Let me start off by saying that if you're not rich and hate being reminded of that fact, then I strongly advise that you do not watch the Netflix original series "The World's Most Extraordinary Houses." Like the title suggests, we get a look into some of the most unique houses on the planet. The show is hosted by Piers Taylor, a renowned architect, and Caroline Quentin, a famed actress and property developer. Within the first five minutes, we see a house unlike any other. Its roof made from a discarded 747 airplane, it's not the kind of house you'd just see on your way to the store. In all honesty, I hate extravagant displays of wealth, but I'd be damned not to admire the artistry behind these gorgeous homes.
With no narrative, it's a low-pressure show, something to chill out to. each episode is an hour long, with usually four or five houses explored in each episode. There are only 4 episodes, so no need to go all night binge-watch (unless you really want to). As we explore each house, Piers goes over the construction and layouts and things of that nature, but only briefly, allowing the beauty of the house to speak for itself. Seeing masters of the craft of building homes and geek out over them is a reward in it of itself, but them going over it together is a real treat. The hosts, having different vocations, sometimes go off to do different things, which is oddly refreshing in this kind of show. Piers wants to explore the concept and execution of the house, whereas Caroline delves into the livability of the home, how it feels to be in it.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the show is that they, the hosts, stay in the house. They aren't given a tour by the homeowners. They explore it of their own accord, and even spend a night there. In the first episode, we see them take a shower (though it was zoomed out so we don't see their bits and pieces). And then we meet either the architect(s) of the house or the homeowners, and they discuss the challenges of building such a marvelous house. When they go over the costs, I feel my wallet have a heart attack and my bitter envy for the finer things in life does spike quite a bit. But then they show an overview of the house and I am appeased. It makes me want to be rich so I can have an eccentric house that people will travel halfway around the world to see, but I digress.
The cinematography of the show plays like a nature documentary. A lot of still shots and slow tilts to capture either the look or style of the home. And indeed, the houses we explore are almost a part of nature themselves. With keeping the landscape in mind, a lot of the homes don't take away from the surrounding areas in ostentatious ways, but rather they blend in with it.
At any rate, whether you want to see how the rich live, or just want to see some pretty houses and gorgeous scenes of nature, then start watching Netflix's "The Most Extraordinary Homes." Hope you enjoy it!
