Ep 1. USA

In the first episode of season 2 of The World's Most Extraordinary Homes, we travel to the United States of America to discover some of the most unique and stunning homes in the country.

Architectural designer Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin are our hosts as they explore four different homes that push the boundaries of design and innovation.

The first home we visit is located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, and is known as the Desert Courtyard House. The owners, a retired couple, were looking for a home that would blend in with the natural surroundings while still providing a comfortable and modern living space. The result is a stunning two-story home with a central courtyard that provides a serene space for the owners to relax and enjoy the views.

Next, we head to the mountains of Big Sky, Montana, where we visit the Lone Peak Lookout. This unique home is perched atop a mountain and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The home's design is inspired by fire lookouts commonly found in the area, but with a modern twist. The interior is spacious and light-filled, with large windows that allow the owners to feel connected to the natural environment outside.

Our third stop takes us to the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California, where we visit the Skyline Residence. This ultra-modern home is built into the hillside and offers stunning views of the city below. The design is sleek and minimalistic, with plenty of glass to allow natural light to flood the interior. The home also features a unique outdoor infinity pool that appears to blend into the surrounding cityscape.

Finally, we visit the Redwoods Treehouse in New Zealand, a one-of-a-kind treehouse that was designed as a marketing tool for a local environmentally-friendly building company. The treehouse is perched high in the branches of a redwood tree and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. The design is rustic and whimsical, with a curved wooden exterior that gives the appearance of a giant seedpod.

Throughout the episode, Piers and Caroline speak with the homeowners and architects responsible for these extraordinary homes, gaining insight into their inspiration, challenges they faced during construction, and what it's like to live in such unique spaces.

The episode offers a glimpse into the world of innovative and boundary-pushing design, showcasing homes that combine stunning architecture with functionality and livability.