On the Market: Five homes that stand out from a crowd

When it comes to building houses, most people play it safe. I don't just mean cookie-cutter developments in the suburbs: Even million-dollar mansions on expansive estates tend to all fall under the same grandiose design, as though everyone asked the same company to build their grand marble staircases and climate-controlled wine cellars.

So enough of the same-old, same-old. These five homes on the market are a little topsy-turvy, a little out the ordinary — in other words, just a little different.

1. A Flemish manor in Malvern, $2.495 million

(Photo courtesy of Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty)

This "Flemish Manor" style home features a cute facade with whimsical double-chimneys. The interior is clean, modern and tasteful, with features like a luxe master bathroom, a gym and ample entertaining spaces.

See the full listing here.

2. The Potter House in Chestnut Hill, $514,000

(Photo courtesy of BHHS Fox & Roach)

It's appropriate that a neighborhood known for its Harry Potter fan festival would have a historic residence called "The Potter House." Built in 1883 by Wilson Eyre, an architectural master who influenced Frank Lloyd Wright, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The best features are the upper-level porch and a cool fireplace with a built-in bench and grandfather clock. Why do I get the feeling that the winding staircase in the living room might move around when you're not looking?

See the full listing here. 

3. The Vanna Venturi House in Chestnut Hill, $1.75 million

(Photo courtesy of Kurfiss)

While it's still in the process of being added to the city's Register of Historic Places, this 1960s home is widely respected as the emblem of Postmodernist architecture. Staircases to nowhere, asymmetrical windows, fake chimneys — the weird and wonderful details of this home leave so much to be discovered. Simply put, there is no home in Philadelphia that is more original or more influential in the history of design.

See the full listing here. 

Related story: Famed Philly architects get equal recognition they fought for 

4. A little blue farmhouse in Pipersville, $775,000

(Photo courtesy of Kurfiss)

This absolutely delightful, rustic home, built of beautiful white cedar, sits on 15 acres of private land. You can fish in the creek, grow vegetables in the garden, take a stroll in the woods — is there a reason to ever leave? Be sure to also check out the amazing porch with a cathedral ceiling and gorgeous views of the surrounding woods.

See the full listing here.

5. A showstopper in Rittenhouse, $4,750 per month

(Photo courtesy of Allan Domb Real Estate)

Dreamt up by a former Broadway set designer, this home deserves a standing ovation. Glamorous details include a wall papered with 18-karat gold leaf, 9-foot ceilings and an art gallery lighting plan. Plus, Rittenhouse Square is right under your nose.

See the full listing here.