🏠Built Out of Spite: 7 American Spite Houses (Plus One Legendary Tower Abroad)
In real estate, motivation matters—and while most homes are built with family or investment in mind, some are built for revenge. Enter the world of spite houses: quirky, often cramped homes built to settle a score, block a view, or just make a bold (and sometimes petty) statement. Whether a reaction to neighbors, family disputes, or civic disagreements, these homes have become architectural folklore.
Here, we highlight 7 of the most famous spite houses in the United States, including the iconic Montlake Spite House, nestled in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. And for a global twist, we’ll explore the towering spite of the Kavanagh Building in Argentina—possibly the priciest spite structure ever built.
Photo courtesy of Joe Mabel. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
The Montlake Spite House is currently on the market for $767,500. Click here to learn more about this Seattle landmark.
Photo courtesy of Rhododendrites. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
Photo courtesy of Joe Mabel. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
Photo courtesy of Elf. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
From a postcard c. 1912.
Photo courtesy of Thisisbossi. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
Photo courtesy of Ndudier. GNU/Creative Commons licenses.
Click here to learn more about this incredible building in Buenos Aires.
At Russell Jones Real Estate, we specialize in homes with character—whether it's historic charm in Montlake or modern elegance in greater Capitol Hill. We're here to help you find more than just a house—we'll help you find the story you're proud to live in.
đź“Ť Thinking of buying or selling in Montlake or greater Seattle?
📞 Contact us today and let’s find your next chapter—no grudges required. (206) 323-0800.
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