When Friedrich Nietzsche wrote his formula for human greatness, he defined it as amor fati. Latin for “love of fate,” this means welcoming all of life’s experiences as good, and wanting nothing to be different. While he experienced hardship, as we all do, he also had the great fortune of living in a Venetian palazzo. Soaring ceilings, marble floors and a panoramic waterfront balcony…not too shabby for a 19th-century poet-philosopher. Today, we’d call that #winning.
At some point, we’ve all imagined a version, or versions, of our dream house. Whether palazzo or beachfront palapa, it’s the home that inspires our best work and play. Now let’s say that one day, $1 million falls out of the sky into your lap — lucky raffle ticket perhaps, an unexpected inheritance or maybe you even win the lottery. Whatever the case, suddenly, your fate has changed. In partnership with Michigan Lottery, we’ve rounded up some of the most amazing, luxurious properties for you to dream about, imagine yourself in or possibly even own for $1 million. Wherever you are, or wherever you may land, in the spirit of amor fati, life is good.
Williamstown, MA
Asking Price: $980,000
Square feet: 3,688
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6
Highlights: True notched-log construction with logs hand-hewn in Virginia; mountain views; prime location; three levels of living space; open-plan dining room; master suite; four bedrooms, each with private bath.
Realtor note: “An extraordinary home, featuring true notched-log construction.…With distant views and in a prime location, it comprises three levels of living space.…The owners have run a successful hobby B&B here, with guests from all over the world, attracted by Williams College, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Clark Art, Mass MoCA, Jiminy Peak and myriad other Berkshire attractions.”
Troy, MI
Asking Price: $1,000,000
Square feet: 4,356
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5
Highlights: Venetian plaster walls; plenty of marble and fresco-style artwork; floor-to-ceiling wood paneling in library.
Realtor note: “Located on a very private, 1.59 acre serene setting complete with fully stocked pond (12 feet deep) and multiple waterfalls.”
Goldfield, NV
Asking Price: $950,000
Square feet: 8,136 on 40 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Highlights: Skylight; balcony; rooftop deck; RV hookup.
Realtor note: “Hard Luck Castle is a VERY special place…a four-story marvel with 22 rooms including…complete wood shop, wine cellar, theater room with game room, glass solarium/planetarium. It is a complete off-grid, self-sufficient home: solar and wind, propane and diesel backup systems.”
Palm Desert, CA
Asking Price: $989,000
Square feet: 3,781
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 5
Highlights: Solar power for electric/pool; large fireplace; Southwest style with low-maintenance desert landscaping.
Realtor note: “Lush desertscape. [The] rear yard is perfect for entertaining, offering amazing panoramic views, several seating areas, refreshing pool/spa, rock water feature and gazebo. Absolutely amazing. A must see!”
Albuquerque, NM
Asking Price: $998,800
Square feet: 5,360
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Highlights: Property has grape vines and fruit trees (apple, cherry, plum, apricot, pear); high ceilings; wet bar; wine storage; surround sound; fireplace; jetted tub; steam shower; fenced patio with Thermador grill.
Realtor note: “Nestled in coveted Sandia Mountains Foothills, location offers privacy and spectacular mountain and city lights views — and is ideal for enjoying the delightful [Albuquerque International] Balloon Festival!”
Ray, MI
Asking Price: $965,000
Square feet: 4,426 on 56 acres
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Highlights: Vaulted ceilings; two-way fireplace; master bath with garden tub and separate walk-in shower; three barns on the property.
Realtor note: “Imagine hunting deer and turkey on this…property.…Perfect…for a horse farm.”
Pound Ridge, NY
Asking Price: $949,000
Square feet: 2,800
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Highlights: Second Empire-style home built 1833, with large addition in 1868; renovated by current owners; wide-planked wooden floors; three working fireplaces.
Realtor note: “Set among age-old trees in a verdant sweeping meadow…[has] established veggie garden and room for a pool; renovate the lovely vintage stone building as a fun pool house.”
All over the state of Michigan, ordinary days become extraordinary when real winners win real money from the Michigan Lottery. By playing the Michigan Lottery, in-store or online, you’re saying yes to the possibility of your dream house, or whatever it is you’ve always wanted to buy. With the right outlook, whatever your fate, the winning is always in the playing.