Real Estate Roundup: The 10 Hottest Listings of 2012

Who says suburban architecture is boring? Burnsville Patch's weekly House Hunt belies that tired myth. Over 2012, we've highlighted a dizzying array of homes—from a geodesic dome to a home that's less expensive than a brand new Ford.

Here are the top picks from the last 12 months:

1. The 'Castle House' Goes Up for Sale: This princely abode at 14700 Summit Oaks Drive was our most popular featured property by far. Part-chateau, part-Barbie Dream Home, the four-bed, three-bath home covers almost 4,000 square feet and is packed with deluxe amenities and architectural flourishes—chandeliers, wood paneling, stately fireplaces and massive windows with stunning views of the city. The Castle House sold for $524,900 on Sept. 27, 2012.

2. A Tiny Treasure at a Tempting Price: Our second most popular property is the diametric opposite of the Castle House. Readers flipped for 12453 Ottawa Avenue in Savage, a wee wonder that covers less than 25 percent of the area taken up by the palatial Summit Oaks home. At $29,900, it's also 1/17th of the price. Diminutive though it may be, the petite Victorian-era home has real historical cache. The two-bed, one-bath was built in 1881, when the town was still named Hamilton Landing. As of today, the house is still on the market. 

3. Ever Wanted to Live in a Geodesic Dome Home? Here's Your Chance: Few homes are more interesting than 14673 Idaho Avenue, a four-bed, three-bath foreclosure property tucked into a wooded lot in Savage. This home, built in 1981, comes with 2,170 square feet spread through a geodesic structure akin to Buckminster Fuller's "house of the future."  When is first entered the market, the house was priced at $187,000.  The asking price has since been reduced to $168,900.

4. : This listing was one of the best bargains of the last 12 months. The four-bedroom, two-bath twin home at 13016 Oliver Avenue South made its market debut at $89,900, a paltry sum for a home with deck and large yard. Ultimately, the house sold for even less—just $81,890—on Aug. 1, 2012.  

5. All the Comforts of Home—And the Country Club As Well: From the street, 10 Geneva Boulevard doesn't stand out, but this quiet-looking home packed with some top shelf amenities. The four-bed, four-bath house sits on a wooded lot with an in-ground heated pool, full-sized Sports Court, cinema style projector room, lushly-designed grounds with a burbling brook and more. sits on a wooded lot with an in-ground heated pool, full-sized Sports Court, cinema style projector room, lushly-designed grounds with a burbling brook and more. The home made its market debut in late November at the comparatively low price of $375,000. It seems that the current owners may have changed their minds about selling this luxurious property. The house does not appear to have sold, nor does it seem to be an active listing at present.

6. Tour a Half-Million Dollar Lakefront Home: What's not to love about 337 Maple Island Road? This beautiful three-bed, three-bath rambler on the shores of Crystal Lake's Maple Island sports a newly remodeled master suite, fireplace and whirlpool tub. Originally, the seller was asking for $549,000. The house is still on the market and has been marked down to $500,000.

7. Home with Wine Cellar and Indoor Pool for $225K: Oh, if only the walls at 11307 Sibley Drive could talk. This three-bed, two-bath home was built in Burnsville's early days, in 1964, and it comes with plenty of features to appeal to the mod-era jet set. The home boasts an indoor, in-ground pool, wine cellar, sauna and built-in bookshelves. Originally, the house was priced at $225,000 (satin smoking jacket and slippers not included). The property has since disappeared from the market. 

8. Check Out This 6-Bedroom Stunner: Our eighth most popular home is an enormous house at 15012 Viewcrest Lane with a sunken tub, balcony and two-story wall of windows overlooking a luscious backyard. At the time of its entrance into the market it was priced at $424,900. 

9. A Three-bedroom For Under $100K: Like Number 4, 13004 Oliver Avenue South was a steal, which is fitting since the two are on the same block. This rambler offered three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a fireplace and deck, all for $99,900. The home sold on Nov. 16, 2012 for even less—just $88,000.

10. Lakefront Views at a Price Even a Landlubber Would Love: This property at 60 Crystal Lake Road is a happy medium between affordable and tastefully tony. The three-bed, three-bath home rambler comes with a panoramic view of Crystal Lake, an open floor plan and plenty of southern exposure. The property is still on the market, listed at $249,900.