Explore 5 of the Oldest Homes Around the World Still Open to Visitors

Tucked at the base of Mount Sahand in Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province lies the extraordinary village of Kandovan—a living testament to resilience and ancient ingenuity. Around 700 years ago, refugees escaping the Mongol invasions carved their homes directly into the region’s soft volcanic rock, creating a unique settlement that still stands today.

These cave dwellings, known locally as Karaans—a name possibly derived from a dialect word meaning “beehive”—are an example of troglodyte architecture, a term from Greek meaning “cave-dweller.” With their distinct conical shapes and honeycomb-like structure, the homes of Kandovan offer a rare glimpse into a way of life shaped by both nature and necessity.

Located west of Albuquerque in New Mexico, Acoma Pueblo is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. While archaeological evidence dates its establishment to the 12th century, the Acoma people themselves trace their origins in the area back even further.

Homes on a High Mesa

The village’s oldest surviving dwellings are perched atop a 367-foot-high mesa—a flat-topped hill with steep sides. The word mesa comes from Spanish, meaning "table," a reference to the flat appearance of its summit. These elevated homes, built between 1144 and 1150, were strategically placed for defense and visibility.

Saltford Manor House in Somerset is one of England’s leading candidates for the title of the oldest continuously inhabited residence. This five-bedroom, Grade II-listed building is steeped in history, with features that reflect centuries of architectural evolution.

Renowned architectural historian John Goodall has dated the house to sometime before 1150—possibly as early as 1148. There’s even speculation that the site may have been occupied during the Roman period, suggesting a much longer history of residential use. Today, Saltford Manor stands as a rare and tangible connection to England’s medieval and possibly ancient past.

Perched in the rugged landscape of the Faroe Islands, Kirkjubøargarður—also known as the "King’s Farm"—is believed to be one of the oldest wooden houses in continuous use anywhere in the world. Its long and storied history stretches back to the 11th century, making it a remarkable example of early Nordic architecture and endurance.

A Home Built from the Sea

What makes Kirkjubøargarður even more extraordinary is its construction material. Built almost entirely from driftwood that washed ashore from Norway, the house reflects the ingenuity of early Faroese settlers. In a land virtually devoid of trees, where timber has always been a rare and valuable resource, repurposing ocean-borne wood was both a necessity and a skill passed down through generations.