The National Association of Home Builders released their 2010 data last week, reporting that the average new American home shrank in size to 2,377 square feet, compared to an all-time high of 2,521 back in 2007. If the era of the McMansion is drawing to a close, what's left for the yuppie home buyer? Well, for one secretive defense contractor, the solution is a 500-acre plot in the Ozarks and plans for a 72,000-square-foot monstrosity. Now, that should draw up the average for next year, but what's there to tide us over 'til the next boom? Why, a pricier version of the average, of course. Take this three-bedroom, two-bath hillside mid-century modern in Los Angeles (above). Built in 1963 by architect Phil Brown, it has been meticulously and respectfully updated. And the location, pristine condition, and views push the 2011 price tag to $2.6M. Get ready for more small space, big price after the jump: we've found seven superior residences around 2,400 square feet each, perfect for spending 2011 luxuriating in tastefully sized splendor.
? Moving north to San Francisco, we get a taste of that Bay Area pricing. This four-bed, 4.5-bath Pacific Heights townhouse recently underwent a major revamp. It may not have a water view, but it sits directly across from a city park. So, how much for that giant front yard? $3.6M.
? In Dallas, a fancy address comes with a price to match. 3111 Wellborn Street, also known as The Centrum, has this 2,400-square-foot unit tucked away behind that Trump-ian lobby entrance. With enormous windows and a large terrace, this corner apartment enjoys million-dollar views of the Dallas skyline. No, make that $1.15M views.
? This 33rd-floor apartment on Atlanta's Midtown Mile takes advantage of its height with some up-close-and-personal views of the city's skyscrapers. A narrow balcony runs the length of the apartment, and the building, built in 2008, is chock full of ritzy resort amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, and restaurant. This high-floor home runs $1.2M.
? Next up, the Gold Coast of Chicago, where this two-bed, 2.5-bath, pre-war apartment clocks in at $1.975M. While it measures only 2,200 square feet, it does boast two coveted parking spots in the underground garage.
? This triplex townhouse condo in Boston's tony Beacon Hill neighborhood boasts some irreplaceable pre-war detail: marble fireplaces, detailed crown moldings, anda crystal chandelier. The cramped so-called "chef's" leaves a little to be desired, but at $2.45M, the price sure doesn't.
? Not surprisingly, the price leader on our list comes out of Manhattan. And this Park Avenue three-bedroom sure isn't trying to disguise its price tag, what with the gilded trim and birds-eye maple. But that's what $4.9M buys on this storied street.
· The Shrinking American Home [WSJ Developments]
· Living large: Home going up in Highlandville to be one of country’s largest. [Christian County Headliner]
· 5699 Holly Oak, Los Angeles [Coldwell Banker]
· 2207 Scott Street, San Francisco [Coldwell Banker]
· 3111 Wellborn Street, Dallas [Allie Beth Allman]
· 1080 Peachtree Street, Atlanta [Hirsh]
· 1550 N State Parkway, Chicago [Coldwell Banker]
· 21 W Cedar Street [Zillow]
· 784 Park Avenue [Corcoran]