A house for sale in Barcelona is drawing plenty of attention on social media and property portals for one truly surreal reason: it has a helicopter parked in the garden. Literally. It's not a model or a quirky decorative piece, but a real helicopter – complete with cockpit, propellers, military paintwork and even a number plate. Unsurprisingly, the property has gone viral within hours – and with good reason.
The property, listed on idealista for €1,100,000, is located in the Vallvidrera–El Tibidabo i les Planes area, within the Sarrià–Sant Gervasi district, and is surrounded by the Collserola Natural Park. While the house itself more than justifies the asking price – with 235 m² of built space, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garden, swimming pool, terrace with barbecue and spectacular views of the mountains and Tibidabo amusement park – what truly sets it apart is a replica Bell UH-1H “Iroquois” helicopter, better known as the “Huey” in the garden.
A helicopter with history… and a €150,000 repair bill
The aircraft is no longer operational, but it still retains its original structure and appearance. It was brought to the property in 2011, transported in pieces and assembled directly in the garden. Weighing 800 kilos, it’s mounted on a 2.5-tonne stainless steel base anchored to the ground. Painted in US Army colours, it has stood as a striking visual landmark in the area for over a decade.
According to the owners, the helicopter was operational before being refurbished, and restoring it to its original condition would require repairs costing around €150,000. However, it is not currently certified for flight. In other words, while the aircraft could be made functional again, it remains, for now, a highly exclusive decorative feature.
The installation of the helicopter was a complex logistical feat, requiring special cranes, municipal permits and coordination with aeronautical technicians. The result is what you see today: a military aircraft nestled among pine trees, with views overlooking the Tibidabo amusement park.
A movie house (literally)
The helicopter is the same model made iconic in films such as Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket, adding an extra layer of symbolic and visual appeal.
If the seller aimed to stand out among the thousands of properties in Barcelona, they’ve certainly succeeded. The house has been featured in Spanish media and on sites like MSN and Crónica Global, attracting thousands of views and becoming one of the most viral listings on idealista.
Besides the helicopter, the property boasts hardwood floors, high-quality finishes, a fireplace and a tranquil setting that ensures privacy and expansive views. It also benefits from road access and nearby public transport (rail).
What if I don't want the helicopter?
The seller is open to negotiations, and if the future owner prefers not to keep the aircraft, it can be removed, though this would be neither easy nor inexpensive. Alternatively, it could be preserved as a sculptural feature or converted into a play or reading area, as some visitors have already suggested.
Naturally, the agency cautions that the helicopter is not certified to fly, just in case anyone had any wild ideas. And with the estimated €150,000 required to restore it, who knows if it will ever take to the skies again.