For today’s Sunday castle I have what is actually a villa in Sicily but it has very castle-like architecture so let’s call it a castle, shall we? 🙂 This is a beauty! Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves outside the Sicilian fishing town of Mazara del Vallo is a castle-like villa that dates back to the 17th century. Complete with turrets and towers, this fortified farmhouse was originally built as a monastery, and later became the centre of a local wine business. Now, the ground floor of this family-owned property is an elegantly furnished holiday retreat. The eclectic interiors feature pieces collected during the owners’ extensive travels across the globe: a Chinese-style library, a canary yellow living room with Brazilian ceramics, and a Moroccan-influenced suite all tell stories of a life well-lived. It’s easy to while away afternoons over long, lazy lunches within the walled orangery; there’s also a palm-fringed pool and a private tennis court. Santa Maria Villa available to stay, via The Perfect Getaway.

Looking for a magical getaway? Look what I found! The lovingly preserved, 200 year old farmhouse, is ideally nestled in rural Tuscany overlooking sloping vineyards just a few kms from the village of Montefollonico and the better-known hilltop village of Montepulciano. Surrounded by cypresses, sheep pastures, and olive groves, the once forgotten farmhouse has been beautifully restored by owners Fabio and Suzanne, offering an authentic and relaxed Tuscan experience. The country house has six beautiful suites, re-finished and furnished with unique pieces that reflect the local history and environment. Follonico offers a subdued, pastoral alternative to the vineyard boutiques and touristy guesthouses that dot the region and is the perfect place to slow down, breathe and enjoy the natural rhythms that surround you. Via The Perfect Hideaway.

Sharing a little eye candy from the portfolio of British interior designer Marion Lichtig. She is renowned for working in harmony with the homeowner and for her trademark user-friendly style. “I favour a simple, relaxed, clean look and am attracted to clear and pared-down symmetry. My style is classical yet understated; I believe design is about the careful balance of the contemporary and classic. I like a room to look as though it belongs to the present while incorporating elements of the past, working with colours of nature. A house should feel like it has evolved over time – even if it has been put together by me over a limited period. I don’t like rooms that feel dominated by the decorator’s taste: everything should look effortless and unplanned.”

If things like maximalism, layered patterns upon patterns, archways and colour are up your alley then may I present to you some pretty extraordinary spaces by Dallas designer Michelle Nussbaumer (of Ceylon et Cie), including the epic blue and white tiled kitchen in her home in San Miguel de Allende. This woman is in a league of her own and I cannot get enough.

It’s dwellings like this that make me want to bring out my inner minimalism. Neutral, with black accents, and just the basics is all you need in such a small space. This 58 sq m condo in Sweden is for sale via Historika Hem.