This unassuming cottage was home to the wacky-haired theoretical physicist from 1936 until he passed away in 1955. Albert Einstein specifically requested that it not be transformed into a museum. The house is a modest two-story, “L” shaped frame building with a gabled roof over the front. Not too shabby, at all.
His home has since been home to several fellow notable intellectuals teaching at the nearby university, including Frank Wilczek and economist Eric Maskin’s theoretical physicist. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in January 1976. Though the home is a private residence, people can view the house from the street.
Montana - C.M. Russell Log Cabin
This traditional log cabin operated as the home and studio for Charles Marion Russell, America's most beloved "cowboy artist," who created thousands of oil paintings depicting life and sceneries in the Wild West. Russell's log studio was built alongside his home in 1903. Nancy, Russell's wife, was paramount in helping Russell achieve the celebrity status he achieved later in life.
Built with western red cedar telephone poles, the studio is filled with authentic cowboy gear and Native American artifacts that Russell collected and used when he painted and sculpted. Today, it sits on a compound along with a museum dedicated to his work.
Washington - Edith Macefield's House
Simply known as the "Up house," this tiny house in the heart of the Ballard district was owned by a woman who made headlines back in 2006 for being a true maverick and refusing a $1 million offer to sell her home to make way for commercial development. The house was not the inspiration for the hit movie "Up," though it was certainly employed as a strong marketing tool when the film was released.
In the process, she became something of a folk hero. Edith has since passed away, but the house remains untouched to this day. The balloons are often replaced, you'll be pleased to know.
New Mexico - Billy The Kid's Hideout
This outwardly modest abode conceals a crazy part of history. The 4,000-square-foot home provided a safe hideout for the bandit fugitive while he was avoiding arrest. Billy The Kid needed numerous hideouts throughout his life on the run, and they ranged from building like this one, to caves.
It's difficult to believe that the legendary gunslinger reportedly used to store his weapons under the floorboards since the whole place currently looks cozily decorated and totally charming. Apparently, the outlaw hid in a flour barrel in the kitchen and later under a bed when soldiers from nearby Fort Stanton came knocking.
New York - Gracie Mansion
Built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, the two-story Federal-style home overlooking the East River in Manhattan's Yorkville neighborhood has been home to most New York City mayors since being designated as the official residence of the office in 1942. What started out as a country house overlooking the river has become a central and historic site in New York.
The property itself is actually quite historic, too: George Washington commandeered a since-destroyed building on it during the Revolutionary War to provide a strategic lookout. The building is open to tours and offers constant exhibitions of decorative and student art for the public to enjoy.