LEGO 40594 Houses of the World 3 GWP review

Offering a distinct change of scenery for the four-part microscale building series is the upcoming LEGO gift-with-purchase, 40594 Houses of the World 3.

The penultimate entry in the Houses of the World series of VIP gift-with-purchase sets was recently revealed, with the third addition to the microscale building line-up heading for chillier climes. 40594 Houses of the World 3 is due to arrive as a free promotional item online and in-stores sometime in July, and is likely to require a spend of at least £220 / $250 / €250.

That would match the threshold for the previous entries in the series and it’s one that still feels slightly too high for the modular GWP sets. However, what 40594 Houses of the World 3 does do well is offer up yet another tiny and detailed abode, this time presenting a cosy Alpine lodge that would make for a perfect real-world getaway.

As with the first two Houses of the World models, the third build consists of two separate storeys, with a grey slate roof and chimney completing the look. Each section is also removable, allowing for a better view of the interior sections and miniaturised features within 40594 Houses of the World 3. The completed build stands approximately 12cm in height, is over 9cm in length and 8cm deep.

By moving away from the sunnier locations of Central America and North Africa, the latest GWP offering depicts a decidedly different type of architecture, one that could easily be found in countries such as Switzerland or Austria.

The ground floor walls of 40594 Houses of the World 3 are primarily constructed from white pieces on a grey baseplate, with plenty of detail inside and out. A printed pile of logs is stacked up next to the front door, and there’s a lamp, a bench and a pair of deposited ski poles in a barrel, a handy axe secured on one side and stickered shutters next to the window on the other side.

The interior of the ground floor presents a snug living room with blazing fireplace, printed rug and L-shaped sofa, a tiny record player, and a sideboard with cheese and chocolate, both of which are also printed pieces. A stickered picture on the wall reinforces the Alpine location, although it’s odd that the piece isn’t a printed element too.

Moving to the upper floor of 40594 Houses of the World 3 reveals a dark brown floor and walls, with the level boasting an exterior balcony complete with colourful flower display. Stickered shutter pieces sit on either side of the windows once again, with stickered wooden panels present too.

Heading inside this section gives telltale signs as to the lodge’s potential clientele, with a bench and large weights on display, plus a small bed, two bedside cabinets with lamps and a printed clock piece on the wall. In-between skiing, pumping iron and eating luxury food, it’s not hard to imagine a real-world version of 40594 Houses of the World 3 making an ideal vacation spot for young and affluent holidaymakers.

The roof area completes the build, with angled grey slates terminating in gutters on either side and a small chimney poking out of the top. Correctly placing the completed section on top of 40594 Houses of the World 3 provides a slight overhang for the balcony, no doubt to give the building’s inhabitants some shelter from any snow dropping from the roof above.

Lined up with the previous two builds in the series, 40594 Houses of the World 3 presents a welcome addition to the range of models to date, offering a distinct change of pace. While the spending threshold to obtain these promotional sets still seems on the high side, those looking to add the build to their collections may see it as a price they’re ultimately going to have to pay. We’re hoping that 40599 Houses of the World 4 will be just as unique when it too arrives at some point, completing the quartet of microscale modular buildings.

40594 Houses of the World 3 will be available for VIP members at some point in July, likely with purchases of £220 / $250 / €250 or more, while stocks last. Check back with Brick Fanatics for confirmation of its availability as soon as we have it.

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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