It’s been in the family for years. It was their grandfather’s house. Now with the help of architect Manuel Aires Mateus, João and Andreia Rodrigues have created a simple and stylish get away in Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo, Portugal. Casa no Tempo, minimalism meets rural idyll. Rolling fields, wildflowers, cork grove, horses, pool. I can see the perfect weekend far from the madding crowd. If only I could runaway.

Sometimes you just want to curl up. Sometimes you want to escape to a quiet space. Sometimes you need inspiration. Sometimes you find it… in an image, in a portfolio, in a day dream. From the portfolio of photographer Lucas Allen.

Additions to an historic Fitzroy, Melbourne home don’t scream “look at me, look at me'” Instead they are subtle, elegant, restrained. With references to the industrial past of this inner city suburb the open plan living spaces are flexible and fabulous. By Carr Design Group.

Will you excuse me if I start back to front today? I’ll work my way from the outside in. Amazing outdoor entertaining spaces in this Canterbury, Melbourne home by Neil Architecture. Stylish, mod/traditional home too. Join me for a hit of tennis, perhaps a dip in the pool or just kick back in the cabana? Yes please.

Returning from Brazil in the late 19th century Portuguese migrants brought not only new wealth but architectural influences from their adopted country. Who would have known that a chi chi alpine chalet design would have been popular in Brazil at the time? Fast forward to the 21st century and the”Chalé das Três Esquinas” (Three Cusps Chalet) in Braga, Portugal was in desperate need of repair. Tiago do Vale Arquitectos have breathed new life into the crumbling building with a lightness, a transparency that is defined by the sinuous original staircase that rises through the newly opened spaces. A modern work and live space in a reborn historic building.