Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

Take me away to an historic family home. Fill it full of cherished antiques, some Biedermeier, some Jugendstil with a mix of modern and some rustic stone. Surround it with working vineyards and place it on the slopes of the South Tyrol in Italy and quite frankly I’d be in heaven. For when your hotel needs that personal touch, like staying with family friends… the Ottmanngut.

Like the greenest of green ponds in the jungle sits this gorgeous pool and its pavilions. Busca Vida House by Brazilian architect André Luque sits lightly in the existing vegetation with clearly defined private and public areas contained within two white boxes whose glass walls open to allow for cross ventilation and to let in the natural light. A beautiful home, a clever design solution, stunning surrounds and a seriously sexy pool.

Yes, I do appear to be all over Brazilian designers these days. Atria is the architecture and design firm of Gustavo Costa and Gabriella Müller. I am smitten with their sleek, modern designs that have a playful sensibility.

A big thanks to Pia for tipping us off to South African interior designer Sumari Krige of La Grange Interiors (Pia had been to one of their showrooms). This home designed by Sumari is a stunning example of coastal holiday living. Cozy, beachy and neutral with bits of blue and green – a perfect backdrop to the outdoors.

I was fortunate to be able to escape the dreary winter weather for a bit, but for those who aren’t so fortunate, I’ve got a virtual vacation for you. This is CasasNaAreia, a magical holiday rental located in Alentejo, Portugal via Welcome Beyond. CasasNaAreia is a gorgeous retreat taking old masonry buildings and turning them into new, contemporary structures. The property with 4 double bedrooms is about the experience of living almost in an extension of the natural environment, especially when in the kitchen/dining area – which is laid out with a carpet of fine sand. Surrounded by rice paddies and umbrella pine forest, CasasNaAreia looks out onto the Sado estuary famous for its stunning sunsets, salt pans, flamingos and flocks of dolphins.

Welcome Beyond – Luxury vacation rentals