“I
just knew the spaceship was going to own me one day.”
Victoria
Clarkin
Like
many people, before we go to explore a new place, I always look to
see what is different or unusual near where we are going. I saw
pictures of the UFO house online and knew we had to make that one of
our destinations. So we drove over to Pensacola Beach and headed
south on Via De Luna Drive looking at all the hotels and homes
dotting the road. We first almost passed the home as it is set back
and is actually on Panferio Drive. It looks so out of place with
all the other normal looking homes and high rises. I like it.
The
UFO house was designed in the 1960's by Finnish Architect, Matti
Suuronen and built in 1966. This home was originally owned by Dr.
William R. Rundles who was the franchise dealer in north east Florida
for Futuro Homes. He wanted it built in the prime spot where he
could see the gulf and the sound and where it could be seen by many.
The base is concrete and very sturdy. This home has survived many a
storm. The UFO part was lowered in by helicopter onto the base and
secured. During Hurricane Ivan, the base was completely immersed
but survived without any damage. One article I read said it was
built like a boat and in a bad storm could just float away. I am not
sure that was the truth but it is a neat thought seeing it ride the
waves. Suuronen built about a hundred homes and some 60 homes are
still in existence around the world. The house has 900 square feet,
36 feet in diameter, and includes a bedroom, living room, eat in
kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The ramp was modeled after the one in
the 1951 Sci fi movie, “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”
This
home is now owned by Victoria and Mark Clarkin. They bought the home
in 1998 and now currently houses the Pensacola Beach Preservation and
Historical Society which Victoria Clarkin is the president. Victoria
decorates the home for the holidays. She covers the UFO with an
orange parachute for Halloween made makes it a jack-o-lantern.
Christmas she puts Santa hats on the aliens. When we were there in
April, they put the alien surfer out front.
We
walked around looking at the house and it is pretty amazing to see.
I was just nervous that I was trespassing so I wasn't as bold as some
who visit this home. We really got a kick out of seeing it and I
know you will too. Peace be with you fellow humans. You can find
this house at 1305 Panferio Drive, Pensacola Beach, Florida.
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