Saturday Shelterporn

Ever wanted to live in the house of a Nobel Prize winner? Well, now you can: This 1982 home near Rice University was once owned by Richard Smalley, one of the discoverers of the buckyball molecule (hence the Nobel Prize in chemistry) and a researcher of nanotechnology. Smalley died in 2005, and the home is up for sale by his wife and son.

Typically, we don’t care much for the 1980s period homes, but this one seems pretty tasteful. The three-story house features an updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a wood paneled library/study, a wet bar with ice maker (see, it is an '80s creation!) and hardwood floors throughout the main living areas. This house is more than 5,000 square feet and has five bedrooms, four full and two half baths and a three-car garage — sure would make for a great house party (hint, hint).

But wait, there's more! The home also boasts a skylight designed by Smalley in 2001 in the shape of a buckyball. Though Rice University is seeking the unique skylight, the sellers believe it should stay with the house (at least until it sells). The house is listed for $1.29 million, but really can you put a price on the buckyball greatness? We didn't think so.