Displaying posts labeled "Hotel"

My previous post was of the cabin at Settle. Now time to introduce the restored train carriages. Perfect for a calm, rustic, back to basics getaway. We rescued three retired railway goods carriages, sympathetically restoring them to offer luxurious lakeside retreats. Each offers two sleepyheads a lounging area by a wood fire, a well-stocked kitchen, a cosy bathroom, and a decking terrace, with a fire pit, overlooking a scenic lake.

This is everything a cabin getaway should be. So cozy and relaxing! SETTLE is home to three beautifully restored vintage railway carriages, a handcrafted lakeside cabin and luxury canvas camping, blissfully set in our private Norfolk parkland. The Cabin. Perfect for slow living, our bespoke lakeside cabin is a truly luxurious stay… This handcrafted space was meticulously designed and built by us, combining settle’s signature palette of earthy textures and heritage materials with sleek contemporary fittings and clean lines. Flanked by mature trees and an abundance of native wildlife, this dreamy cabin overlooks the largest of our idyllic waterlily lakes. Heritage timber – one of our most prized materials – clads all the cabin’s interior spaces, its authentic textures bringing the outside ever closer. Mid-century furnishings blend with Scandinavian influences to create a calm, restorative ambiance. For colder days, a large, contemporary wood-burning stove, along with salvaged cast iron radiators throughout the cabin, ensure toasty warmth.

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.

Just the thought of travelling again has me finding the most amazing hotels everywhere (or is that my algorithm?). How about LA’s Hotel Alsace by Home Studios? Mediterranean riffs with natural materials. Think terracotta hues, handmade tiles, rattan and wood, vintage pieces mixed with contemporary furniture. It’s on the bucket list.