July 5, 2025, 5:52 am | Read time: 3 minutes
In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the Haines Shoe House stands as one of the most unusual homes in the United States. Shaped like a gigantic shoe, it is indeed a place where people can live. TRAVELBOOK writer Robin Hartmann shares the fascinating history of the house and reveals the amenities guests can expect today. He also explains why only a few might be able to afford a stay there.
In the small town of Hellam Township, Pennsylvania, most drivers on Highway 30 would likely speed by without a second glance if it weren’t for a very special house. You can see it from the road, just as its builder intended. The building alone probably put the town on the map for many tourists because it has an extremely unusual shape—a gigantic shoe. And you can even rent it for one or more nights, if you’re willing to pay the price.
The history of the Haines Shoe House begins, according to its official website, in 1948, when entrepreneur Mahlon Haines had it built for the then-astonishing sum of $26,000. It was meant to be a particularly unusual (and expensive) marketing stunt to advertise his shoe stores. Legend has it that Haines went to an architect with one of his self-made work shoes and said, “Build me a house that looks exactly like this.” And so the building in the shape of a giant shoe was created, which today houses, among other things, three bedrooms across five floors.
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Covering an area of nearly 1,500 square feet, it is 48 feet long, about 23 feet high, and up to 16 feet wide. The living room is located in the toe area, the kitchen in the heel of the shoe. Two of the bedrooms are at ankle height. From the beginning, the Haines Shoe House served as a guesthouse. The entrepreneur often offered it for free to newlyweds and older couples. Customers of the shoe magnate could also win stays through contests, which included a week of paid vacation with a butler and maid.

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Haines himself never lived in the gigantic shoe, but later built a house on the same street, now named Shoe House Road after him. Since his death in 1962, the house has changed owners seven times. The current owner, Naomi Brown, told TRAVELBOOK: “At one point, it even served as an ice cream parlor and a museum.” She and her husband Waylon are renting out the Haines Shoe House again, and at quite hefty prices. Those who check the offer on relevant booking websites should expect to pay an average of $520 (about 440 euros) per night.
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Brown remains satisfied nonetheless. “The house is doing extremely well and is almost fully booked throughout the year. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and season. In the summer, we have peak season.” After all, for the steep price, you get quite a bit, including a hot tub, a fireplace, and a large garden or outdoor area. Oddly enough, if you want to make a fire or grill, you have to bring your own wood or charcoal. Before booking, you can view numerous pictures of the house online on the official website. The state of Pennsylvania has recognized the Haines Shoe House as a historical landmark since 2023. It has also been featured in various TV shows.