This definitively is not your average holiday retreat. And what a stunner it is! Designed by Suzy Hoodless. Six years in the making, our design for this remote Highland lodge softens striking modern architecture with colours inspired by the local landscape. The client, who is Scandinavian, wanted a holiday retreat where she and her family could enjoy spectacular views of the neighbouring loch – and the lodge’s rambling gardens, landscaped by Jinny Blom. As a means of softening the architecture, we took inspiration from the colours of the local sky and landscape, composing a muted palette of dove grey, dusky pink, pale blue and soft green. Rare Scandinavian furniture – including a Finn Juhl Chieftain sofa – needed to be shipped from Stockholm and Copenhagen. But the obstacles were more than made up for by the experiences we had – not least arriving in this spectacular place at the estate’s own train station, with the family flashing torches to make a request stop.

Some photos by Nicola Browne, Allan Pollok-Morris

I am such a huge fan of Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, as you may have come to realize over the years. Her team’s ability to take homes with history, filled with original details, and sympathetically remodel them to make them functional for today’s lifestyle is always impeccable and so perfectly executed. This home in Iowa City takes you back in time yet is contemporary and vivacious. I could not love this more. (Lead designer: Chelsie Lee; Architect: CWB Architects; Photos: Christopher Sturman)

I could totally get behind barn living if it looked like this. Hubert Zandberg tackled the design of this contemporary barn renovation in Buckinghamshire and the bucolic setting and details of the architecture really add character and make this home so welcoming and relaxed.

I am convinced that if I were ever to visit a castle, a home with details this exquisite that I would probably pass right out. This is truly incredible. Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath, Ireland has been home to the Nugent family for over 400 years. The 17th century Georgian castle was sensitively refreshed by Todhunter Earle Interiors when the current occupants, a young family, took over the house. The bedrooms have been brightened with large scale wallpapers and fabrics, beds re-dressed and new bathrooms installed. The essence of the traditional Irish castle has been retained, whilst updating the house for modern living.

Now this is a cottage vibe I can get behind! Whimsical, a bit country but with some more modern touches, super casual and relaxed where no one cares if you forgot to take your shoes off. Bridlepath Berkshire holiday cottage designed by Turner Pocock.