5 minimalist homes – that make us want to banish clutter forever

If your idea of a dream home is a minimalist home – all clean lines, huge windows, and no clutter – then we have a real treat for you. Whether your ideal home is on the East or West Coast, and whether it has city or water front views, these properties are guaranteed to make you daydream about relocating.  

• Find more wonderful real homes – from cute English cottages to brilliant self builds – on our dedicated page

1. The LA urban pad 

Designed by award-winning architect Lorcan O’Herlihy. this stunning LA family home is a prime example of Brentwood modern – all open-plan spaces and large windows, and it has had a complete remodel recently. What we really like about this cleverly designed minimalist home is that, despite the fact that it's in LA, you could imagine you live in a tranquil forest. The main suite faces mature eucalyptus trees and feels like an exotic retreat rather than urban pad. 

2. The San Francisco family home with stunning views

Does anyone not dream about living in San Francisco, if only just for a bit? This home proves why it's such a desirable location, and we really like that this house is all about opening up to the majestic views, which are of the water on one side and of mature landscaped gardens on the other. Open-plan spaces and dramatic Fleetwood stacking doors amplify the feeling of being immersed in the landscape, which is often the point of a minimalist home. We can't choose between the two views – both are stunning.

3. The woodland retreat minutes away from Sunset Beach

A quintessential minimalist home, this new house in the Hamptons was completed in 2019 and has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a swimming pool. Nestling in a peaceful woodland setting, it's actually only a few minutes away from the famous Sunset Beach and the Shelter Island ferry. What we really love about this property, though, is that not only is it modern and minimalist, but it's also smart, incorporating clever features such as a Sonos surround system and electric blinds throughout. Effortless and easygoing.

4. The rustic take on minimalism in Santa Rosa

Minimalist and rustic really work well together, as this unbelievably beautiful home in Santa Rosa, California proves. A love letter to natural materials, it skilfully uses wood, stone, and glass to create a home that's both simple and luxurious. It's single level, positioned on an elevated single acre and boasts a pool and immaculate gardens.  

5. The modernist Hamptons retreat – that can be rented

It turns out that designer minimalist homes aren't just for sale, as demonstrated by this dizzyingly gorgeous modernist waterfront home in the Hamptons. it has views of the Acabonac Harbor and has recently undergone a renovation, and has been impeccably decorated by its designer owner. For us, though, this house is all about enjoying the outdoors – the pool, which has a saline filtration system, the outdoor kitchen with a Wolf 6 grill, and the substantial deck with outdoor seating and dining areas. We're a bit scared of telling you how much it's going for, but you would be getting 2,800 square feet of space, and 2.6 acres of land to enjoy. 

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