1. Pablo Picasso fell in love with this historic castle. We think you will too.

Photos via Sotheby's International Realty

Located in Provence in sun-drenched southern France, this magnificent château dates back to the 13th century. Home to Gabriel Joseph de Froment, Baron de Castille, throughout the 18th century, the residence was acquired by the  legendary British art historian and modern art collector, Douglas Cooper, in 1950. A close friend of many noted artists, including Georges Braque, Fernand Leger, and Paul Klee, Cooper often entertained Pablo Picasso in the 8,611-square-foot, seven-bedroom stunner. Picasso was so taken with the home that he tried to purchase it from Cooper, who refused. Picasso did, however, have five of his sculpted murals installed at the château. The frescoes, along with other parts of the castle, are listed on France’s official register of protected historic monuments. In addition to  its fascinating history, the residence includes two drawing rooms, two dining rooms, several kitchens, and interiors by the noted American interior designer Dick Dumas, who spent several decades in the south of France and is well-known for his Provençal homes. Set on nearly five acres, the property includes a charming historic park with a tree-lined drive leading to the château, a formal knot garden, several historic garden ornaments, outbuildings, and a staff house. The castle is listed for $9.8 million. Click here to view the full listing.

2. Hollywood legend Jerry Weintraub’s sculptural desert retreat includes a pub modeled after London’s Claridge’s Bar.
Photos via Bighorn Golf Course

Mega film producer/music manager Jerry Weintraub commissioned architect Guy Dreier to design this commanding contemporary residence in Palm Desert --- a posh resort town fifteen miles east of Palm Springs. The 9,152-square-foot, 6-bedroom home is located on the Bighorn Golf Course and features breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. Within the angular panther slate facade, the residence features an array of beautifully crafted elements such as Beaumaniere limestone floors, smooth plaster wall finishes, wood ceilings, and fireplaces made of honey onyx, glass and granite. The expansive home includes a media room, a sumptuous master suite that cantilevers over one of the outdoor pools, and a pub modelled after London’s Claridge’s Bar --- an Art Deco icon dating back to 1856. The home has been thoughtfully designed to create an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces (hello, retractable walls of glass). Outside, the residence features multiple covered living spaces, a fireplace lounge, a sunbather’s deck, two expansive architectural pools, three spas, and a guest house. The Weintraub estate is on the market for $16 million. Click here to view the full listing.

3. A Bay Area Eichler house hits the market for the first time.
Photos via Sotheby’s International Realty

This mid-century gem is one of many crisp, clean homes by the modernist architect Joseph Eichler in northern California. What sets this San Rafael abode apart is its pedigree. The 2,085-square-foot, five-bedroom residence has been home to the 1938 Jitterbug Swing Dance Champion, Ray Hirsch, and his actress wife, Betty, since 1961. The Hirsches, who starred in numerous Hollywood films during the 1940s alongside the likes of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, have been the home’s only inhabitants. The bright and welcoming residence features contemporary interiors, skylights, and a fireplace. The home backs onto 150 acres of open space and sits on a fully fenced and landscaped 9,455-square-foot lot that includes an Eichler-style guest cottage that was built in 1969. This Eicher house carries a $1.19 million price tag. Click here to view the full listing.

4. This 18th-century Georgian Colonial in historic Wickford, Rhode Island, has been beautifully restored.
Photos via Sotheby’s International Realty

Located in Wickford, a small village in the town of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, this grand gable-on-hip Georgian Colonial residence dates back to 1745. Set on Wickford Harbor overlooking Narragansett Bay, the home was originally owned by the village's founder, followed by a slew of merchants and mariners. Later, Alonzo Cross, then-president of the Cross pen company, acquired the residence and enlisted architect and preservationist Norman Isham to thoroughly restore the structure, which included moving it forty feet onto a new foundation. Today, the beautifully preserved home features four spacious rooms with high ceilings, six fireplaces, hardwood floors, and tons of original period details throughout. The charming property is listed for $1.95 million. Click here to view the full listing.

5. Could this home really be in Brooklyn, NY?
Photos via Douglas Elliman

Why, yes it could! Built in 1919 by Arts and Crafts master James Sarsfield Kennedy, this enchanting residence known as the Gingerbread House is located in Bay Ridge, once an oceanfront getaway for the city's rich and famous. As if the home’s charming aesthetic wasn’t enough, the 5,746-square-foot property occupies an entire block and sits atop a magnificently manicured lot spanning 20,000 square feet (roughly the equivalent of 10 townhouses). The stone residence, complete with a pitched roof and gabled windows, transports you from the hustle and bustle of New York City to a seemingly far off land. The six-bedroom home is awash in handcrafted details, including stained glass windows, woodcarvings, hand-painted ceilings, and artful door knockers. The residence includes numerous fireplaces, a coffered dining room, a wine cellar, and music and fountain rooms. The magical city retreat is on the market for $10.99 million. Click here to view the full listing.