Space Age House Offers Otherworldly Stay in English Countryside

One of the world’s most unusual architectural experiments has found a home in Somerset, where visitors can now spend the night inside a genuine flying saucer-shaped house designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968.

The Futuro House, resembling something from a science fiction movie, sits nestled among trees at Marston Park near Frome, offering guests an out-of-this-world experience for £400 per night. Located on the banks of a lake deep in the Somerset countryside, the structure occupies a small clearing in ancient woodland where visitors might hear nightingales or spot deer.

Originally discovered as a derelict wreck in South Africa by UK artist Craig Barnes, the turquoise pod had no front door and smashed windows when he found it. Barnes rescued the structure and spent years restoring it to its original 1960s glory.

The radical design was initially conceived as a portable ski chalet, constructed from fiberglass-reinforced plastic and measuring 8 meters wide and 4 meters high. The house comprises eight identical plastic modules that could be delivered separately and bolted together on site, with the entire structure supported by metal legs that adapt to virtually any terrain.

Fewer than 100 Futuro houses were ever built between 1968 and 1973, with only about 68 surviving today worldwide. Production ended when the 1973 oil crisis tripled plastic prices, making the futuristic homes economically unfeasible.

Despite its compact 538-square-foot footprint, the interior feels surprisingly spacious due to the tall, curving roof. The white interior features original space-age furniture, oval windows, and can accommodate up to four guests with a double bed, flexible sleeping space, and private bathroom.

This particular Futuro has traveled extensively, making stops at London’s Central Saint Martins art school, Matt’s Gallery in East London, and Le Havre’s summer arts festival before settling at Marston Park.

While Northeast Ohio may not have any UFO houses quite like Somerset’s space-age landmark, the Keeping The Pace Team understands that every home has its own unique architectural character and story. Led by Renae Pace, this six-member real estate team serves all of Northeast Ohio with expertise in everything from mid-century modern gems to contemporary new builds. The team specializes in helping clients navigate major life transitions, whether seeking that perfect starter home, upgrading for growing families, or downsizing for retirement. With deep local knowledge of Nordonia Hills and surrounding communities, they provide personalized service that recognizes each property’s distinct design features and each client’s individual vision for their next chapter.