Take a Peek Inside Rochester’s Famous Mushroom House

Rochester, New York, seems like an unlikely setting for a fairytale, but the forests on the outskirts of the city are home to one of the most magical pieces of architecture in the country. After spending a day exploring the woods, you may stumble across a building shaped like a giant mushroom patch.

Church Lady (@SoulWomen) brought this magnificent landmark to our attention via Twitter. Technically located in the town of Perinton, the Mushroom House—as it's known among locals—was built in the 1970s. Architect James H. Johnson originally conceived a design based on the flower Queen Anne's Lace for his clients Robert and Marguerite Antell. The final product turned out to be more fungal than floral, and today the house is famous for resembling several massive mushrooms.

The unique structure consists of concrete and polyurethane pods propped up by 20-foot "stems" made of steel-reinforced concrete. The building is embellished with more than 9000 ceramic tiles handmade by Marguerite Antell. A professional artist, Antell was a major influence on the home's design.

Renovations have been made to the property since its initial construction, including the addition of an underground "Time Tunnel" made of glass tiles and fire optics leading to a den. There, residents can play pool, sit in front of a mosaic fireplace, and appreciate a laminated mahogany tree sculpture.

The Mushroom House is available to lease long-term, but living like a woodland creature will cost you. Rent is listed at $5500 per month. You can contact the property's realtor to set up a private showing, or you can explore it virtually by watching the video below.