhaps, an unexpected inheritance or maybe you even win the lottery. Whatever the case, suddenly, your fate has changed. In partnership with Michigan Lottery, we’ve rounded up some of the most amazing, luxurious properties for you to dream about, imagine yourself in or possibly even own for $1 million. Wherever you are, or wherever you may land, in the spirit of amorfati, life is good.
1. Live out your Paul Bunyan dreams without forgoing luxury or comfort. When people say rustic chic, this is what they’re talking about. This Berkshires utopia is perfect for hosting the holidays — and then providing all of your guests with a place to
stay — and for quiet, low-key getaways alike. Enjoy the mountain views while you sip your morning coffee, and then head out for the day to Mass MoCA or for a hike.
Williamstown, MA
Asking Price: $980,000
Square feet: 3,688
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6
Highlights: True notched-log construction with logs hand-hewn in Virginia; mountain views; prime location; three levels of living s
pace; open-plan dining room; master suite; four bedrooms, each with private bath.
Realtor note: “An extraordinary home, featuring true notched-log construction.…With distant views and in a prime location, it comprises three levels of living space.…The owners have run a successful hobby B&B here, with guests from all over the world, attracted by Williams College, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Clark Art, Mass MoCA, Jiminy Peak and myriad other Berkshire attractions."
2. If you’ve ever wanted to pull up a long driveway by chauffeur to your very own castle, voilà: This 18-room Mediterranean-inspired stone villa will transport you. With its intricate details and wooded landscape, it evokes the intriguing romance of a fairy tale.
Troy, MI
Asking Price: $1,000,000
Square feet: 4,356
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5
Highlights: Venetian plaster walls; plenty of marble and fresco-style artwork; floor-to-ceiling wood paneling in library.
Realtor note: “Located on a very private, 1.59 acre serene setting complete with fully stocked pond (12 feet deep) and multiple waterfalls.”
3. In a rural landscape with dirt roads leading to what feels like the edge of the world, this off-grid structure known as “Hard Luck Castle” will mesmerize the most rugged of adventurers. Located about halfway between California’s Yosemite Park and the bright lights of Las Vegas, this is a place to be at one with the galaxy.
Goldfield, NV
Asking Price: $950,000
Square feet: 8,136 on 40 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Highlights: Skylight; balcony; rooftop deck; RV hookup.
Realtor note: “Hard Luck Castle is a VERY special place…a four-story marvel with 22 rooms including…complete wood shop, wine cellar, theater room with game room, glass solarium/planetarium. It is a complete off-grid, self-sufficient home: solar and wind, propane and diesel backup systems.”
4. If heaven means relaxing by a tranquil pool under palms stirring in a desert breeze, head this way. In California’s Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs, you could lead a life of opulent leisure, with golf dates and country club cocktails your most pressing appointments.
Palm Desert, CA
Asking Price: $989,000
Square feet: 3,781
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 5
Highlights: Solar power for electric/pool; large fireplace; Southwest style with low-maintenance desert landscaping.
Realtor note: “Lush desertscape. [The] rear yard is perfect for entertaining, offering amazing panoramic views, several seating areas, refreshing pool/spa, rock water feature and gazebo. Absolutely amazing. A must see!”
5. From the privacy and creature comforts of home, you could bask in Albuquerque’s blue skies and stunning sunsets, all with easy access to the stimulating culture of this thriving mile-high city. With its coexisting Native American, Hispanic, Latino and Anglo cultures and Pueblo- and Spanish-inspired architecture, this place lives up to New Mexico’s state nickname: the “Land of Enchantment.”
Albuquerque, NM
Asking Price: $998,800
Square feet: 5,360
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Highlights: Property has grape vines and fruit trees (apple, cherry, plum, apricot, pear); high ceilings; wet bar; wine storage; surround sound; fireplace; jetted tub; steam shower; fenced patio with Thermador grill.
Realtor note: “Nestled in coveted Sandia Mountains Foothills, location offers privacy and spectacular mountain and city lights views — and is ideal for enjoying the delightful [Albuquerque International] Balloon Festival!”
6.Imagine the bounty and fun possible on this wide expanse: a working farm, barn parties with live music spilling out under a starry sky and plenty of space to roam and play. An hour’s drive north of Detroit in a township with population 4,000, this could be your rural oasis.
Ray, MI
Asking Price: $965,000
Square feet: 4,426 on 56 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Highlights: Vaulted ceilings; two-way fireplace; master bath with garden tub and separate walk-in shower; three barns on the property.
Realtor note: “Imagine hunting deer and turkey on this…property.…Perfect…for a horse farm.”
7. Live out your own period fantasy in this bucolic town in New York’s Westchester County, about 50 miles from Manhattan. Basking in the glow of a fireplace or rocking and sipping tea on the porch, you’ll feel cozy and grounded in this landmarked mini-estate contained by 19th-century stone walls.
Pound Ridge, NY
Asking Price: $949,000
Square feet: 2,800
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Highlights: Second Empire-style home built 1833, with large addition in 1868; renovated by current owners; wide-planked wooden floors; three working fireplaces.
Realtor note: “Set among age-old trees in a verdant sweeping meadow…[has] established veggie garden and room for a pool; renovate the lovely vintage stone building as a fun pool house.”