These spectacular lake and mountain views, from the mountainous Argentinian vacation mecca of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, come a bit cheaper than Americans might expect. The main house measures 1,400 square feet and includes the perfect outdoor desk for the expat telecommuter, with views over the lake, the Andes, and into neighboring Chile, while the two guest houses offer accommodations for envious friends. So how much for world-class views and a mini-compound? Just $329K. Yowzers! Those million-dollar views would cost at least a million dollars stateside. Well, maybe a bit more than that. So we went hunting for some comparable vistas in the U.S. and, sure enough, the views might be breathtaking—but so is the cost. After the jump: five impressive domestic offerings with impressive views and impressive listing prices.
? 5: Marblehead, Mass.
The craggy New England coast might not have the water and mountain contrasts of Argentina, but it's hard to argue with a neat little corner of the mighty Atlantic. This house takes full advantage, complete with a "tea house" on the water's edge. But for just 1.8 acres and an architecturally uninspiring exterior—thanks, satellite dish—$6M is a mighty asking price.
? 4: Carbondale, Colo.
This Rocky Mountain ranch property outside of Aspen boasts some 4,170 acres, so preserving the vistas will be up to the next owner. Known as Three Meadows Ranch, it's a big bump up in price from the Massachusetts coast, asking $22.5M, and the ranch has only barns and work cabins. But given how these things tend to go, we're guessing the next owner plops some monstrosity down next to the pond.
? 3: Belvedere, Calif.
The bayside San Fran suburb of Belvedere attracts some deep-pocketed Californians. Last year, it was named the eighth richest zip code in the States by Forbes, citing an average home price of $3.28M. Well, this mansion, set on the bay with views of the skyline, Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate, is far from average. The six-bedroom house is listed for $27.5M.
? 2: NYC
The Donald Trump empire usually doesn't push the right buttons, but in this case—the penthouse at the Trump World Tower—the king of the comb-over really wows. With floor-to-ceiling glass and a midtown locale for close-ups of world-famous skyscrapers, this 72nd-story penthouse enjoys probably the best city views in the world. Therefore, the sky-high price should come as little surprise. $34.5M. That's $8.625M per bedroom, just for the pleasure of sleeping with the Chrysler Building as a nightlight.
? 1: Maui, Hawaii
The Hana Ranch, located on the tropical, eastern side of Maui, will leave the next owner spoiled for choice. With 4,500 acres, 2,200-foot hillsides, and two miles of oceanfront, this tract isn't struggling to justify its $65M price tag. A nostalgic taste of old Hawaii, there's something about such a modest structure on this epic acreage that plucks the hippie heartstrings. Oh, and it borders the beach that Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist James Michener described as "the most perfect crescent of beach in the Pacific." Yes, somehow, this seems like a deal.
· Patagonia View Investment Property [official site]
· Marblehead Neck Waterfront Estate [Landvest]
· Three Meadows Ranch [Sotheby's]
· A True Belvedere [Sotheby's]
· Calif. and NYC Dominate Top 10 of the Nation's Filthy-Richest Zips [Curbed National]
· Trump World Tower, Unit PH90B [Prudential Elliman]
· Hana Ranch [Sotheby's]