I think it’s a first. I honestly believe we have never featured an events complex on the blog. It wasn’t a hard decision though when the space was designed by Isabel López-Quesada. Just 15 minutes from Madrid, Finca Las Tenadas is a series of barns beautifully redefined by López-Quesada and landscape designer Fernando Martos. A fairytale setting for fabulous functions don’t you think? Makes me almost want to get married again… oops I mean renew my vows.

It may only be 5 metres wide but as the architectural firm Dan Gayfer Design explains it’s all about “… a high level of functionality, flexibility, interaction and detail in a house with high ceilings, a high roofline and high levels of natural light.” It’s also high on style. The perfect partnering of spatial design and good looks. What can I say. It really is a High House.

Photos by Dean Bradley

“Sleek and minimal with a limited colour palette” could be design-speak for “hard and lifeless” but not with this NY apartment by 1100 Architect. Accents of wood and jute with layering of textures create a warm, modern home. Anyone else go weak at the knees for walls of steel and glass windows?

Photography by Nikolas Koenig

The facade of this Hawthorn, Melbourne house may be traditional but behind the glossy black door is a sophisticated, contemporary home. The renovation by Austin Design Associates is rich with bespoke details and beautiful finishes. (The joinery is a standout of the property.) A palette of black and white is warmed with golden wood and metal in the open plan kitchen/dining/living areas while a playful dose of greens and yellows is a surprise in the family room. A beautiful home. A perfectly modern marriage of the old and the new.

We are huge church conversion fans here on Desire to Inspire and this once derelict country chapel is one of my favourites. The former Catholic church was deconsecrated in 1993 and quickly fell into disrepair with the roof eventually collapsing and the remaining stone walls looking to quickly follow. Purchased by a local builder, the church has been lovingly restored with a sympathetic extension referencing it’s form and simplicity. There are even remnants of the original hand-painted friezes. Yes I know that the purists among you will say that it’s cheating when the new build is substantially larger than the conversion but I love how the tiny chapel has not been tampered with in an attempt to squeeze more in. Located in Yandoit in country Victoria, it is a short drive from the spa town of Daylesford. And, dear readers, it’s for sale. I wish I had the just under $1 million needed to purchase it and a reason to move to so far away. Link here while it lasts.