Mole Manor

The aptly named Mole Manor in Gloucestershire, England, is the pinnacle of subterranean residence. The oval structure includes a swimming pool, grand classical columns and light, airy spaces lit by skylights. It almost feels like a Roman villa, only one that has been buried.

Breaking the assumption that underground houses would be cold, damp, dark, claustrophobic, miserable holes in the ground, Mole Manor has been recognized as an icon of 20th century architecture. It seems that going underground may be an idea on the way up.